The Tribune

KFC NASSAU, the first quick-service restaurant in the Bahamas, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The company is trumpeting its achievement of five decades of growth and success - it currently operates eight locations in New Providence at Golden Gates, Mackey Street, Saunders Beach, South Beach, Robinson Road, Oakes Field, Prince Charles Drive and Marathon Road - and employs more than 350 Bahamians.

The first KFC store in The Bahamas opened in 1967 on Mackey Street, close to its current location. The brand grew over the next 20 years before the Myers Group of Companies purchased the franchise in 1985. Under the leadership of George Myers, the veteran hotelier and businessman, the company has expanded the KFC brand in Nassau, covering some of the most highly trafficked areas of the city. Over the years, it has had stores in downtown, East Bay Shopping Centre, Charlotte Street, Village Road and Harbour Bay.

“We are thrilled that KFC has been a staple on the dinner tables of Bahamian families for 50 years”, said Mr Myers, president, Restaurants (Bahamas) Ltd.

“Bahamians have grown up enjoying the great taste of KFC, and credit for the longevity of our brand goes to our customers and to our staff, some of whom have been with us for as long as 48 years. We’re thankful for each and every person that walks through our doors, and we can’t wait to see what the next 50 years will bring.”

Mr Myers, who came to The Bahamas in 1963 to work at the Nassau Beach Hotel, played a significant role in the growth of Paradise Island as executive vice president and COO of Resorts International (Bahamas) Ltd.

“The key resource of a well-run business remains its people,” he said. Being hands-on doesn’t mean you try to accomplish everything yourself.”

Restaurant Bahamas Ltd can point to having 24 employees who have served the company for over 24 years, including Edith Stuart, who joined in 1969. Joseph Sturrup and Essamae Markland have been with the company for more than 40 years while Sandra Miller, Rosemary Rahming and Gregory Morley have served for over 35 years.

KFC’s focus on quality prepared chicken and maintenance of standards is manifested though its Chicken Championship Competition, the 2017 winner of which is Donna Green. Alexious Coakley was second with Quetelle Deveaux and Michael Thompson as runners-up.

KFC Nassau says it will be celebrating its golden jubilee throughout 2017 with innovative food specials, and offers and deals for its customers, as well as heavy involvement in community events, most notably its sponsorship of the IAAF World Relays this weekend. KFC Nassau is part of the Yum! global group of brands and is operated by Restaurants (Bahamas) Ltd.