It will be an historic moment when Lorna Myers, Chairman of Restaurants of Jamaica Limited, becomes the first woman inducted into The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s Hall of Fame when the gala event is held on Wednesday November 14, at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel. Myers will be the 20th inductee and will take her place in the Hall of Fame among the finest and most celebrated businessmen in Jamaica.

Each year, since 1992, The PSOJ pays tribute to a private sector leader who has made innovative and sustained contributions to the development of the private sector over a minimum of 25 years, has demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the industry in which his/her company operates and demonstrates an unswerving commitment to the advancement of this industry and to national development.

Restaurants of Jamaica was co-founded and developed by Lorna Myers and her late husband Anthony, in 1975.  After Anthony’s untimely passing in 1990, she became Chairman and CEO.  Persevering through challenging economic times and many other obstacles, Myers continued to lead Restaurants of Jamaica through rapid expansion, maintaining leadership in the industry and achieving great success for the company. Working alongside her son, Mark, and later her daughters Michelle and Tina, she continued to captain the ship and motivate her team through tough times, expanding the KFC brand in Jamaica exponentially, more than doubling the number of restaurants and adding the Pizza Hut franchise.

The entrepreneur knew from the onset, just how she wanted the organisation to develop, being an extremely disciplined and organised person, who always set herself very high standards in all aspects of her life.  She recognised that the company must have the ability to deliver products and service at a consistently high standard, in keeping with the stringent demands of the international KFC franchise.  


From the outset, Myers had limited experience in the restaurant business and formal training however, she diligently applied herself, working long hours in every aspect of KFC’s operations.  It was her work ethic and hands on approach that got the new business venture off the ground in the mid 70’s.  

Restaurants of Jamaica currently employs over 1300 persons island wide.
 
Immediate Past President of the PSOJ, Joseph M. Matalon, CD in commenting on the decision said that “The Selection Committee wholeheartedly endorsed Lorna’s nomination for induction in the Hall of Fame. She is undoubtedly one of Jamaica's most powerful business women, although rarely in the spotlight and we are thrilled that she has broken the proverbial glass ceiling to become the first female member of the Hall of Fame”.  Current President, Christopher Zacca notes that “it is fitting that Lorna’s role and contribution to the private sector through her leadership of Restaurants of Jamaica, the undoubted leader in the Quick Service Restaurant industry, should be recognised by being the first female in the PSOJ Hall of Fame and I look forward to welcoming her into this prestigious body of Jamaican business leaders.”