Nevertheless, strong marketing has helped to maintain the successful mix of local patronage and tourists over the decades. However, the landscape changed with the introduction of all-inclusive resorts, making it harder to pull tourists. In its early years, European plan hotels were common and tourists walked the streets of Montego Bay in their hundreds looking for dining and entertainment venues, making it easy to attract them to the restaurant. The tenure of all three men has witnessed the restaurant's market evolve over 37 years. After the restaurant was destroyed by storm surge from a nearby hurricane in 2002, the two brothers rebuilt the restaurant and Russell took over management in 2004. Russell's father initially ran Pier One and then Russell's brother Robin took over in the 1990s. Pier One provides event planning services and their location offers venues for parties, weddings and other events. This philosophy of interaction with customers also extends to the wider community and the family's close ties and intimate connections within the city have played a significant role in its success. It is a lot easier than people think but the first thing you have to do is leave your ego at the door." "People being able to approach an owner and say, 'Look, I don't like this and why don't you do that' and for us to listen and tailor the business to what people want. "That has been consistent with our model right through," he continued. A lot of times I don't even feel like I own the business. The essence of the business is to please the customer. "We have never been about the awards and trying to puff out our chest. "It is about doing more listening than talking," the general manager said. Russell credits the women in the family including his mother, Beverly, and sisters Anna-Kaye, Shari and Peta-Gaye for contributing to the running of the organisation through strong roles in its development since the beginning.Īccording to Russell, the driving force behind Pier One's success is a strong focus on customer satisfaction and a willingness to pay attention to and adapt to customer feedback. Jason Russell, general manager of Pier One, with mother Beverly Russell. The marina activities are facilitated through a lease arrangement with a separate business that operates within the Pier One location, contributing to the overall range of marina offerings. Marina services at the original venue include rentals of parasail and personal watercraft as well as fishing and party boats. The business has not remained static over time however, and is constantly evolving.įrom a staff of 30 in 2004 when Russell took over management, the company now employs 130 people spanning two locations which include the original venue on the waterfront at Howard Cooke Boulevard and a new operation at Doctor's Cave Beach on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.Īdditionally, the physical expansion of Pier One has been substantial, growing from about 2,000 square feet of decks at its inception to approximately 6,000 square feet across both locations.Ĭurrently Pier One's services include the two restaurants and bars, catering, event planning and entertainment. "My father had the business in his 40s, I now have it in my 40s and these kids are coming out, 18, 20s, and their parents are my age, so it is literally a third generation."ĭiners enjoy the Pier One Restaurant and Bar on the waterfront at Howard Cooke Boulevard in Montego Bay, St James. "It is now in its full third generation of people, so I now have my friends' kids coming to Pier One," Russell revealed. It is just as popular for its mix of food and beverage services and its Friday night party these days as it was in the early years of its existence. The restaurant has featured a strong entertainment component throughout its lifespan that has been enjoyed by generations. "We have always maintained a status, a top 10 at least." "To be open that long is one thing but to be relevant right through is difficult," commented Jason Russell, Pier One's general manager and son of founder, Robert Russell. Founded in 1986, Pier One has been serving the city for almost 40 years as a restaurant and entertainment venue. The longevity and enduring prominence of the Pier One Restaurant and Bar in Montego Bay makes it unique among food and beverage establishments in Jamaica. The Pier One Restaurant and Bar with its marina at Howard Cooke Boulevard in Montego Bay, St James.
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