Since the start of this business what has the experience been like for you?
Well we’ve grown tremendously over the last few
months; we are a year old now, but it wasn’t until
July 2013 we revamped and created a strong team
that focuses on different areas of the business,
through marketing and branding which myself and
Brand Manager Dwayne Harris is responsible
for, Operations and General Management which
is covered by Mr O. Blagrove and Mr K. Francis
respectively, Customer service, headed by Ms. Tisha
Hall and Research and Development handled by Mr.
J. Francis. With all these areas working together
through sleepless nights, many arguments, some successes, some failures but through constant trial and
error and learning from our mistakes, we were able
to position A-Bar into the restaurant it is today and
the restaurant we intend it to be in the future, and
speaking for myself and my team, so far the experience and the business is going great.
in quality for service and entertainment. We are also
focussed on birthing a credible Bar and Catering service for weddings, birthdays and corporate
functions which is something our customers can look
out for. Long term however, we have our eyes set on
expanding to different locations in Jamaica.
Is this the only business venture you are involved
in?
Well for now. But our parent company AOAM limited, which means Assets Of American Management,
is looking into other business ventures, and as soon
as this happens Yaad Roc readers will be the first to
know *wink*.
Why should persons visit A-Bar rather than every
other lounge in Kingston?
The difference is experience; this is what we try to
provide for our clients when they compare us to our
competitors. As our tag line says, ‘A-Bar is more
than just A bar’, our staff is more friendly, managers
are more visible and accessible, the food is good and
the drinks are amazing thanks to our award winning
bartenders. When you come here you become a part
of A-Bar and like I always say ‘you come here as a
customer but you leave here as family’... that’s the
A-Bar way!
What have you learnt?
One of the major lessons I’ve learnt is that anything
that can go wrong will go wrong, but as long as you
have a plan and a plan for the plan then you will be
fine. I also learnt that we have to study and know
our customers, what they don’t like, what they like
and build on that. We listen to our customers, every
word they say and we try to deliver, we might not always get it right but our customers can rest assured
we are always trying to get it right.
Do you have any advice for other budding entrepreneurs?
My advice is very cliché but very true, and that is
whatever you do be passionate about it. Without that
passion, on a bad day you will eventually give up, it
is that passion that keeps you going even when you
don’t want to go. In order to be successful don’t do
all that you can, but do all that is necessary.
Do you have any final words?
Yes!! Come to Abar. You won’t regret it. Also if you
want to know more you can follow us on twitter @
ABar_Lounge, on Facebook AbarSportingLounge
and Instagram @abarrestaurantandlounge
On average how many people visit in a week?
We average about 3,000 patrons monthly and so far
January 2014 has maintained that average.
What is your vision for the future?
Right now we are focussed on building the A-Bar
brand to become a force to be reckoned with in our
industry, and be recognised as one of Jamaica’s best
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