CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 23, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- After a few years of refining its concept, Caribiana, Inc., a Massachusetts parent company has initiated the expansion of its successful Caribbean-themed restaurant, Rhythm & Spice. This concept offers a total Caribbean cultural experience combining tantalizing Caribbean-style food, rhythmic music and authentic decor. It has been a big success in the Boston area.
In making the announcement, Robert Jones, President and CEO, stated: "The company seeks to capitalize on the emerging U.S. market for Caribbean restaurants, Caribbean music, and other Caribbean cultural products." The expansion includes the establishment of a chain of full-service restaurants in other areas of the United States and various foreign markets including Canada, the Caribbean, and Western Europe. Larry Lester, Development Director will lead the expansion of successive Rhythm & Spice restaurants. Mr. Lester has over 15 years' experience in the foodservice industry and most recently he was the CFO for the Boston-based Olive Group, a group of restaurants led by celebrity chef Todd English. There he was instrumental in its expansion from 2 to 7 locations.
The company has one "test market" 80-seat restaurant located in Cambridge, Massachusetts that has been in operation since 1994. The menu consists of moderately priced authentic Caribbean dishes as well as higher priced dishes with a Caribbean flair. A sampling of the menu includes jerk chicken, curried goat, roti (a thin, fluffy bread) and Caribbean shrimp. The restaurant's bar serves an extensive collection of tropical cocktails and is well known for its collection of fine Caribbean rums. Since opening, Rhythm & Spice has been heralded as an oasis of Caribbean culture and a true melting pot in the Boston area. The restaurant has been acclaimed with two "Best of Boston" awards by Boston Magazine and has received favorable reviews in the Zagat restaurant guide.
According to a 1999 National Restaurant Association (NRA) study, Caribbean cuisine achieved the fastest growth in consumer trial of all ethnic cuisines since 1994. Caribbean cuisine led with 33% growth, Japanese (Sushi) 23%, Middle Eastern 19%, and Thai 18%. "Our company's unique concept is positioned to take advantage of this lucrative market opportunity," according to Jones. Caribiana plans to open substantially larger restaurants starting in 2001. Subsequent restaurants will have 200 seats and separate areas for simultaneous entertainment (300-person capacity). In addition, the layouts of these restaurants will have the capability to be facile and accommodate up to 600 persons for private functions as well as for concert staging of internationally known artists.
The attraction to the Caribbean restaurant market is evidenced by the success of other Caribbean-themed restaurant concepts such as Bahama Breeze, Naked Fish Wood Fired Grill and Bridgetown Grill. However, none of these concepts provide what Rhythm & Spice offers -- a totally authentic Caribbean experience.
Rhythm & Spice was founded by Robert D. Jones and Scott Hilton-Clarke, two Harvard Business School graduates of Caribbean descent. Initial investors include Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and financial backer of Bob Marley's rise to reggae superstardom. Caribiana is a privately held company. For more information, call 617-497-0977 or visit www.rspice.com.
-0-
CONTACT: Rhythm & Spice
Larry Lester
(617) 497-0977
The Williams Agency
Nicola Williams
(617) 661-0457
e-mail: twagy@aol.com