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UBTR officially adds MoBay franchise

Published:Thursday | May 24, 2018 | 12:00 AMJanet Silvera/ Senior Gleaner Writer
At the unveiling of the ‘Bolt of Bolts’ statue during the grand opening of UBT&R Montego Bay: (From left) Mark Hart, representative of Crissa Entertainment Group, Franchisee of UBT&R Montego Bay; Diedel Klover, designer of the ‘Bolt of Bolts’ statue; Gary Matalon, franchise owner of UBT&R; Mayor of Montego Bay Homer Davis; Usain Bolt, legendary Olympian and UBT&R franchise partner; and Donovan White, director of tourism.
From left: Usain Bolt with Mark Hart, representative of Crissa Entertainment Group – franchisee of UBT&R Montego Bay, and Gary Matalon, franchise owner of UBT&R and CEO of KLE Group, at the grand opening of the Montego Bay location.
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WESTERN BUREAU:

Montegonians turned out in their numbers last Wednesday night to officially welcome the city's newest attraction, Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records (UBT&R), to the town's Hip Strip.

The third of its kind to grace the island's shores, Tracks and Records neighbours the new Spanish Court Hotel Montego Bay and sits in the Georgian-style St James Place Plaza, which is centrally located next door to the world-famous, Doctor's Cave Beach.

Operated by KLE Group on behalf of franchisee Crissa Entertainment Group, UBT&R has contributed to the renewal of the Hip Strip, which had, for a long time, been home to several hotels and other entertainment facilities that had locked shop.

"Track's presence lends great potential to a prime area where persons can have access to a local experience. The strip should be a place that has a great variety of food, entertainment and accommodation," said Montego Bay businessman Mark Hart, who spoke on behalf of the franchisee.

Cementing the statements made by Hart, Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment (DSE) and majority shareholder of the KLE Group, described the new facility as an absolute masterpiece.

"It's a great addition to the UBT&R franchise, and I am certain this location will enjoy tremendous success. This is exactly the type of investment we need to keep building and developing the entertainment scene in Montego Bay."

The KLE Group, he said, hopes to grow the UBT&R franchise to 15 locations globally by 2022.

The new restaurant, which boasts 5,300 square foot of space, honours the quintessential Tracks and Records vibe, with vibrant colours, Jamaican tunes, and delicious Jamaican flavours.

As the centerpiece of St James Place Plaza, the new UBT&R boasts a balcony sprinkled with pepper lights overlooking the courtyard where now, a 10-ft statue crafted by German artist Diedel Kloever stands. 'Bolt of Bolts' features Olympian and UBT&R franchise partner Usain Bolt in his iconic 'To the World' pose, a perfect photo opportunity and souvenir for locals and tourists alike.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com