The newest Popeyes outlet, which officials said is probably the most comfortable and modern worldwide, is located at the corner of Vlissengen Road and Duncan Street, Georgetown, and cost some G$90M.

Mr. Tony Pavase, Popeyes President and Chief Operating Officer, told special invitees to a 'VIP party' at the outlet Wednesday night, ahead of today's official opening, that "this is one of the nicest restaurants we probably have in the world and it is second to none".

"This is also one of the new designs that we came up with probably about two years ago, and you will see it when you go in - it's very high-tech (and) there's a lot of new features...the menu board is very user friendly and very colourful and we really want folks to - when they come by or drive by - to go 'Wow!'," Pavase said.

According to him, this is really the 'Popeyes standard' worldwide.

"We just don't travel to the countries we do business in, we try to live in them. We work together with local suppliers, producers, manufacturers to source as much products as we can locally throughout the country to create jobs (and) right now we operate in over 25 countries and we plan to operate in over 40 countries in the next five years," he added.

CEREMONIAL OPENING: Ms. Padmini Harriram, cuts the ceremonial ribbon during the Popeyes VIP party on Wednesday night. Holding the ribbon are Mr. Robert Badal (left), Managing Director of El Dorado Restaurants Inc., and Mr. Tony Pavase, Popeyes President and Chief Operating Officer.


He said, too, that Popeyes is about "superiority and quality of products" and that "the flavour seekers are our customers".

"We're running first-class operations in the world, which (are) second to none," he posited.

Mr. Robert Badal, Managing Director of El Dorado Restaurants Incorporated, the local franchise holder of Popeyes, assured that the management team is very determined and committed to maintaining the high standards and exceptional quality which have been the trademark of Popeyes over the years.

Badal, on behalf of the entire management team, proudly announced that "what you see here is a product of tireless efforts, both in planning and implementing".

He admitted that "there were times during this project when we would just encounter complete dead ends, (and) it was at these times when I felt the pressure of what it takes to get things done in Guyana."

According to him, there were many unnecessary hindrances and times when he felt that everything stood in the way. However, after overcoming all the hurdles, Badal said "Popeyes has finally arrived" and his dream to bring this amazing product to Guyana is now realised.

"...this moment has brought great pleasure to me personally and to all those associated with the project," he declared.

Said Badal: "I can assure you that Guyanese will love the unique taste of our chicken and seafood. We deserve to be just as exposed as other countries are to variety and quality, a combination that Popeyes will certainly deliver...

"...this restaurant is being opened at a time when many feel that to make an investment in Guyana couldn't be more untimely, given the many social, political and economic problems confronting us today.

"(But) I believe the opposite, because our economy, now more than ever, needs our support and confidence," Badal stated.

He feels this is the only way forward, since the most important mandate on the national agenda must be the creation of an environment conducive to attracting investment for the creation of job opportunities.

"The creation of jobs is the only way to avert the sense of hopelessness and frustration among our youths and I urge my fellow businessmen to have equal confidence and I equally urge the Government to create an atmosphere that will encourage and support investors in all the various sectors," Badal appealed.

On the question of why he chose to invest in such a venture at this point in time, Badal stated: "For one thing, I believe in the theory that you must invest to earn and not just earn to invest. For another, I realise a strong noble responsibility to create jobs for those in need (and) I was personally touched by the many applications we received on this site by persons who only saw or heard that a fast food outlet was being set up here."

"There were so many in fact, that our security guard took enormous pleasure in conducting mini interviews of the young ladies who brought in applications, without authority of course," he told the laughing audience.

The Guyanese businessman also noted that Popeyes chicken and seafood is the second largest, but fastest growing quick service chicken concept in the world, in terms of sales.

"More than 30 years ago, a taste sensation that has been often imitated but never duplicated was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. What began with one small restaurant and one big idea turned into a craze that swept the U.S.A. and the world," he said while giving a brief background into the genesis and operations of Popeyes.

Badal said in 1972, Popeyes founder and New Orleans native, Al Copeland, who developed the exciting spicy flavours of Cajun foods, opened his first restaurant as `Popeyes' after the Popeye Doyle character in the movie 'The French Connection'.

With his new Popeyes concept, Badal said Copeland made his mark on the world.

"He founded his success through fried chicken, and not just any fried chicken, but the delicious New Orleans style chicken that has made Popeyes famous throughout the world.

"The rest, as they say is history," said Badal.

He recalled too, that in April 1976, Popeyes opened its first franchise restaurant in Louisiana and today has more than 1,800 restaurants in more than 20 countries including the U.S.A., Canada, the United Kingdom, Korea, Japan, Germany, Jamaica, Panama, Mexico, Honduras and Suriname.

In 1987, Popeyes introduced Cajun Popcorn Shrimp and in a nationwide taste test in the U.S.A, Popeyes, beat out Church's Chicken and KFC, he boasted.

"The Popeyes menu consists of New Orleans style spicy and mild chicken, which is non greasy, complemented by buttermilk biscuits and side orders that will certainly appeal to the Guyanese public," Badal asserted.

According to him, there are also signature side items such as Popeyes award winning red beans and rice, Cajun rice, as well as mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy and coleslaw. The seafood line consists of shrimp and fish presented in exquisite style.

"The Cajun flavours of Popeyes chicken and seafoods will certainly delight the tastebuds of all Guyanese with a flavour that's just like our people - spicy, bold, distinct and very unique...

"...we are pleased to offer a menu that will consist of better tasting, healthy chicken and seafoods and are proud to have the opportunity to introduce to Guyanese a better choice from a diverse menu filled with exciting dishes," Badal added. - (MARK RAMOTAR)