It was only by chance that Edwin Lowe combined his lifelong business interests with his desire to serve people and open In Dee Goes Sports Bar, which is now the coolest bar in all of St Ann’s Bay – according to the sole proprietor.

Born and raised in St Ann’s Bay, Lowe started In Dee Goes Sports Bar 16 years ago after returning to the island from a work stint in Canada.

The charismatic 64-year-old has been in the gaming machine business for a long time, but decided to create a spot for himself, where he could not only introduce his first business idea – gaming machines – but also create the ideal hangout spot.

LONG TIME IN GAMING MACHINE BUSINESS

The space, originally a mini-mart, was converted and renamed by Lowe, making it larger than a typical bar. Tastefully decorated with a rustic exposed wood theme, this central bar has all the features of a sports-themed bar. Pool tables, gaming machines and a large television create the fun-filled atmosphere visitors know and love.

“When I decided I wanted to open a sports bar, I decided to go for it and put my machines here.

“I have been in the gaming machine business for a long time, so I decided that I wanted to have a spot for myself, so I decided to take over this spot.”

Like many other bar operators on the island, Lowe finds that his best seller is the original Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum.

“Business has been pretty good. Wray & Nephew Rum is the best seller. They love the rum! No matter what else is introduced in the market, they always come back to the traditional Wray & Nephew,” he explained.

The secret to the success of In Dee Goes Sports Bar is in the experience Lowe has created for his customers.

“They have a very good experience when they come here. They have something to do, and our drinks are reasonably priced. They get good value for money.”

Like everyone else worldwide, In Dee Goes Sports Bar was affected by the pandemic, but, while others were taking a step back, Lowe planned for the return to normalcy.

“During COVID I did a little restructuring, I upgraded some of the machines and gave them something to do. People got bored when they stayed inside, so they were anxious to come out and have something to do.”

“They come here and play pool and there is a big television that they can watch.”

He says that, without In Dee Goes, nothing much happens in his hometown.

“Whenever we are closed there is nothing else to do really. It’s one of the bars that people always gravitate to, and they like it. The ambience is good, they get good service here. People look forward to coming here.”

GOLFER FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Apart from his family and his business interest, the married father of three daughters says that golf keeps him going.

“I play golf. I have been a golfer for over 40 years, that’s my passion,” he revealed.

Lowe is a recent recipient of the St Ann Parish Collection Limited Edition Rum from Wray & Nephew, and considers it an honour to be selected from among the many bars in one of Jamaica’s largest parishes.

“I feel honoured! For them to choose me from among so many bars, it’s truly an honour,” he stated.

Happy to be living in Jamaica, Lowe said he has no regrets about his decision to relocate from the cold climes of Canada back to his sunny, beautiful island home.

“I love the weather here. I was in Canada for eight years and this is where I came back. I came back to do business and I have no regrets. Jamaica is very nice.”