No matter how challenging the economy, entrepreneurs will continue to look for exciting new opportunities and viable businesses to invest in. The franchising industry offers plenty of these, making up 13% of the GDP according to the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) . “The industry is still growing and entrepreneurs see the value in franchise opportunities,” says Jan De Beer, Managing Executive for Zebro’s Chicken , The Fish & Chip Co. and Maxi’s at Taste Holdings . If you are in the market for a successful franchise here are three important considerations: A.      Select the right business It may seem obvious but you need to do your research and also consider what the best fit is for you personally.  The franchise industry offers everything from van rentals and tool hire to clothing and restaurant opportunities so choices abound. The fast food and restaurant category makes up the biggest piece of the pie with 25% followed by ret...

The new logo on the left The Fish & Chip Co ., South Africa’s leading fish and chip brand, unveiled a new corporate identity, a fresh new menu design and a new store look. The new look is a big departure from the original Fish & Chip Co. creative showing a clean, modern and simple design reinforcing the brand promise of “fresh, hot and a lot.” “The creative process required us to revisit our brand promise, working with our franchisees and asking our customers for their thoughts. What was evident is that our customers and franchisees were looking for something modern yet inviting, that conveys the quality and freshness of our offering. We needed to find a way of keeping relevant and modernizing our look while staying true to the brand and its values,” says Currie. The redesign comes with a new menu design that emphasizes the range of value-for-money meals that are on offer. “It’s important for our valued customers to know that the new look does not equate to higher p...

Carlo Gonzaga Taste Holdings , Nedbank and Brimstone Investment have announced the renewal of their pioneering partnership, Sisonke, which offers funding to potential franchisees that have the ability but lack the start-up capital to open a franchise. Due to its success, this funding model has been extended for a further two years, and whereas in the previous agreement funding was exclusively available to qualifying franchisees of The Fish & Chip Co. , the offer now extends to qualifying franchisees of Zebro's Chicken as well. In essence those entrepreneurs that are interested in acquiring a Fish & Chip Co Franchise or a Zebros fast food franchise and don’t have the full 50% cash contribution which is normally required as a down payment and also don’t have security on offer to support the remaining 50% that is financed, can now put up only a 20% cash contribution and they also don’t have to put up any hard collateral for the 80 % financing component. According to Ma...

Incentives can unlock the potential of franchises An incentive is defined as “something that motivates or encourages one to take action”. Taste Holdings has recognised the significant potential of incentives to achieve a variety of positive outcomes within its franchisees’ businesses, both in terms of increasing brand visibility and sales, and strengthening, retaining and motivating the employee body. Lindy Taoushiani, Divisional Marketing Executive at Taste Holdings, says incentives can also reward customers for their loyalty to the brand. Retaining trained staff and encouraging their loyalty are key objectives for franchise owners. The cost and inconvenience of continuously replacing staff members pushes up direct costs because of the recruitment process, and it can occupy valuable time management and lower productivity in the store while the new employee is shown the ropes, as other employees as well as supervisors, need to invest time into this process to ensure everyone is ...

Starbucks Coffee comes to South Africa in 2016 Starbucks Coffee Company and Taste Holdings today announced a licensed partnership that will see Starbucks stores open across South Africa. For the first time in Southern Africa, Starbucks will open full-format stores bringing the entire range of its food and beverages, including its ethically-sourced Arabica coffee, to South African consumers.   Kris Engskov, president, Starbucks Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Carlo Gonzaga, CEO of Taste Holdings “We are proud to be bringing Starbucks to South Africa next year,” says Kris Engskov, president, Starbucks Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “Working with Taste, our partner, we’re going to deliver a great Starbucks experience.  The coffee market here is vibrant and growing fast – we want to be part of that growth, bringing the passion and energy of this remarkable country into the design of our first store and our first barista team. We can’t wait to get...

