Last Updated on Friday, 12 September 2014, 11:51 by GxMedia
At least 44 jobs have been created with the opening of a new branch of the American fast-food chain, Popeyes, closer to the heart of the city.Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh said that number of jobs does not include those created indirectly as a result of the opening of the GUY$700 million restaurant. “This investment creating over 40 jobs represents in my mind yet another manifestation of investor confidence being alive and well in Guyana, notwithstanding the impression that one may get sometimes if one were to believe everything they heard if they read some sections of the news,” Minster Singh was quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency (GINA).
The new Popeyes branch is located on Camp Street, Georgetown where Plaza Cinema was for decades until pirated television and cheap videos took its toll on all cinemas due to unregulated copyright.
Guyana Restaurants Inc; the holder of the Popeyes’ franchise, currently employs 75 persons and plans to create an additional 50 jobs when it opens another branch in October on Water and America Streets.
“We acquired the first Popeyes on Vlissengen Road in August 2010 and because of good business and the continuous economic growth in Guyana, we have decided to expand to a second location,” said Chairman of the company, Lalbahadur Singh.
The Finance Minister noted that recently Guyana Goldfields generated 700 jobs and 5,000 persons would be employed by Qualfon at its new call centre being built on the East Bank Demerara.
The franchise holder’s Chairman added that in addition to employment, various suppliers will have the opportunity to provide food items to the restaurant, since all ingredients with the exception of spices are purchased locally.
Popeyes Latin America Consultant, Luis Villasana was also present at the event.