As Burger King officially opened the doors to its 15th branch in T&T yesterday, general manager Ryan Lewis revealed ambitious plans for expansion locally, with five more outlets, including one in Tobago, by year's end.Lewis spoke with the T&T Guardian at the formal opening of Burger King's newest branch at Southern Main Road, Marabella. He said the plan is to "open 20 branches by 2015," especially in east Trinidad."We are not in Arima as yet. We are looking at spots in Arima. We are looking at spots in Trincity, mainly in the east right now–Arima, Trincity, Sangre Grande–and we want to expand some more down south., he said.
The new branch opening coincides with Burger King's tenth anniversary in T&T and Kiss Baking Company Limited donated a special burger shaped cake to mark the occasion.Lewis admitted that crime is a problem in Trinidad but said the company has put measures in place to ensure staff and customer security.Lewis said Marabella was selected because of the success the franchise has been having in south Trinidad."The southland is very big for us as all of our stores have done well in the south. We have done well with our new crispy chicken and Marabella will be the best one (branch.)"It is close to our Gasparillo store which is doing so well. We also saw the opportunity here to do a drive thru, it is the only one in Marabella," Lewis said.
He said in response to demand from Burger King lovers in Tobago the company has decided to construct a branch there also. He said sites had been earmarked and construction would be completed at the end of 2014.Marabella West councillor Laverne Allison Smith, who delivered remarks on behalf of San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein, welcomed the new branch.Smith said she was pleased that Burger King provided healthy options, such as salads.Marlon Newallo, senior manager, marketing, Coca Cola (Caribbean Bottlers Limited) extended greetings and pledged continued support to the chain.