Jobs safe

Burger King workers assured no layoffs after Williams Industries gives up franchise licence

By Marlon Madden

Employees of Burger King are being assured their jobs are safe, despite the co-owner of Restaurant Associates Barbados Limited, Williams Industries, giving up the franchise licence for the fast-food outlet.

Restaurant Associates Limited (RAL) has taken over full ownership of the restaurants here after reaching a deal with Williams Industries Inc., according to a press release. RAL is also the franchisee of the Burger King, Popeyes, Little Caesars Pizza and Krispy Kreme chain of restaurants in Jamaica, Trinidad.

Chairman of Williams Industries Inc, The Right Honourable Ralph Bizzy Williams, gave the assurance that the jobs of Burger King employees will not be affected and that the operations would continue as normal with just one minor change.

“There will be a slight change to the reporting structure, as the Barbados Burger King team will now report directly to RAL’s Board of Directors and head office in Jamaica,” he explained.

“Other than that, the operations will remain the same and continue as normal. Most importantly, the present management and staff complement of 160 persons in Barbados will not be disrupted. There will be no job losses.”

The first Burger King restaurant opened in Barbados ten years ago and the network has expanded with seven locations across the island.

RAL Group Chairman Richard Lake said that his company’s 39 years of expertise as one of the leading restaurant management establishments in the Caribbean, coupled with its co-ownership of Restaurant Associates Barbados Ltd from inception, augurs well for a seamless transition.

“Our commitment to developing people and achieving measurable results will continue to be a driving force as we take Burger King forward,” said Lake.

RAL, a family-business built on a foundation of quality, innovation and integrity, currently represents international and local quick service brands across more than 95 locations in Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados.
(PR/BT)