If you doubted the super star or celebrity status of Usain Bolt, then all doubts would have been removed if you attended the opening of the first franchise of his branded Tracks and Records, in Ocho Rios, St Ann.The opening last Thursday evening, September 15, was scheduled for a 6 p.m. start but the early guests found that by 5:45 the place was full. By 6:30 to get around inside the two floor building you had to squeeze into people.Waiters and waitresses did the rounds, first with cocktails, specially offering the nine-point-five-eight (9.58) rum punch. Drinks flowed freely and with more of it, the decibel level of the conversations rose. Then there was finger food, lots of it with fritters, shrimp, chicken and pork done in a truly delectable way and presented with star quality.
Outside the restaurant and sports bar, on the street at Pineapple, Ocho Rios, dozens more came just to get a look at people arriving for a big event and to dip into the sense of the excitement in their area.
Inside, there were many comments about the chic décor, the vinyl on the wall at the entrance, the bold colours and the larger-than-life images of Bold in action, some of them so realistic the sweat bubbled from pores. One observation being made then, too, was how so few people from Ocho Rios and St Ann generally, were in the party compared to the massive from Montego Bay and Kingston. Among those in attendance were: mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Desmond Gilmore; St Ann Chamber president, Pixley Irons; Ransford Davidson, Denneisha Blair, Farrah Blke, Ravi Chatani, Gobin Chatani, Michelle Bingham Williams, Belinda Nash, Franklin McKnight, Sanju and Krisha Chatani, Shelia Mitchell McGhee, mother of Marsha Jahmnani, franchise holder, Derrick McGhee, Chandra Kumar, father of Joshua Jahmnani, franchise holder; Bobby Chandiram, Jai Lalwani, Manju Dadlani, Karen Stephenson, Vija Sujanani and Ricardo Henry.
The chatter was picking up even drowning out the music by Bingy. Then, a little after seven, the “big man” came, his arrival announced by cheers and screams and a press toward the entrance. He was cool, sipping something and entering to a parting of the crowd, with security ahead and behind. Then came more shrieks as he walked around the bar, with dozens of hands stretched toward him and lights of cameras and phones flashing, to get lifetime images.
The small, roped off reserved space was inundated by fans seeking to get a picture beside the star. They very nearly mobbed him but Bolt, sitting across from surreal pictures and realistic images of himself in stride, was most accommodating.
Then came the serious part with introductions by Gary Matalon, CEO of the KLE group, who set up the first store in Kingston and who said they were looking now to franchises all over the world. In that regard he welcomed “potential” franchisees from the US and UK. He said, “This far surpasses any other moment in my career as far as gratification is concerned.” He praised Joshua and Marsha Jahmnani for “their foresight and their business sense that made them compete for the first franchise to Tracks and Record and win.”
Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett recognized it was not the night for long speeches and mentioned some of the thrusts of his ministry regarding food, sport and music. He said the night represented the fusion of food sport and music.
Baby Grange also made no attempt to eclipse the triple three world beater, saying the government was committed to working with all those who want to see Jamaica prosper.
The franchisee, Marsha Jahmnani gave a well received speech, pointing out in particular that there was more training of the staff coming. She said that in the two and a half weeks since the restaurant opened there had been tremendous support from tourists and locals.
“I am truly truly humbled,” she said and repeated that sentiments in her comments. She said she and her business partners knew what Ocho Rios wanted and believed Tracks and Records is a good fit. She said Tracks and Records “is not just a brand, it’s an experience”. She said they were already working with the largest destination marketing companies (DMCs) that worked in Ocho Rios, Falmouth and Montego Bay. She said there was enough business to sustain Tracks and Records.Her husband and business partner, Joshua gracefully endorsed her comments.And then, the big man got up, got cheers for just taking the mike and bigger cheers after his brief comments. He said he had always wanted to own a restaurant and was proud of the venture. He welcomed the franchisees to “the family” and said he did not expect such a reception.“I take great pride in being an ambassador for my country and also the sport of track and field and I am very happy to be home where I can continue doing some positive work,” he added.Then, against it was back to those trying to get a picture close to the dapper man. And the party roared on.
