Premier Restaurants chief executive officer Vishnu Maharaj says he is glad Trinidad and Tobago “likes the prices” at the newly opened Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants at the City of Grand Bazaar mall in Valsayn despite some complaints online about the costs of items.Speaking to journalists at the official opening of the restaurants yesterday, Maharaj said, “I’m happy you guys liked the prices. It has always been a part of my plan to keep up prices as affordable as possible. As a promoter, as a concert promoter—Sesame Street Live, Disney Live...Richard Marx, Air Supply—we’ve always landed the lowest ticket prices that you will buy tickets.”A restaurant bill circulating on social media showed some of the prices customers can expect at the local branches of these US franchises. Social media users criticised the prices of the juices at the establishment, which were between $35 and $40, while others said many of the dishes could be made at home or people can opt for cheaper food options elsewhere.Despite this, Troy Beharry of Premier Restaurants said there were plans to expand the franchise in North and South Trinidad, but he did not give specific locations.“It will take some time to get there, but we are looking forward to moving around the country. And I think a lot of people could get their experience here first, so that they will know what they’re going to expect. As you walk up the staircase, you will see one of the most amazing pieces of architecture,” he said.Beharry said they imported the decor of three top restaurants globally.“It’s worth it just to come in and sit and feel the difference that you will not feel in any other restaurant. And I have been travelling throughout Europe, and from Alaska, and I have put in as much architecture and beauty and a feeling of warmth and peace and comfort that you can sit down and dine with a level of freedom and happiness that you will never forget,” he said.In a previous interview with the Express, Maharaj said it was originally a Red Lobster project on the verge of becoming a reality.It fell through when the popular seafood restaurant filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States.In June 2024, Maharaj became aware of a joint IHOP and Applebee’s venture which was launched in Mexico.