| James Kon |
FOR US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig Allen, it was an occasion to look back into the past.
In destiny’s one of those beautiful turns, yesterday he received the rare privilege of unveiling the outlet of a company where he started his career.
Allen, who was an employee of Burger King in the United States 40 years ago, shared his old memories during the opening of the seventh Burger King outlet located in Kiulap commercial area.
It was in 1976 when he started his career at the US fast food chain.
“It was my first real job where I learned to be a professional. I also learned that consistent and uncompromising quality is very important. I also realised that teamwork is crucial and that working as part of a crew is not easy as working together requires sophisticated collaboration. The things I learned in Burger King are equally important in the real world,” the envoy said.
US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig Allen with Burger King directors and staff
US Ambassador making his own burger
US Ambassador speaking to Burger King staff at the Kiulap branch. PHOTOS: JAMES KON
On the growing number of franchises entering Brunei’s market, the US Ambassador said, “Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and innovation are some of the highest priorities of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Government. Franchises can bring in innovation and provide employment and job training to locals, so I am a big supporter of franchises.
“Franchises are not limited to food. There are franchises in professional services, retail, motor services and real estate. I would like to encourage Brunei entrepreneurs to work with other franchises like beauty salon, building maintenance, cleaning, barber shop, house repair, plumbing and automotive testing or repair. There are huge opportunities that are yet to be tapped into,” he urged.
Joining Craig Allen in cutting the ribbon to launch the new outlet was Burger King Director Pengiran Hashim bin Pengiran Jaya.
Burger King has opened up seven stores within a short period of 36 months since it first established its foothold in December 2013, thanks to the government’s Ease of Doing Business initiative which has cut down the processes in opening a business in Brunei.
Burger King Brunei currently has over 100 employees, of whom 85 per cent are locals. Its directors are all Bruneians and have been in the food and beverages business for many years.
In conjunction with the grand opening ceremony and the Lunar New Year, Burger King has officially launched its golden Nacho Burger for a limited period.
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