Kaluga Kafé Celebrates First Anniversary - Giving back to the Community and Customers

Adrian Samuda 


Kaluga Kafé is celebrating its first anniversary by giving back to the community, and ensuring customers feel appreciated for their loyalty and support. 

The casual diner and sports bar that brings a taste of urban flavour to the rural town of Old Harbour is located just a few minutes from the clock, and the bustling activities of the area. Kaluga Kafé offers a rustic ambience, with varnished bamboo to top the signature look. Already, this new “chill spot” has quietly been building on its foundation to make its mark on Jamaica’s culinary landscape. 

“I am pleased to have such dedicated customers, and to know that the community has embraced and supported us,” said Adrian Samuda, Managing Director, Kaluga Kafé. 

As part of the special celebrations, Samuda will be hosting a treat for the 40 boys who reside at Sunbeam Children’s Home, as well members of the Spring Village Youth Development Programme, both of which are located in the nearby communities. “I am happy to have this opportunity to collaborate with these two unique institutions,” Samuda said. “I recognize the interconnectedness of business and community development, and by starting with this treat, I hope to improve on our contributions over time.” 

The youngsters will get a taste of Kalugan cuisine courtesy of Samuda and his team, a move applauded by Randy Finnikin, Chairman of the Children’s Home, and Executive Director, Spring Village Development Foundation, a St. Catherine-based organisation that is seeking to empower residents in that community. “We are happy to have been selected to share in this milestone with Kaluga Kafé, they have raised the bar in customer service and dining locally,” said Finnikin. “The treat will be the first opportunity for these children to experience such a setting and to meet and be inspired by Mr. Samuda, a young entrepreneur.” 

Throughout April, Kaluga Kafé will also have a specially-priced anniversary dish as an appreciation to customers. Dubbed “Kaluga 5 Spice Chicken with Jerk Plantain Cream” and at a price of $900, the special has been a hit with customers since its introduction. It features Jamaica’s most loved protein – chicken, pumtato (a special mixture of pumpkin and Irish potato), herbs and spices. 
Kaluga Kafé 5 Spice Chicken with Jerk Plantain Cream

“We couldn’t have made it through the year without our customers who stood by us and spread the word about the great things we do here at Kaluge Kafé,” said Samuda. “The positive feedback has exceeded our expectations, and Kaluga is growing with a strong base of dedicated customers. What better way to make them happy, than to give the gift of a delicious Kaluga Kafé special?” Samuda asked. 

As part of the anniversary celebrations, on April 1st, Kaluga Kafé hosted Red Stripe Beer Wendzdays Live, with headliners – dancehall sensation Tifa, and upcoming dancehall singjay Dexta Daps. Several live performances and beer specials are also in the mix for the rest of the month. “We have a strong line-up of events to capture the celebratory mood, so on April 11 we will be hosting our first anniversary celebrations, on April 19 we will host the treat, and to close the month, on April 26th we will be hosting a comedy show,” Samuda added.  
 
The Managing Director opened Kaluga Kafé on April 12, 2014 with 15 employees, and to date he has hired an additional three members of staff to meet demands and maintain customer satisfaction. On special occasions, supplementary part-time staff is sourced, an indication that the business is growing. “It is a wonderful feeling to provide employment, and I’m proud of my staff for their commitment to their job and keeping our promise to provide great food and great vibes,” Samuda said. “I knew there was a niche in Old Harbour for us, and this was revealed in the turnout for our special events including Valentine’s Day.”
 
While celebrating now, Samuda is also making plans to ensure the sustainability of Kaluga Kafé. A priority is strengthening the brand and making it a renowned name in the culinary arena. Already, he has been improving on this vision, with the catering arm of the company – Kaluga Gourmet Access. “The main objective is to build on the foundation we have, and work strategically to extend our reach, while satisfying the tastes of our customers,” he said.