New Pizza Business Unit head aims to make Domino’s Pizza Number 1 in southern Africa Roz Sandham Newly appointed Managing Executive of Taste Holdings ’ Pizza Business Unit, Roz Sandham, has set herself the primary task of positioning Domino’s Pizza as the number one pizza company in sub-Saharan Africa. Domino’s Pizza was introduced to the local market towards the end of 2014, and currently has 24 stores open across the country. The Taste Holdings group, who is the Master Franchisee for the region, plans to have a total of 100 stores open before this year is over. Sandham’s immediate role is to maintain the momentum of the roll out of the Domino’s Pizza brand and to oversee all aspects of the conversion of Scooters Pizza and St Elmo’s stores, also part of the Taste Holdings group, to Domino’s Pizza. “It’s truly exciting to be part of the team making history in the local pizza business,” she says. “It’s rare to have the opportunity to be a part of something this big righ...

The sky’s the limit for career-minded staff at The Fish & Chip Co. Sibusisiwe Dube Sibusisiwe Dube’s rapid rise from cashier to store manager is proof that The Fish & Chip Co . offers ambitious staff members a genuine opportunity to advance their careers. Sibusisiwe joined the Mooikloof Village store in Pretoria East as a cashier in 2011, and in just four months she was running the entire store. “The Fish & Chip Co. team encouraged me to better myself and as soon as I realised that with hard work and determination I could become a manager, so I gave it my all,” she says. “I’m very proud of the position I now hold. I want to continue to improve myself and I’m currently studying towards a Diploma in Marketing Management. One day I aim to own my own franchise.” Dube believes the most important aspect of being a manager is keeping both customers and employees happy. She’s achieving this balance with her excellent communication skills and by showing respect to everyo...

Major franchise holder makes the transition from Scooters Pizza to Domino’s Pizza Sheldon Williams Major Scooters Pizza franchise holder, Sheldon Williams, has converted nine of his 16 Scooters Pizza stores to Domino’s Pizza outlets. His other five stores are expected to convert next month, and the last two conversions are set for later this year. This project is part of the nationwide conversion of all Scooters Pizza and St Elmo’s pizzerias to Domino’s Pizza being implemented by Master Franchisee, Taste Holdings, in its bid to position Domino’s Pizza as the number one pizza company in sub-Saharan Africa.  Williams, who bought his first two Scooters Pizza outlets in partnership with his wife, Lisa in December 2006, says his own personal goal is to see Domino’s Pizza become the number one pizza offering in every neighbourhood he trades in.   “We’ve primarily grown our footprint in the industry by acquiring existing stores at premium rates,” he explains. “We saw an o...

Zebro’s Chicken heats things up as temperatures start to drop  There is no denying that South Africans love a braai. Something about the sights and smells, mixed with the bubbling conversation definitely draws people in to want to braai every chance they get. As any excuse to have a braai will do, more and more South Africans are bypassing the home fires and going to Zebro’s Chicken for that incomparable taste experience, which is healthier and tastier than other fast food chicken offerings. Although fast food choices have expanded dramatically in the past few decades, Zebro’s Chicken maintains its appeal for customers through its distinctive braai’ed taste, achieved by preparing its meals over an open fire. The franchise is arguably the only chain of its size to use this preparation method and flavour profile. Owned by Taste Holdings , Zebro’s Chicken has become well known for dishing up premium quality chicken and other dishes at an affordable price that represents real...

Taste Holdings secures exclusive master licence for Domino's Pizza, world's largest pizza chain Taste Holdings this morning announced that it has signed an exclusive 30 year master licence agreement to develop the international Domino’s Pizza brand, initially in seven Southern African countries, including South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.  Zambia and Malawi will follow on the fulfilment of certain conditions. Domino’s Pizza is considered the world's leading pizza delivery brand in both store numbers and unit sales, and has over 10,800 outlets in more than 70 countries. The brand will form part of the growing Taste Holdings stable and will become the group’s leading pizza franchise offering as Scooters Pizza and St Elmo’s franchisees will be given the opportunity and assistance to convert to Domino’s Pizza. CEO of Taste Holdings and founder of Scooters Pizza, Carlo Gonzaga, says that the both Scooters Pizza and ...

