With the opening yesterday of fast food chain Pollo Tropical, local franchise holder, Camex Restaurants wants the government to play a stronger role in the agricultural sector to help drive economic growth.
“The economy has slowed down and more targeted efforts are need to be made in the agro processing sector. Everybody talks about it but it requires the involvement of the government with a strong hand guiding with agro processing tax incentives. We have to do something to drive economic growth,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Camex Restaurants Inc. Terence Campbell said yesterday at the opening.
Pollo Tropical is a restaurant chain specialising in Caribbean fare. The chain has its headquarters in Kendall, Florida.
The CEO further said that the majority of the main ingredients of their meals will be sourced from the local market. “The majority of meat and seafood would come from the Guyanese market but currently we are importing the pork as we are looking for a reliable supplier who would be able to produce to our standards and quality,” he explained. He added that Pollo Tropical would be the first international chain that will be extensively connected to local farmers.
He said that Camex intends to develop stronger links with small farmers by working with them and empowering them to provide quality food. He pointed out that aspect was not an economic goal of the company but a social one. “It’s not only about healthy eating but will have a positive impact on our agriculture economy,” he stressed.
Starting next year, Campbell announced they would be embarking on a programme to empower about 60 sixty farmers. “Camex is going to develop stronger links within the agriculture community,” he said not wanting to divulge too many details of the programme.
Located in the seven-storey building on the corner of Camp and Robb streets and with an investment of over US$1M, Pollo Tropical hopes to attract persons who want healthy food to go.
Meats and seafood are cooked by grilling without any use of batters or shortening and served with a choice of signature sauces and sides.
According to Campbell, the decision to bring the Miami headquartered fast food outlet was made after realizing that there is a market for a different variety of chicken.
He added that not every day a person can indulge in fried foods but with Pollo Tropical they can as it is a healthy choice for any lifestyle.
Camex also holds the franchises for Church’s Chicken, Mario’s Pizza and Quiznos among others.
“Pollo is another step of evolution of that process of innovation. We want to take the market away. Everybody is going crazy for fried chicken. We want to move and change the dynamics. People are thinking of healthier choices and we have a number of flavours that suit the Guyanese appetite,” Campbell said.
Campbell told Stabroek News that within a few days they would be introducing ribs and seafood to the menu. Currently on the menu are chicken and pork with a variety of rice, vegetables, ground provisions, salads and soups.
Pollo Tropical would be opening another franchise location at the Giftland Mall before the end of the year. The location was scheduled to be opened early this week but the company had some delays and is working to open up before the end of the week, its CEO said. Employees of both locations total a little more than 50 persons.
