Food chain ropes in SMEs, launches liquor franchise

FAST-FOOD service operator, Hotplate Grillhouse, has launched a liquor franchise scheme to enable entrepreneurs to access key markets while empowering small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

The scheme, according to Hotplate Grillhouse director, Mr Benson Muneri, will be spread across 22 Hotplate Grillhouse outlets in Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Harare, among others.

Over the past two years, Hotplate Grillhouse has grown to become one of the top service providers in the country’s food market, with their dominance through their philosophy of popularising African traditional food cuisine, which has received recommendations from customers countrywide.

In an interview, Mr Muneri said by launching the liquor franchise they were aiming at empowering SMEs.

“We have thought about how best we can empower our fellow Zimbabweans who strive to be entrepreneurs,” said Mr Muneri.

“The franchise will unveil a low joining fee cost so that small businesses can have the opportunity to grow with us.

“We predominantly want to focus on the food concept as franchisers and would like to empower fellow Zimbabweans to grab this opportunity.”

He said the franchise will also move in to ensure the business plays a role in achieving Government’s vision of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2030.

“The food outlet already commands a massive market in Zimbabwe and this value addition had cropped up due to public demand offering liquor to compensate our African cuisine meals.

“As a collective, the synergy will uplift the overall image of brand.

Interested entrepreneurs who want to take up the liquor franchise can get hold of us easily on our social media platforms or visit any of our branches,” said Mr Muneri.

He said they were targeting to open branches in Gweru, Masvingo, Zvishavane and Rusape in the coming three months.-chronicle.zw