The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

WENDY’S Bahamas has completed construction of its new $2m flagship restaurant on Pioneer’s Way, adding significant commercial value to the downtown area of Freeport.

Randy Sands, vice-president of operations, said the relocation of the restaurant from its rental space on East Mall Drive to its own building was a decision made based on suggestions from its customers.

The new modern store has more spacious parking and a separate drive-through service entrance – something that was lacking at the old location. The 4,300 sq ft restaurant can accommodate 120 diners, almost double the capacity at East Mall Drive.

The restaurant also features a new Wendy’s Caf�, the official distributor of desserts by The Cheesecake Factory and Lavazza Italian Specialty Coffees. Ten additional staff also have been hired.

Aetos Holdings Ltd, the operator of Wendy’s Bahamas, plans a grand opening for the new restaurant next month. However, this weekend it opened without fanfare to customers. Yolanda Pawar-Bain, Marketing Manager, said the restaurant in Freeport was the first Wendy’s franchise to open in the Bahamas in 1983. “This is now the flagship store and now we’ve got it in line as the most modern store – so the oldest store is now the most modern,” she said.

Chris Tsavoussis, the Freeport franchise owner and operator, added: “The support Wendy’s has in Grand Bahama is amazing and we are confident that this new location will be the solution to the concerns of customers. The absolute best in quality was put into this flagship restaurant from the building, to the food, to all the services provided because quality is our recipe, and our customers deserve the very best.”

Mr Sands said they wanted to provide a top quality dining experience for their customers in Grand Bahama. “Our new flagship store is a world class demonstration of contemporary style and ergonomic design working hand in hand, with every aspect reflecting the consideration given to our customer’s needs and ultimate enjoyment. We’ve spared no expense to deliver a step-above dining experience for our Grand Bahama customers, and we look forward to maintaining our reputation as the QSR (quick service restaurant) leader in this community for many more years to come,” he said.

According to the company, independent QSR surveys conducted at all 11 Wendy’s Bahamas restaurants show that the eateries in the Bahamas are some of the best in the franchise worldwide.