Journey to international markets begins as Junior’s BBQ & Grill launches first storefront location

Apr 13, 2026 News

By Davina Bagot

Kaieteur News – What started off as a business venture to help raise funds for a hopeful young man’s medical tuition has blossomed over the years into a thriving brand that is hoping to soon cross the local borders.

On Saturday, Junior Ramkelawan and his family launched their first ever storefront restaurant, at the Royal Mall, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, a bold move after nine years of mobile service, braving heavy rains and blistering sunshine to serve families across the country.

Junior Ramkelawan cuts the ribbon with his son and Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith at the new Royal Mall location.

Junior’s BBQ Grill and Burgers was founded in 2017 by Junior, who had “nothing” according to him, but a small savings account and the gift of cooking. “So, I decided to launch into bar-be-queing which I did and I’m happy today to see the growth of the business which not only supports myself and family, but provides jobs for a number of other persons.”

The young entrepreneur started off his business under a humble 10×10 tent in Diamond, East Bank Demerara before he acquired a mobile caravan, then a canter.

In an interview with this newspaper, he recalled that during the first year of his business, there were no profits, just barely enough earnings to meet expenses. “I wanted to give up, I wanted to quit but I decided not to,” the young man said. He quickly learned that “consistency is key” and though he made no profits in the beginning, the brand grew overtime and continues to attract more customers.

Due to the business’s growing demand for his attention, Ramkelawan said he was not able to complete his medical studies but plans to still pursue this dream at a later time. “Coming from a place of no profits, the business grew exponentially well over the years and it required my time and I could not have done both – studies and business at the same time.”

Although there are several food joints that compete with the business, Ramkelawan is confident that his brand offers a taste and service like none other. The businessman said a top seller on the menu is the buffalo wings and fries and Junior’s signature garlic sauce. In addition, Junior’s boasted about the saucy bar-be-que, tasty fish and juicy burgers.

His advice to young entrepreneurs is to “always put God first” as success comes from the Most High.

More than a change in scenery, the new location represents growth, resilience and evolution of the brand, a job not nearly completed. According to Ramkelawan, “Our mission is to take the flavours at the heart of this brand to every corner of this country and eventually across international borders. This is just the beginning.”

Joining Junior to celebrate the launch was his wife and two baby boys, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, and several ministers of the gospel, including Reverend Dr. Ravindra Shiwnnandan, Bishop John Smith CCH, and Bishop Chetram Lall, among others.

As part of its grand opening, Junior’s BBQ Grill and Burgers will be giving one lucky customer the chance to win free burgers for one year. To qualify, simply follow the Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok pages, purchase a meal from any of the locations, take a picture or video at the restaurant, share it to your feed and story with the hashtag “RoadToRoyalMall”- and tag Junior’s. The customer with the most shares will win free burgers for 12 months, with special conditions.

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international markets, Junior Ramkelawan, Junior’s BBQ Grill, Junior’s BBQ Grill and Burgers, Mandela Avenue, Royal Mall

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