KFC Salem opens, bringing new jobs and expanded access in St Ann

The newest addition to the KFC restaurant network, situated in Salem, St Ann, welcomed its first customers on Sunday as Restaurants of Jamaica Limited (ROJ) marked the opening of the brand’s latest location in the parish.

By the time the doors opened, the new KFC Salem restaurant was already drawing attention from residents, commuters and loyal KFC customers eager to be part of the brand’s newest addition in St Ann. For many, the moment signalled more than a chance to enjoy their favourite meals closer to home. It brought added convenience to the area, new employment opportunities and another visible sign of commercial growth in the community.

The Salem restaurant represents a $285 million investment by ROJ and now stands as KFC Jamaica’s sixth location in St Ann and 44th restaurant island wide. The opening also created 45 new jobs, with team members recruited from Salem and nearby communities.

Strategically positioned to provide greater choice and convenience in the area, the new location is expected to help ROJ serve its growing St Ann network more efficiently. It will better support residents, commuters and customers travelling through the parish and into neighbouring communities. It also adds another drive-thru option in St Ann, joining KFC’s existing drive-thru locations in Drax Hall and Eight Rivers Plaza (Ocho Rios), while in-store self-service kiosks offer another easy way to place orders.

KFC Jamaica’s Marketing Manager Andrei Roper said the opening was an important moment for the brand as it continues to strengthen its presence outside of the Kingston Metropolitan Region.

“Salem is a very significant addition for us because it speaks to how and where Jamaica is growing,” Roper said. “This is not only about opening another restaurant. It is about meeting customers closer to where they live, work and travel, while continuing to invest in communities across Jamaica.”

Roper said the response on opening day reinforced the strong relationship Jamaicans continue to have with the KFC brand.

“There is always a special energy when we open a new KFC location, and Salem was no different. Seeing customers come out to share in the moment reminds us that KFC is part of everyday life for so many Jamaicans. We are proud to now serve even more families, residents and visitors in this part of St Ann,” he said.

For the Salem team members, the day also marked the beginning of a new chapter. As customers moved through the restaurant and drive-thru, the new team settled into service, greeting customers, preparing orders and helping to bring the restaurant to life.

Following a successful soft opening, KFC Salem now takes its place in ROJ’s growing restaurant network, bringing the brand closer to more customers in St Ann while supporting continued investment and job creation outside of the Kingston Metropolitan Region.