roots with local communities and our Caribbean heritage,” she said. “Service to humanity is at our core, and we are doing that as we grow. Celebrating our 35th anniversary is a humbling reminder of the support from our people.” Hawthorne-Robinson also acknowledges the challenges of balancing tradition and innovation. She sees the company’s intergenerational recipes and cultural heritage as integral to its identity while embracing the need to adapt and grow. “Our traditions aren’t just corporate rhetoric. These are intergenerational recipes, a legacy woven into our core identity as a family,” she explained. “We may experience internal tension between tradition and innovation, but our mentality is that culture can both be preserved and evolve over time.” Golden Krust’s hottest franchising markets include New York, Florida, and Georgia. To introduce Caribbean cuisine to unfamiliar areas, the company often distributes free samples, fostering educational outreach. “It isn’t always easy,” HawthorneRobinson reflected, “but we take the legacy of our humble beginnings and feel proud of all we’ve accomplished together.” As Golden Krust continues to expand, Hawthorne-Robinson remains steadfast in her vision of creating a lasting legacy rooted in family, hard work, and community. editorial@gleanerjm.com THE MONTHLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 12 - JANUARY 11, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 5 New and Seasoned Investors Looking to invest in the U.S. real estate market? We have opportunities for Foreign National Investors ************************* MorningStar Mortgage NMLS ID # 2452419 305-370-4399 dalmadges@gmail.com INVESTORS WELCOMED Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer JACQUELINE HAWTHORNEROBINSON has taken the reins as the new Chief Executive Officer of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, the largest Jamaican fastfood franchise in the United States. She assumed the role in late August this year, succeeding her late brother, founder and former CEO, Lowell Hawthorne. Hawthorne-Robinson aims to lead the company into a new era of growth, targeting nationwide expansion. Plans include opening two new locations annually for the next five years, with a landmark store set to debut in Terminal 8 of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in summer 2025. This location will introduce Golden Krust’s authentic Jamaican flavours to a diverse, global audience. “JFK is very diverse, with travellers from all over the world, so I think this will be one of our greatest stepping stones to introducing Golden Krust to new audiences,” said Hawthorne-Robinson. “We are embracing it and looking forward to flooding the airport with Jamaican music, art, and food. This is the next chapter for us.” With over 110 locations spanning eight states, Golden Krust is a leader in Caribbean fast-casual dining. Hawthorne-Robinson’s strategy involves leveraging influencers, events, and retail offerings to expand the brand’s footprint and bring Jamaican cuisine to new audiences. She envisions Golden Krust as a household name in the US, reflecting her family’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cultural preservation. NEW AUDIENCES “Taking this concept from state to state will inevitably introduce our food to new audiences,” she explained. “We already have a presence in bigbox stores in some areas, so many communities are eager for us to establish our restaurants there.” Founded in 1989, Golden Krust has evolved over 35 years to include partnerships with schools, prisons, and retail outlets offering microwavable products. Despite this growth, Hawthorne-Robinson remains deeply connected to the company’s roots. “As Golden Krust’s CEO, I feel that I am now in my safe space, where I am 100 per cent occupied and confident to step into this role,” she said. “I don’t just know the business – I am the business, and I am determined to continue building it. This has been a profound, humbling, and empowering experience.” Hawthorne-Robinson emphasises the importance of family and community, values instilled by her parents and central to Golden Krust’s mission. The company gives back through charitable foundations honouring Mavis, Ephraim, and Lowell F. Hawthorne, offering scholarships, internships, and endowment funds to underserved communities in the US and the Caribbean. DEEPENING ROOTS “We are committed to reflecting the brotherly love and unity that marks Jamaican culture, deepening our Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson named CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson, CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery
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