THE ‘704 Food and Entertainment Complex’, one of the latest, modern, fast food eating houses, at Lot 1 Lamaha and Albert Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown, officially opened up its doors on Wednesday evening when  invitees were given a rare treat.
Among those special invitees at the opening were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali and Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman.

The opening of the spanking new US$3M edifice, which houses three international franchises under one roof, serves as  further testimony to the confidence exhibited by both foreign and local private sector investors in Guyana’s investment climate and the willingness to contribute to the country’s economic development.
President of the enterprise, local businessman, Mr. Alfro Alphonso of Alfro Alphonso & Sons Enterprises, of Charity, Essequibo Coast, has opened the three top-of-the-line franchises, Dixie Lee Chicken and Sea Foods, Papa Pete’s  Pizzas and Miami Subs and Grill, all on the ground floor of the three-storeyed building.
Representatives of all  the franchises are currently in Guyana and have each expressed pride and satisfaction at being given the opportunity of investing here, while expressing confidence in the business climate.
Giving guests an outline of the products and services offered, with a focus on quality of international standards, the executives said they will be looking forward to the support of the Guyanese public as they continue to build on the services over the ensuing years.
Representing Canadian Papa Pete’s Pizzas at the opening was its President, Mr. Joe Murano; Dixie Lee Chicken and Sea Foods was represented by Mr. Noelle Murano (also Canadian) and Miami Subs and Grill, of the United States (U.S.) by Mr. Ambrose Whyms,  its Director of Operations and Training.
The brands, which will stand tall in competition, providing top- quality service of international standards are second to none, Guyanese were told  during the ceremony at which guests were given the opportunity to savour the flavours of the wide variety of dishes.

VERY IMPRESSED
Chief Executive Officer of the new enterprise, Mr. Aldron Alphonso, son of the company’s President, Mr. Alfro Alphonso, said the investors were all very impressed with systems put in place by the Government of Guyana to support investment here and applauded the administration for all the strategic changes which will serve to boost investments here and, ultimately, contribute to the economic development of the country.
The younger Alphonso said their motto is ‘Customer Satisfaction is our best asset’ and, therefore, in order to set and maintain the highest possible standards, the franchises have brought in staff from Canada, the U.S. and Venezuela, who have provided a period of training for those working at the business.
The staffers were trained in the areas of customer service, cooking and food preparation, among other things, with the motive to have them well prepared to deliver a consistently high standard of service.
Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Curt Taylor said that, apart from the fast food service, the business will also be offering a state-of-the-art sports bar and lounge of international standards to meet the needs of tourists.
The sports bar and lounge will occupy the first and second floors while the top floor will accommodate the 704 Sky Lounge.
Taylor said, though, that whilst the upper floors are intended to provide entertainment for adults, the lower is a family environment and, as such, strictly no alcoholic beverages will be served in that area.
“We cater for all ages and there will be fun for everybody,” he assured.
For the comfort of customers, in the fast food area, there is seating capacity for about 90 people and the service will be available from 09:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs daily.
In addition, for the safety of customers’ vehicles, two spacious and durable all-weather parking lots have been constructed on the eastern and western sides of Albert Street, between Lamaha Street and Woolford Avenue for their use free of charge, Taylor announced.
Meanwhile, Aldron Alphonso gave the assurance that the company is poised to make a significant contribution to job creation, with plans for further expansion and the employment of a workforce of some 300, significantly impacting young people.

SEE RETURNS
“Allow us to make these investments and we are sure that both the economy and the people of Guyana will see returns and benefits from projects implemented,” he declared, enthusiastically.
Alphonso said what he witnessed on the occasion is the  culmination of more than 18 months of hard work and millions of U.S. dollars invested with the specific intention of offering customers the very best  in the line of food and entertainment by three very reputable Canadian and U.S. franchises.
“You will realise that it is more than just a food court. The bottom line is that it is not just a little run-of-the-mill fast food place you’d see around Georgetown. We are building something with a difference. We have a wide variety of products and the franchises are Canadian and American,” he reiterated.
Minister Ali, on behalf of the Government, congratulated the Alphonso Group for a job well done and  their continued demonstrated confidence in Guyana’s economy, as well as for leading the way in what Guyana calls ‘Re-investing in Guyana’s economy’.
He said there are many families who can now celebrate their decision to re-invest in the economy, adding: “And this family (the Alphonsos) deserves a round of applause.”
Ali said, of the more that $32 billion earmarked to invest in the tourism sector, the Alfro Group has allocated over US$40M for its projects over the next three years.
“And this is just a small start in relation to the big scheme of investment this group of investors has earmarked for Guyana,” he said, calling on other potential investors to look at options.
“I want to say to you with great confidence that we are going to  work hard towards developing, expanding and bringing Guyana’s tourism product to an unmatched position in this Region. That is the commitment we want to give,” Ali told those at the gala opening.