 Chefette drive-through inSpeightstown,Barbados | |
| Industry | fast food restaurant |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1972; 53 years ago (1972) |
| Founder | Assad John Haloute |
Chefette Restaurants is the largestfast food restaurant chain based in theCaribbeanisland nation ofBarbados. Currently operating throughout the island in 15[1] locations, Chefette is known for itsbroastedchicken meals as well as a localcurried-'meat +vegetable' (similar to the Europeangyro) roll-up or wrap, locally known as aroti. Chefette was founded by aTrinidadian businessman namedAssad John Haloute, as well as members of the Naime and Nadur families who migrated to Barbados in the 1970s. In 1972 the trio opened the first Chefette Restaurant atFontabelle, St. Michael.[2] As the success of the chain grew over the next three decades, the restaurant chain continued its expansion. The company's trademark colours are yellow and purple.
Several of the outlets push the theme of being a "family restaurant" by constructing play areas for children similar to other major international chains such asMcDonald's.
Though international restaurant chains (including McDonald's) generally lack an overall presence in Barbados, among Chefette's competitors isU.S.-basedKFC.[3] In 2010 Barbadian Senator Kerrie Symmonds lauded the Chefette establishment and urged other businesses in Barbados to emulate it when considering international expansion.[4] Chefette's largest competitors are KFC, Burger King and Chicken Barn.
Although relatively unknown outside of Barbados, the chain was recognised in May 2012 as one of the Top Fast Food chains by New York City-basedTravel + Leisure magazine.[5] They also were involved in a pop-up event in June 2023 in Manhattan, New York City, and Boston, Massachusetts, sharing some items on their menu with people living in the United States.[6]
Chefette often collaborates with BBQ Barn, a more formal restaurant chain owned by Chefette.
Chefette sponsors the annual Chefette Fun Run in Barbados. Its proceeds go to homes for disabled children. Chefette also supports children who take the Common Entrance Exam.[7]
He said that the restaurant would continue to look at ways in which it could expand business locally, promising that the latest addition, which brings the overall number of outlets to 14, would "definitely not be the last". "We will not be stopping at number 14. We at Chefette will continue to assess how best we can continue to expand and provide our services to the people of Barbados.
NEW Senator Kerrie Symmonds wants to see Barbadian businesses, such as fast food outlet Chefette, move to the next level and explore the Caribbean market.
Haloute also noted that Chefette Restaurants is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is happy to be recognised as a Top Fast Food Chain, as outlined by Travel and Leisure in its May 2012 edition.