Island Grill UTech gives back to students and community

Barbara Ellington, Public Affairs Editor

The multi-coloured wooden structure stands in stark contrast to the more sedate shades of other campus buildings nearby. It's been in operation for a year, but was officially opened last month. It is located on the campus of the University of Technology (UTech) and is the 18th restaurant in the Jamaican fast-food chain.

There is a cosy island feel to the open-air plan and the wooden benches and tables can comfortably seat up to 10 students. The atmosphere when The Gleaner visited last week was relaxed and we even caught one group of students in a game of dominoes between bites.

A pleasant, courteous manager, Omar McGregor, has been with the Island Grill chain since 2005 and it is immediately clear that he enjoys excellent relationships with his customers, many of whom refer to him by name as they update him on the latest campus happenings. He confirmed that students always gravitate to the attractively designed building. And with good reason.

healthier eating

These days, Island Grill is catering to healthier eating habits in its 'Go Light' meal. "This is for persons who are watching their daily calorie count, it is one of the most popular items on our menu," McGregor said.

In February, Island Grill donated two per cent of the month's sales from this location to the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, which this year celebrated the month as Heart Month, under the theme 'Know your Numbers'.

Thalia Lyn, chief executive officer of Island Grill and the Go Red Ambassador for Women, underscores the importance of caring for your heart. "Island Grill is committed to offering heart-healthy, tasty meal options in our restaurants," said Lyn.

Other Island Grill favourites are the Refreshaah Cup limeade and mango peach in reusable cups that come in two sizes and the jerk barbecue chicken. Good things are in store, with plans for a student discount and the restaurant also supports the university's athletes monthly with its community outreach programme 'Soup-A-Pot-Of-Love' which is executed by the team members in each restaurant. The staff usually goes out into the communities to serve free soup, but at UTech, they give it to the athletes.

And the recently concluded weight-loss contest will be returning this month. It is done in collaboration with the Heart Foundation of Jamaica. "Many Island Grill staff members participated in the last one, and I am proud to say I lost 27 pounds," McGregor said.