Air Margaritaville turning heads

Nagra Plunkett, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

CLAUDINE HOUSEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The new Margaritaville in the east concourse at the Sangster International Airport.

THE NEW Air Margaritaville structure, which boasts a beautiful Jamaican/Caribbean motif captured by Interior Designer Katherine May, is turning heads at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

"We've done a recreation of a veranda-style great house with a cobblestone courtyard, an outdoor bar and kids' play area," commented Brian Jardim, chief executive officer (CEO) of Margaritaville Caribbean, the region's premier entertainment complex. "Our customers can expect wonderful service, the usual bells and whistles and great menu with a new jerk chicken wrap."

The ground floor of the outlet has been transformed into a bazaar with Margaritaville merchandise while the upper floor is reserved for seating.

"In our first week, we weren't able to serve food because the gas line connection was incomplete, but now we are up to full speed," Mr. Jardim added.

The new Air Margaritaville has 75 staff members, rotated on two shifts. There is another Air Margaritaville in the western concourse at the airport, in addition to satellite bars in the departure and arrival lounges.

Margaritaville has a total staff complement of 140 at Sangster International Airport. There are three other locations in Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios.

"We're expanding to Turks and Caicos, building a Margaritaville at the Carnival Cruise Ship Pier and that opens in February. It will be our biggest ever and will be able to seat 700 people," the CEO further stated. "The construction in Cayman Islands is half-way finished and will open in early May."