ZIMBAMBWE – South Africa’s fast food giant Barcelos Flame Grilled Chicken restaurant is set to open another branch in Harare after opening its first outlet in Bulawayo as it seeks to expand into the Zimbabwean market, reports the Herald.
The company director, Benson Muneri, said the expansion of the quick services restaurant into Zimbabwean market will open more employment opportunities.
“We aim to empower our locals by providing numerous business opportunities and employment while we drive this venture,” he said
Barcelos has already invested US$350, 000 in the establishment of its first outlet in Bulawayo and will cost the franchise a total US$4.5 million in the new investments.
The director pointed out that the company also has plans of opening up more outlets in the next one year at different cities across the country.
“Barcelos plans to open five more branches of the franchise in the next 12 months in Gweru, Victoria Falls, Mutare, Rusape, Kadoma and Kwekwe.
Each establishment will employ about 30 to 35 workers and an aggregate of over 500 employees in Harare and more as we expand into other cities.”
Mr Muneri further emphasized that this is in line with the New Dispensation’s mantra of “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” which aims at creating more job opportunities.
“In true African spirit, we have acquired the master franchise licence to roll out this amazing brand in our beloved Zimbabwe.
We strive to contribute towards our economic growth as proud Zimbabweans who have returned home to invest, heeding the President’s call,” said Mr Muneri.
Barcelos is a renowned international quick service restaurant famous for marinated Portuguese styled peri-peri chicken.
The country’s fast food business already boast of established operators such asPizza Hut, RocoMamas, Nando’s, Steers, Chicken Inn, Chicken Slice and KFC with competition likely to increase after the new Barcelos’ investment.
In Zimbabwe, Barcelos is owned and operated by Zimbabwean born Benson Muneri and Cleopas Mugomba in partnership with Barcelos International.
Currently, Barcelos is headquartered in South Africa running 80 successful outlets in the country.
It also has immense footprint in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Botswana, Namibia, Turkey Egypt, Pakistan, India, Maldives, Mauritius, Sudan, Canada, Jordan, Mozambique an dIran.
