The decision to build a relationship with JN Small Business Loans (JNSBL) Limited was a choice Debra Jenkins, co-owner of EJ's Restaurant and Lounge, describes as one of the smartest she and her husband ever made.

"Our relationship with JNSBL has resulted in so much growth," Mrs Jenkins said. "We learned about the company two years ago through an advertisement in The Star, and we have found that it's really a great institution."

As the name implies, EJ's started out as a restaurant and lounge. Recently, however, the couple's near 10-year-old operation, located in the heart of Mandeville, Manchester, has diversified into a lucrative new field.

Tremendous potential

"EJ's Restaurant and Lounge is a business that has such tremendous potential," said Frank Whylie, general manager of JNSBL. Besides serving hot meals on a daily basis, it churns profits manufacturing ice.

In fact, EJ's Restaurant and Lounge is the only ice manu-facturer in Manchester, producing up to 300 six-pound bags of ice per day. They serve businesses and individual clients in the parish, including fast food restaurants such as Burger King, KFC and Juici Patties.

Before starting the business with her husband, Jenkins developed her skills from working in the food and beverage sector for several years in the north coast hospitality industry. Meanwhile, Mr Jenkins operated cranes in the gold mining industry in Canada for three decades, before retiring and returning to Jamaica.

EJ's Restaurant and Lounge became a fixture on the Mandeville scene, but they were looking for further opportunities to expand. Ice making was a natural evolution of their existing business.

"We started out by just selling ice to other bars and restaurants that were in the same location," Mr Jenkins recounted, "and then we realised that it had a lot of potential."

The couple took a decision to buy an icemaker with funds from their own savings and they saw an immediate increase in sales.

"So we bought another one and then a third and then a fourth but still we needed more," Mr Jenkins said.

Booming business

The Jenkins needed a fifth ice maker as well as an automatic ice packer and a delivery truck to meet the needs of their clients, but did not have enough funds to purchase all this equipment at once. They learned about JNSBL and applied for a loan to purchase the assets.

"We really needed the help and JNSBL was offering what we needed," said Mrs Jenkins. "The products they offered were reasonable and their customer service is like no other. Our field officer, Bronia Simpson, is the best."

Since purchasing the new assets, production has improved dramatically and so has demand.

"There is so much demand that sometimes you just never have enough to sell to all the bars and restaurants in Mandeville," Mrs Jenkins declared. The operation is also experiencing an increase in demand from businesses in neighbouring parishes of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland.

Looking to expand further

They are now in the process of purchasing three ice boxes from funds they have amassed, to service the towns of Santa Cruz and Junction in St Elizabeth and Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland.

"Mr and Mrs Jenkins have identified and developed a niche market that can truly flourish," said Simpson. "The operation's business plan and offerings make it a business model that is sustainable and beneficial to the south coast economy."

The Jenkins currently employ six persons full time; and are hoping to double that number with the opening of a pizza parlour at their Baptist Road address this week.

"JNSBL has helped us in times of need and we have really benefited from the loan products they offer," said Mr Jenkins.