Senior Reporter
geisha.kowlessar@guardian.co.tt
Premier Restaurants CEO Vishnu Maharaj has pushed back against social media criticism regarding menu prices at the newly opened Applebee’s and IHOP at Grand Bazaar, assuring customers that the US dining chains offer affordable options for local diners.
Speaking at yesterday’s event, Maharaj countered complaints by highlighting the franchise’s competitive rates relative to US locations.
“Our pricing is even more affordable than some of the items in America. I’m just saying. For example, in America, a beer could be eight US (dollars). I’m just saying our alcohol is even lower because of expenses. Some of our food prices are actually matching the US prices despite that we have to import and duties,” he said.
Beyond competitive pricing, Maharaj attributed his overall business success to a core set of operational principles which he attributed across all his businesses to a single formula.
“Quality, a quality product, great service, affordable prices, great location. These two restaurants match all of those items, all of those are part of the formula,” he said.
He also highlighted the versatility of having both brands under one roof, noting that the setup caters to diverse family tastes adding, “These two restaurants has everything anyone could wish for. You can mix and match. You can bring the kids and have chicken waffles in the night while you’re having an Applebee’s thing.”
Furthermore, the Trinidad location offers exclusive dishes not found in traditional standalone outlets.
“The dual brand actually has items that standard IHOPs don’t have, like a buffalo chicken omelette and buffalo chicken wings,” Maharaj said, highlighting menu options unique to this joint operation.
To seamlessly handle this expanded menu and early morning demand, the operations required a substantial investment in local staffing.
The business hired 80 employees across two rotating shifts, allowing the venue to open its doors at 6 am while most competing casual dining spots do not open until 11 am.
While the co-branded concept is now up and running, it actually emerged as an alternative after Maharaj’s initial franchise plans fell through.
His original goal was to introduce Red Lobster to T&T, but those plans were scrapped when the seafood chain filed for bankruptcy.
Adapting to that setback ultimately led to what Maharaj considers an even stronger venture.
“You may not always get your first choice in life, or you may not always get your second choice in life. Sometimes your third choice could be your best choice. There’s no way that two brands, two exciting brands like these would not excite people in Trinidad and Tobago,” he added.
This focus on creating accessible spaces for families aligns with a personal passion Maharaj has maintained throughout his career.
Drawing parallels to the iconic Kay Donna Drive-In Cinema, he noted that 40 years later, his drive to offer wholesome family experiences through great service and prime locations remains completely unchanged.
“I come back from the Kay Donna Drive-In Cinema. I have a history of the cinemas, and the Kay Donna Drive-In was always selected towards families.
“So 40 years later in my life, my concept, my thinking, my passion have not changed. It’s still delivering a great product, great prices, great service, great location. They all go hand-in-hand,” he said.
Building on that long-standing passion, Maharaj said the initial dual-launch is only the beginning of his broader vision for the country.
“Oh, most definitely,” he said regarding future expansion. “We are here to give you the best casual dining experience under one roof. This is a dream project for me.”
Troy Beharry, Maharaj’s business partner also confirmed that the company had signed an agreement to open more of the franchise’s restaurants, with locations in north and south Trinidad in mind.
