Fast food chains should branch out

AS THE LOCAL OWNERS of American franchise Subway gear up to open at month-end, one director says that it is time for local fast food chains to establish their brands in other parts of the Caribbean.Referring to indigenous fast-food establishments that attempted to block Government approval of Subway’s entry into the local market for several years, Frederick George told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY, “It is time for them to move to other islands. They cannot stay in this comfort zone. They have good products and I don’t see why they cannot have franchises in St Lucia, St Vincent. . . .”He said that 15 people were currently in training for the first Subway outlet at the new Lantern Mall in Hastings, Christ Church.“Eventually the market has to open up in Barbados and the consumers would demand that. [Local fast food companies] should be able to stand on their own two feet. They cannot be protected by Government all the time,” George said.He said it cost about $0.5 million to build a branch and the second outlet would not be opened before January 2011, possibly in Warrens, St Michael, in St Philip or The City.The local franchise holder pointed out that Subway’s philosophy was to outnumber its competitors. Hence, the franchise would eventually outnumber any one of the local fast food brands.“The prices are good. The food is filling and healthy. We have all the right elements,” he said. (SR)