In a show of confidence in the resurgence of the local business sector, Gara Restaurants Limited – which acquired the Wendy’s brand from Wisynco Foods Limited in November, 2019 – has opened its first drive-thru restaurant in Kingston at Waterloo Square, 12 West Kings House Road.
In keeping with Gara Restaurants’ promise to grow the brand island wide, Michelle Myers Mayne, Director of Gara, said: “Plans for the opening of the new Wendy’s drive-thru at Waterloo Square has been in train for the past six months and although a number of activities in the economy came to a halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we remained committed to opening at this time.“
With a spend of nearly $130 million to design and equip the latest Wendy’s restaurant, Gara Restaurants’ expansion plan is well on target. Wendy’s at Waterloo Square will employ over 30 Jamaicans, bringing the total Gara team to approximately 200 island wide, all of whom who have remained employed during these challenging times.
Currently there are seven Wendy’s locations operated by Gara Restaurants in Kingston, St. Catherine and St. James. Wendy’s Waterloo Square is the third drive-thru restaurant, joining Bogue, Montego Bay and Braeton, Portmore.
“As part of the strategic growth plan over the next five years, Gara Restaurants intends to increase Wendy’s market share in the Jamaican quick service industry by improving restaurant operations, driving efficiencies, implementing strategic marketing efforts and expanding to make the brand more accessible island wide,” said Mrs. Myers Mayne.
“We at Gara are confident that we must do what we can to move forward even in challenging times. By working together, Jamaica’s economy can bounce back stronger than before,” she continued.
Wendy’s was founded in the US in 1969 on the premise that “Quality is Our Recipe”, which remains the guidepost of the brand, best known for its square, made-to-order hamburgers and other signature items such as chicken sandwiches, freshly prepared salads, chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty dessert.
