Growth & Jobs | Bad Dawg vendors benefit from training workshop

FOR 13 years, Bad Dawg vendors have been serving the Bigga Betta Badda sausage to the Jamaican public. Whether on street corners, at parties, or community events, these vendors have become an integral part of Jamaica’s street food culture.

CB Foods Ltd, the company behind the Bad Dawg brand, recently hosted a comprehensive training workshop aimed at equipping its vendors with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to grow and run successful, sustainable businesses. The workshop emphasised the importance of delivering the high-quality experience that customers have come to expect from Bad Dawg, characterised by bold flavours, professionalism, and pride.

The workshop focused on several key areas, with renowned Jamaican chef Brian Lumley leading an interactive session on recipe refinement and presentation, as well as recipe consistency and portion control. Other topics included customer care, service delivery, and marketing and promotions.

These areas of focus are part of a broader brand development strategy designed to enhance the Bad Dawg experience throughout Jamaica and reinforce CB Foods’ commitment to entrepreneurship, economic independence, and brand excellence.

FRESH PERSPECTIVES

Demario Brown, who for the past three years has operated Bad Dawg carts, two in St. Thomas, and employs eight people, described the workshop as invaluable.

“The Bad Dawg Vendor Training Workshop was very insightful, covering both theory and practical elements. We learned about safety practices, preparation techniques, and gained a clearer understanding of our costs,” Brown shared.

“The training helped us break down the true cost of production, right down to the condiments per ounce and supplier comparisons. That kind of knowledge helps us become more efficient, especially when navigating supply changes. This programme represents a positive shift for the brand and prepares us to truly live up to the title, ‘Bigga, Betta, Badda,” he said.

Alecia Newman, who joined the Bad Dawg family two years ago, echoed this sentiment. With two carts, one located at a BPO on Half-Way Tree Road and the other at Sampars in Cross Roads, Newman saw this opportunity as a way to generate additional income for her household.

“My husband and I wanted to find an additional revenue stream, and we found the Bad Dawg brand to be unique. We both love the product and believe in the brand. So we took the plunge, and it’s been a great fit for us,” she said.

“The training was a fantastic initiative; it encouraged collaboration, shared best practices, and provided us with fresh perspectives. More than anything, it inspired us to level up and bring even more energy to what we do. We’re stronger together.”

PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

According to Moiya Chin-Lyn, channel manager-retail experience at CB Foods, the workshop was part of a broader mission to reinvigorate the Bad Dawg Vendor Programme and build a more empowered, consistent, and high-performing network of vendors.

“We wanted to ensure that each vendor not only delivers a consistent, high-quality product, but also understands the value of customer service, brand representation, and business sustainability,” Chin-Lyn explained.

“The response from our vendors was overwhelmingly positive. The session was fun, engaging, and filled with practical guidance. Our vendors saw this as a sign of how deeply committed we are to their growth.

For us, it goes beyond ‘Be Your Own Boss’; we want them to be the ‘Bigga, Betta, Badda Boss’, confidently serving the baddest dawg with pride and professionalism.”

Nicole Hall, the commercial marketing manager at CB Foods, emphasised that the company is committed to supporting Jamaica’s food entrepreneurs as part of its long-term vision.

“At CB Foods, entrepreneurship goes beyond just business; it’s about building a sustainable food industry rooted in Jamaican culture. Street vending is a vibrant aspect of our identity, from PAN chicken to small cookshops. These entrepreneurs are not only our customers; they are our partners.”

“When we invest in them, we invest in our communities, our economy, and our country. As we continue to boost poultry, we’re also shining a spotlight on pork through Bad Dawg sausages, with the same goal in mind, to grow together and build a more resilient, inclusive food ecosystem for Jamaica.”