Pier 1 - 30 years strong
Published:Thursday | August 24, 2017 | 12:00 AMJanet Silvera
WESTERN BUREAU:
Wray and Nephew took a chance on Pier 1 with its $50 promotion; Carreras has never left the entertainment complex; and Red Bull threw some muscle behind the establishment.
Thirty years after opening its doors, Pier 1 has become a landmark in the tourism capital, and the family that runs it - the Russells - will tell you, they could not have done it without the support of Montego Bay.
On Tuesday night, the family said 'thank you' to their ardent supporters at a 30th anniversary champagne party sponsored by Hennessey, Campari, John Swaby, Reggae Tech, Troupe and Company, Cafe Blue, Denton Edwards, Red Stripe, Bailey's and Smirnoff.
The 24-hour open-air seafood restaurant, bar and entertainment complex, has survived through hard work and commitment, said Jason Russell, who took over the business 14 years ago, and now manages the facility with his sister, Anna-Kaye.
His father, Robert, who founded the complex, which he said was wrapped in ruins when he first saw it, described the journey as one of love, sweat and tears. "I had five children who I knew had to work, and a wife (Beverly) without whom Pier 1 would be nothing," said Russell.
For Tuesday night's event, the list of invitees had to be carved, leaving the family with who they tagged "very special people". That list included the first DJ to play at the complex, Lloyd 'Pieces' George.
Saluting the family on their role in changing the landscape of entertainment in western Jamaica, Mayor of Montego Bay Homer Davis, reiterated the reasons Pier 1 recently received the Mayor's Award as one of the outstanding businesses in the second city.
The invitees let their hair down and partied the night away wishing the family and Pier 1 another successful 30 years and more.