Juici Patties: The Story Of The Delicious Patties That Jukie Chin Started Making In His Mother's Kitchen.
The Journey
Jukie Chin started making patties in his mother’s kitchen. The idea came to him at age 14 when he used to buy patties from a shop in Clarendon. He would often buy them on his way home from Glenmuir High School. Jukie believed that he could make a better-tasting patty. Build a brand, and provide a better customer experience. He told his friends that he would love to run a patty operation one day.
He left high school in 1978 at the age of 16. He went to Kingston to work with his sister who was operating a restaurant and patty shop. Upon his arrival, his sister went on maternity leave and Jukie had to run the show. It was the opportunity he needed. During his time at the shop, Jukie learned how to make patties.
All Set, Ready To Go!
Now that Jukie knew how to make patties he wanted to go back to start his own business in May Pen. But Young Jukie was strapped for cash. He decided to ask his parents for permission to set up shop in their home. He used his mother’s oven to bake the patties and then sold them in their shop for 50 cents each.
for 10 months Jukie baked and sold from his parent's house. He managed to save up some money and rented a space in May Pen for $150 JMD per month. His mother gave him a loan of $4000 to buy equipment and set up the shop. The idea took off. By the time Jukie was in his 20’s, he had stores in several other parishes. He felt accomplished and was ready to relax. But the demand for his product in other areas kept growing. Friends asked him to consider franchising the concept. The idea was good but Jukie noticed that the quality was not consistent across stores. So in 1994, he decided to keep all the production in May Pen. The move solved his quality problem.
As the demand grew so did the need for larger production space. Jukie moved operations from May Pen to Clarendon Park where they still operate today. This facility hosts production, slaughtering, storage, and a meat shop. All on a 21-acre property.
Juici Days
Today Juice Patties is in different parts of the world. From Caribbean countries to Canada and the United Kingdom.
Chin considers many of the things most people would look at as deterrents to doing business as a simple part of life. This outlook seems insignificant but it is very powerful. A life without challenges doesn’t exist. We must build ourselves to withstand storms. If you accept that certain things will happen in life then it makes life easier. Charlie Munger once said that the way to happiness is to lower your expectations.
Jukie and wife Edith are supporters of entrepreneurship and youth development. They host an annual workshop. The workshop focuses on conflict management, health, career planning, and other key areas for a good life. The Juici team also plays an active role in community development. They sponsor events and feed the elderly. Jukie and his team have received several awards. Some include the Gleaner’s Man of the Year Award for contribution to agriculture and the Living Legacy Award by the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons.
Juici through its family-owned stores as well as franchises employs over 1400 people. It is impressive to see how a small idea can turn into a success story. Jamaican patties are talked about everywhere in the world. For many foreigners, it is a must-have whenever they visit.
So Here Is The Question
What business idea have you been sitting on? A new year is around the corner. You don’t have to wait until then. You can start today. Test it on a small scale. If it works then fine. If not then pivot. It’s ok to try and fail. What’s not ok is to not try because of fear of failure.
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If you enjoyed this read then share it to inspire a friend, a loved one, or a stranger. See you next week. God’s will.