Former African Sun boss goes for franchises

Former African Sun chief executive Shingi Munyeza says he has plans to open four new franchised outlets in the country before year-end after expanding his footprint by investing heavily in the resort town of Victoria Falls.

Munyeza, who already operates Mugg & Bean, Ocean Basket and News Café franchises, said he will be launching more franchises, including frozen yoghurt brand Smooch, Simply Asian, Moyo’s and Iligo throughout the country.

“We have four franchises we are bringing into the country. So far we have since opened four shops and they are doing extremely well,” Munyeza said.

He said the franchised outlets will be opened in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls as he seeks to increase the presence of internationally acclaimed brands to the local market.

“We have Mugg & Bean, Smooch frozen yogurt, News Café, an entertainment restaurant among others.  We hope to open some in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. So this has really kept me busy,” said Munyeza who ended his 13-year stint with African Sun in April this year.

He also runs Simply Asian, an international restaurant that serves Thai meals made up of rice, vegetables and river fish.

He said the franchise business has been successful over the last months, hence the drive to increase the number of outlets.

Apart from the retail sector, Munyeza said he remains a key player in the tourism industry after investing in tourism-related companies and lodges in Victoria Falls.

“I am a major shareholder in tourism activities in Victoria Falls: Wild Horizons, Elephant Back Safaris, some lodges in Zambia and Botswana and hire services,” said Munyeza without giving details.

“I am heavily invested in that front.”- The Source

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