The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

GRAYCLIFF is “finalising the details” to expand its airport lounge concepts to six more locations within the US and the Caribbean this year, a senior executive has told Tribune Business.

Paolo Garzaroli, president of the Graycliff Cigar Company, said the Bahamas-based firm was looking forward to positive growth internationally.

“Our boutique operations are going well,” he said. “We are in the process of our expansion. Everything is coming together nicely. We’re looking forward to positive growth internationally.

“Right now we have four lounges, but we shall have another six very shortly, so it will be a total of 10. We’re just finalising details now, and as soon as that finishes we should be good to go. The lounges will be in the US and Bermuda. This gives us more exposure, and you’re always looking for as much exposure as you can.”

Graycliff currently has boutiques and divans at Nashville International Airport; Cincinnati; and the Lynden Pindling International. While not able to put an exact figure on the total investment in the airport lounges, Mr Garzaroli noted that it was significant and that each lounge would employ between eight to 10 people.

He added said that the company’s chocolatier boutique and factory, which opened last year, was also gaining momentum.

“The chocolate factory business is gaining momentum as we speak. We do a tour with Disney Cruise Line and it’s going quite well. They have just put it online, so it’s a bit slow, but we are starting to see more traffic. Right now we have 14 new jobs at the chocolate factory,” said Mr Garzaroli.

He added that plans for the company’s $25 million Heritage Village project were still moving forward. “The Heritage Village plans are moving slowly. We are waiting on some funding on that end, but I’m optimistic,” said Mr Garzaroli.