Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), commemorating its 50th year of operating the flagship KFC brand in Jamaica, opened its newest restaurant location in Black River, St Elizabeth, last Saturday (June 21).

The location represents an investment of J$355 million as well as the creation of 65 new jobs, marking another significant milestone in the brand’s strategic rural expansion plan.

The move into the southwestern town highlights the quick service food giant’s sustained commitment to enhancing accessibility, driving community development, and supporting local economic growth.

“Black River has long been on our radar, and we’re proud to finally open our doors here and begin serving the community,” shared ROJ’s marketing manager Andrei Roper.

“This major investment goes beyond expanding our footprint, it benefits our broader vision for inclusive national growth and brings meaningful opportunities to the community. For us, every new location strengthens our role in nation-building, and we hope to continue to grow in ways that uplift the people and places that have supported KFC for generations.”

Located on High Street, the new restaurant now creates fresh opportunities for residents and injects renewed vitality into the local economy.

“While a bigger celebration of this new location is planned in the coming weeks, today is about building momentum with the community and our team members,” Roper said. “We’re thankful for the extremely warm welcome that we have received and we are committed to serving up that unmistakable finger lickin’ goodness right here in St. Elizabeth.”

The restaurant opening drew a spirited turnout, with eager community members gathering to witness what many hailed as a long-anticipated addition to the town’s commercial centre.

“I’ve lived in Black River all my life, and having a KFC here now feels truly significant for our community,” said Romain Bailey, 35. “Black River has such rich history , we were the first town in Jamaica to receive electricity back in 1893, yet for years, we haven’t had many new developments. This restaurant brings more than just food, it brings renewed energy, jobs, and a reason for people to gather and engage again.”

The excitement was echoed by others who shared in the pride and emotion of the day’s milestone.

“I am so happy this morning that KFC is now in Black River!” shared Chamelia Clarke, who proudly became the first customer at the new location. “We’ve been hoping for this for years, and now that it’s here, it truly marks a turning point for the town. It’s a moment we’ll remember for a long time, and we’re genuinely grateful.”

The Black River opening brings KFC Jamaica’s footprint to 42 locations across 12 of Jamaica’s 14 parishes in both urban centres and rural communities. KFC’s much-anticipated Morant Bay location in St Thomas is also slated to open in a few months.

“With Black River officially on the map, KFC’s journey continues, fueled by bold investment, big ambition, and the insatiable appetite of the people we serve,” affirmed Roper.