The Barcardi Store, located on Bay and East Streets, will begin to undergo a major expansion in the next three to four weeks, Guardian Business has learned.
The expansion to the nearly 5,000 square feet location, which will include a modern retail space downstairs and a bar upstairs, is expected to be completed by March 1, 2014.
Andy Fowler, vice president of human resources and operations, recently told Guardian Business that the proposed plans are currently before the Ministry of Works and the Downtown Nassau Partnership.
"We should have folks in there doing some works hopefully within the next three to four weeks. As a result, there will be tremendous activity going on in the area," he said.
"We will have a retail area downstairs as well as a bar concept upstairs. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag, but it is promised to give our customers quite a unique experience."
Both in the construction and post-construction phases of the project, Fowler confirmed that "quite a number" of Bahamians will be working on the project.
The company is currently finalizing the contractor, a decision Fowler said they are very close to making.
Recently, more than a dozen food and beverage-based businesses operating in downtown Nassau have met to discuss ways to improve nightlife in the area, in ways that would drive more business into these establishments.
The gathering of operators comes as a result of the Downtown Nassau Partnership's decision to allow for the establishment of a Downtown Bar and Restaurant Association that will focus on the creation of a nightlife economy, improving standards and creating better opportunities through food and beverage service.

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