Call To The Bar: Everyone is treated like family at Tajz Lounge

There is an old saying (paraphrased) that when opportunity knocks, you must answer. So when the opportunity came for Gary Graham to operate his own bar, he jumped at it.

His father-in-law had a little spot on Slipe Road, Kingston, that had a bar and restaurant side by side.

"He said he was going to close down both places and rent them out, so I said, 'OK, I'm not used to a bar' but it was a challenge that I wanted to take on," he said.

Four years later, Tajz Lounge is a popular spot.

"People have gravitated to it, they love the space. It's small, but at the same time, whenever people come in, from they enter, they don't want to leave, and who comes always come back," he said.

Taking on challenges is not something new for Graham, who is originally from Westmoreland.

He came to Kingston in the early '90s and worked in various jobs, including in a restaurant. He then furthered his education, completing a bachelor's degree.

It was while working at the Ministry of Labour (where he still is) that Graham decided to take the 'bar challenge'.

OPTIMISTIC

After taking over the bar, the refurbishing took about seven months. During that time, he recalled that "people were in suspense and optimistic about what was going to happen ... because Slipe Road is known for bars".

And he's right. On both sides of the popular stretch, there are many watering holes for thirsty travellers. So to stay ahead of the game, Tajz Lounge offers what he considers superior service.

"We try to deal with customers like they are family. We know when it's their birthday, we know when it's their anniversary," he said. "We are big on customer appreciation. That's how we develop our thing."

The family ties to the bar don't end with his father-in-law. The lounge is named for his son, who he has with his 'right hand' in the bar, Kerine Campbell.

It was Campbell who actually came up with the idea for the bar's name. Plus, with Campbell's father having previously run a bar, she came with her own ideas.

Together they have found a formula that works, despite him having his day job and despite the competition along the strip.

"People ask us how we do it, but it's not like this was something that was planned; it just came natural," he said.

Going forward, Graham has plans for the bar, but the same small space that makes it so cosy might be working against him.

That might even mean moving the bar, but Graham is adamant that would only be if he found the 'right' location.

"But we a tek time a do our thing; it's a work in progress," he said smiling.