Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley, has commended Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill for taking Jamaica's culinary art across the United States.

He said the Jamaican-owned food production and distribution chain represented the best of the island.

"The growth of Golden Krust into a successful franchise is not only inspiring, but is also a testament to the indefatigable and enterprising spirit of the Jamaican people," he stated.

Professor Shirley was speaking at the opening of four restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, on the weekend, at Peachtree Center Mall in the heart of downtown Atlanta; 2020 Candler Road; 7245 Rockbridge Road and 1267 S. Hairston Road.

With the opening of the new locations, Golden Krust now boasts 107 restaurants in nine cities across the U.S.

US$1 million investment

Chairman and chief executive officer of Golden Krust, Lowell Hawthorne, in his remarks, informed that just over US$1 million (J$66 million) was invested in the four stores. He pointed to plans to open another 10 stores in the Atlanta area within the next five years.

Mr. Hawthorne said that Golden Krust would bring to Atlanta a Caribbean concept with strong Jamaican emphasis on authentic jerk chicken and nine varieties of patties.

He said: "Atlanta is the city where Caribbean nationals and Jamaicans are now moving in droves.

The trend of the restaurant business is growing in Atlanta and it is now time that Golden Krust capitalise in this market and bring Jamaican cuisine to both the Caribbean and American communities in Atlanta ..." he said.

Largest producer

Golden Krust is one of the fastest growing franchises in the U.S. and has become the largest producer of Caribbean-baked products in the U.S., since it opened its first store in Bronx, New York, in 1989.

Golden Krust is considered the foremost Jamaican business in the U.S. and is the only company that makes and distributes nine varieties of Jamaican-style patties throughout the country.