A distinct type of Guyanese cuisine is about to hit the restaurant scene in Trinidad and Tobago.
Guyana’s German’s Restaurant, famous for decades for its soups, is taking its brand international and will shortly open its first overseas location in St James, T&T.
St James is likened to New York City for its lively nightlife and culinary offerings. Having put its planned US branch on hold, German’s will concentrate on its Caribbean expansion for the moment.
Managing Director of German’s Clinton Urling explained that the decision to open in St James was because the area is heavily populated and the consumer traffic is good. It is estimated that around 70% to 80% of motorists in T&T pass through the area, which boasts popular establishments like Courts Furniture Store and Scotia Bank.
“This is just the first international branch,” Urling said, as the establishment plans to open in other Caribbean islands.
Urling was able to acquire the building that formerly housed the popular Joe’s Pizza House in the 70s and 80s in St James and will be demolishing the structure this week to begin construction.
He did not disclose the size of the investment, but did confirm that it was huge and was being funded by Republic Bank, T&T.
All efforts are being made to open for December to take advantage of the Christmas season, he said.
Asked about the shelving of the planned NY outlet, Urling cited the logistical considerations of getting visas and permits and the high cost of rent as major factors influencing his decision. He said he chose instead to pay a mortgage in T&T and be able to own the building afterwards. “We just put it on the back burner for now,” he said, of his plans for a US outlet.
He is confident about the success of the new overseas location, since according to him once you have a good product, “people will come.” The prices Stabroek News was told will be similar to the local prices, where soups are sold for under $1000. Although the cuisine will be mainly German’s hit soups, some traditional Guyanese cooking will be offered.
Urling said that since Guyanese and T&T cooking styles and tastes are similar, he expects a good response from the Trinis.
The staff will be fewer in the St James location, with around 15-20 workers, compares to the 30 in the local New Market Street restaurant.
The décor for the T&T branch, is expected to be fast casual, with warm colours and lots of wood.
There will be a “flexible approach to [the] expansion,” Urling said, adding that other Caribbean branches may not have the same look, since they will endeavour to give each location its own upscale appeal.
