In 2010, Ajith Jayawickrema founded the Turtle Bay Caribbean cocktail bars and restaurants, after departinghis partnership with Las Iguanas in August 2009 to create his own chain. Turtle Bay currently has 45 outlets and employs 1,500 staff, and the restaurants are known for their their vibrant décor and reggae beats. The beach-shack inspired chain offered staples such as jerk chicken, curry goat and rum cocktails.
Last year Jayawickrema's chain posted a sales of £63.7 mn and pre-tax profits of £8.2 mn, winning a spot on The Sunday Times Profit Track 100 list of private companies with fastest growing profits.
When Jayawickrema was planning the first Turtle Bay in Milton Keynes, he was keen on using the trick he used with Las Iguanas, but with more cash. Apart from other things, he “went to the islands to drink a lot of rum”. His journey was filled with challenges, opportunities and adventures, and his passion and entrepreneurial kept him going. He had come to Britain at the age of 15 with his family from Sri Lanka and now lives in Bristol with his daughters aged 21 and 19. His advice to the founders is to nurture the thirst to learn more. He says, “You don't have to be an expert, but if you're curious, you can help your team and business”.
