Prime Minister Holness celebrates KFC’s 42nd location in Jamaica

Following the marching band procession, directors and government partners join for the official ribbon cutting of KFC’s newest restaurant in Black River. From left: Marketing Director of Restaurants of Jamaica, Tina Myers Matalon; Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, The Hon. Floyd Green; Managing Director of Restaurants of Jamaica, Mark Myers; Prime Minister The Most Honourable Dr Andrew Holness; and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sen. The Hon. Aubyn Hill

“KFC has grown from one location on Old Hope Road into a company employing 3,000 Jamaicans, 500 of whom have served over a decade. That speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to its people,” shared Prime Minister The Most Honourable Dr Andrew Holness at the grand opening of KFC’s newest restaurant in Black River, St. Elizabeth.

Hosted on Saturday, July 26, the event featured community members, government representatives, business partners, and company leadership to celebrate the restaurant’s role in supporting local development and expanding access to its services in the parish. 

Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Holness also emphasized the importance of the occasion, not just for Black River, but for Jamaica’s continued growth and investment in local communities.

“Today, we’re reaffirming the power of investment, community, and belief in our towns. I was about to say this is the 42nd KFC location in Jamaica, but the real achievement is this: it’s the first new KFC to open in their 50th anniversary year – and that’s a big deal.”

The new location, situated at 78A High Street in Black River, represents a JMD $355 million investment and has created 65 new jobs. According to Restaurants of Jamaica Ltd. Managing Director Mark Myers, it’s part of a broader national development strategy to foster growth across both urban and rural communities.

Prime Minister The Most Honourable Dr Andrew Holness shares a moment with the proud team members of KFC Black River, alongside Managing Director of Restaurants of Jamaica, Mark Myers, during the store’s grand opening celebrations.

“With this new location, we’ve invested JMD $355 million and created 65 brand-new jobs, real opportunities that we hope will uplift families and energize this vibrant town. For us at Restaurants of Jamaica, this is about building lasting relationships, supporting local economies, and becoming part of the rhythm and spirit of Black River.” 

Recognizing the restaurant’s potential to boost economic activity, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, The Hon. Floyd Green, joined the celebration to highlight its contribution to community development in St. Elizabeth.

As the programme drew to a close, the KFC Jamaica team invited the community to share in the celebration with a spirited marching band procession through the town centre – a lively display that reflected the pride and energy shared between residents and the brand.

Community members expressed their excitement, describing the event as a welcome addition to the town’s commercial landscape. Some even called it “a new sense of hope” for Black River.

“At KFC, we remain committed to job creation, commercial activation, and sustainable growth in both rural and urban communities. We’ve done so for 50 years, and we look forward to doing so for another 50,” affirmed Myers.