SVL to downsize May Pen gaming lounge
Published:Sunday | August 28, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Supreme Ventures Limited says it will scale back its May Pen gaming lounge, eliminating the restaurant operations and 15 jobs while also decommissioning 81 per cent of the machines.
SVL opened the Acropolis lounge four years ago, pumping more than J$150 million into the start-up and creating some 50 new jobs at the time in the town it perceived then to be a growth centre.
"In 2007, when we opened this gaming facility in May Pen, the business model was based on the booming economic conditions, with the bauxite industry in full operation, and research results that determined a need for entertainment in the town," said Brian George in a press release on Monday.
15 jobs cut
The 9,600 square-foot facility hosts 100 slot machines, a restaurant, and bar at the Bargain Village Plaza.
"We will reconfigure the area to fit 19 machines and warehouse space," said SVL vice-president of group corporate communications, Sonia Davidson.
The 15 jobs have already been cut.
The rationalisation of Acropolis May Pen is SVL's latest effort to squeeze better returns from its gaming lounge operations. In 2009, SVL discontinued its Villagio lounge in New Kingston, and restructured Coral Cliff in Montego Bay to eliminate the hotel operation and accompanying Ma Lou restaurant, while also adjusting the opening hours for the gaming side of the business.
Davidson said no other changes are expected for its other lounges at Barbican in Kingston, Portmore in St Catherine, and Coral Cliff.
The lottery operations, sports betting, and financial services, which include cambio and MoneyGram remittances, will continue at the Bargain Village Plaza location in May Pen, the company said.