When Charlie Oliver needed a new challenge following some five years’ experience at an international franchising group, he decided that ‘local is lekker’ and put his management skills and passion for people to the test by purchasing his own Scooters Pizza store in Milnerton. Oliver summarises his management approach as creating equality for himself and his staff. “A previous employers’ slogan of: ”People capability first and profitability will follow” is one that impressed me immensely and it has stuck with me since then. By allowing employees and management to help run the business processes and be more actively involved, creates an opportunity for them to meet their personal needs, and also my business goals.” He believes that the key elements to running a successful store include skilled and motivated people, sound management and financial practises, and innovative products that meet and exceed customer expectations. CEO of Taste Holdings, Christo Calitz expresses his confi...

There is never a dull moment for taste buds when enjoying a meal at The Fish & Chip Co. The fast food extraordinaire of traditional English style fish and chips overhauled its menu with the addition of scrumptious new dishes that will be served as of the end of May. Lovers of The Fish & Chip Co. will know that the menu is not only limited to standard hake and chips as other mouth-watering options such as russians, viennas and calamari are also firm consumer favourites. As of this month, however, customers will be given even more variety that is sure to keep any food lover hooked. The biggest hit on the updated menu is a speciality dish called the Gatsby. Originating in the Cape flats in the Western Cape, this is a true South African dish that will leave an unforgettable impression and is sure to quiet the hunger pains. This meal combines the best of The Fish & Chip Co.’s menu combined in one long bread roll (similar in the size of a French loaf or baguette) which is cu...

Tommy Roux made the decision to pursue a career as a Maxi’s franchisee in the middle of 2009, he chose Maxi’s as a brand, because he believed that this exciting business opportunity offered stability and the potential for financial growth. He also wanted a store not too far from his home in Pretoria, as he believes that a person should not run a restaurant business too far from home as it is a time consuming industry to be involved with. Before becoming a Maxi’s owner, Roux was a Senior Manager in the exports division of a well-known Japanese car manufacturer that looked after the African market. Roux journey in becoming a multiple store owner started when an opportunity came his way to take over two existing Maxi’s stores, as Roux recognised the potential immediately and now is the proud owner of not two but three Maxi’s restaurants. “The experience gained from my first store enabled me to take on the franchising challenge with confidence.  After owning one store, I wante...

The Maxi’s food group, a division of Taste Holdings, has started with their marketing campaign for the Mpumalanga region and is aiming to drive transactional growth through all of their identified marketing initiatives. The biggest focus area at present will be on primary school children in the region. The kids, and the schools that they represent, will be encouraged to express their creativity by means of their own marketing campaigns as they will need to design an advert for Maxi’s to win. Schools will be sent entry forms for the kids to take part and the aspiring creatives will be urged to bring their completed advert to their nearest Maxi’s store. Weekly winners will be chosen out of the two categories that have been allocated, namely that of children in Grades 1 to 3 and those in Grades 4 to 7. Schools will also be rewarded as the school with the most entries will win a cash prize of R5,000. An overall winner will be chosen from the accumulating weekly winners. Their advert w...

The Maxi’s franchise restaurant chain, a division of Taste Holdings, recently launched their marketing campaign for the Limpopo region that is aiming to drive transactional growth through all of their identified marketing initiatives. The food franchise, that turns 20 years old in 2013, will be offering some tantalising in-store food promotions, which will include the likes of a Mixed Grill as well as their national Mexican promotion. Aside from experiencing the tasty food at a Maxi’s restaurant in the Limpopo region, one lucky Maxi’s food lover can stand the chance to win an all-inclusive and all-expenses paid trip for two to the tropical island of Zanzibar. This island paradise is located off the coast of Tanzania and situated in the Indian Ocean near East Africa and is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, as well as the magic of the historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. This hotspot offers many treasures ...

