OCHO RIOS, Jamaica, Thursday September 22, 2016 – Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records (UBTR) sports-entertainment themed restaurant has opened in the resort town of Ocho Rios.
And Bolt is already eyeing other destinations in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
The Ocho Rios establishment, UBTR’s first franchise location, will cater especially to tourists who seek the full experience of Jamaican culture — sports, music, vibes and authentic cuisine. Run by the husband and wife team of Joshua and Marsha Jhamnani, the restaurant mimics the UBTR that KLE Group owns and operates in Kingston.
Bolt, who partners with Jamaican company KLE Group on the restaurant, recently brought more attention to Jamaica by being the first man to win in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m finals in three consecutive Olympics.
“Wherever I go people know who I am and tell me how much they love Jamaica. They talk about how much they love the food, our music and everything that makes up Jamaica,” said Bolt. “I think of this as taking my home and everything I love about home to the world.”
The track star said he was excited about expanding the franchise to other destinations globally.
“My partners and I are now speaking to prospects in the USA, the United Kingdom and the Middle East and of course are excited about recruiting franchisees from other parts of the world as well,” he disclosed.
And Gary Matalon, CEO of the KLE Group, said there was a big demand for the franchise, given recent trends.
“We see where globally there is greater demand for ethnic foods and entertainment experiences that incorporate music, great and different foods and a cultural experience.”
“Brand Jamaica is a huge buy at this time and will be for years to come.”
The national brand has claimed notoriety in the past 30 years through reggae legend Bob Marley, reggae and dancehall music, which has also now been incorporated into rap, hip-hop and other genres, and, of course, exceptional performances by Jamaica’s sportsmen and sportswomen.
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