The Fish and Chip Co. is leading the way in securing black empowerment amongst food franchising companies in South Africa, with 76,57% of its 303 nationwide stores, being black owned. Further, 16,50% of these franchise owners are black women, demonstrating the black economic empowerment success behind The Fish & Chip Co. business model. The company has achieved rapid growth since being established in 2009, with 120 outlets having been opened in 2012 alone, and about 3,300 job opportunities having been created to date. Managing Executive of The Fish & Chip Co., Marcel Strauss notes that the company is proud of its achievements in terms of furthering and creating black owned businesses. “The Fish & Chip Co. constantly strives to be an equal-opportunity employer, and enhance business growth for promising entrepreneurs who were previously disadvantaged. The fact that we have ensured that so many black entrepreneurs have become franchisees within our business over the las...

The Maxi’s franchise restaurant chain, a division of Taste Holdings, has launched their marketing campaign for stores in the East Rand that is aiming to drive transactional growth through all of their identified marketing initiatives. The food franchise, that has been serving South Africa for the last 20 years, has some great new promotions on offer. Breakfast has never been tastier and more affordable, with their filling breakfasts for under R30. The new breakfast promotion includes two eggs, two pieces of streaky bacon, one chicken sausage and toast with the option to ‘Max up’ with either chips, a pure beef patty or a large coffee. Breakfast will surely not keep customers away as the dinner promotion is also too tempting to ignore. Who could deny a decent helping of ribs and wings rounded off with either chips, rice or pap or a side salad? Aside from the good food, service at Maxi’s will also make for a rewarding experience as waiters will also be showing some appreciation for t...

Research indicates that almost 80% of self-start business ventures fail for a variety of reasons. Some of these challenges include lacking the safety nets of tried and tested franchising models in terms of brand or reputational success; access to financing; proven operational methods; access to an established supply chain; and attested products or services specifically aimed at a captive market. Bronwyn Oliveira, Brand Manager of Maxi’s , a family restaurant chain that forms part of the Taste Holdings group, explains why selecting the right franchise brand is probably the most important decision an entrepreneur will make during his or her working career. At Maxi’s we understand that owning and potentially managing your own business could simultaneously be one of the most thrilling, rewarding and challenging  business experiences in the life of an entrepreneur. Whilst exciting times lie ahead for these business people, they should also be aware of potential pitfalls, as statistic...

The new Scooters Pizza Musgrave store owner, Vishnu Govender, believes that serving a customer is an honour and a privilege, and an ethos that he is driving among his employees. Having previously worked in a senior management role at a pulp and paper factory, Govender decided to pursue a career as a Scooters Pizza franchisee to put his business knowledge into practice at his store and because he believes that the fast food industry in South Africa remains a lucrative investment choice. He maintains that the key to running a successful franchise is the ability to understand the needs of the customer and to have a key focus on service delivery and product quality. His management approach entails involving all staff in achieving the transparent store goals set for 2013, and in rewarding exemplary performance through incentives. “My main objectives include returning the business to profitability within the next three months and to increase store revenue by fifty percent within the n...

Sean Lilley, who has recently been appointed as the marketing manager of Scooters Pizza, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having been employed as a senior marketer for over 14 years. Lilley has worked for some of South Africa’s most renowned food brands, including holding a position at Woolworths head office and Nando's global division Worldwide Licensing (WWL). The latter position incorporated foods and franchise marketing in South Africa, Central and East Africa, South East Asia, the Middle East and Cyprus. His duties included developing and implementing integrated Through The Line campaigns, setting up marketing systems, and hiring and training marketing managers and partners in nine countries outside of South Africa for Nando’s WWL. Further, while he was at Woolworths, Lilley managed the marketing function of eight out of ten product categories at Woolworths, and grew many brands exponentially through marketing interventions. He was res...