FAST-RISING local fast-food chain, Eat n' Lick, has opened its 20th branch at the popular Machipisa Shopping Centre in Highfield, Harare, marking a significant milestone in its expansion drive.
According to the outlet’s management, this is part of the company's long-term strategic plan to increase its local footprint before spreading its tentacles into the whole of Southern Africa.
Addressing journalists during a tour of the Machipisa branch on Thursday ahead of its official opening, Eat n’ Lick managing director Tsitsi Musabayana said the company seeks to innovate and diversify its business to meet market needs.
“We are so innovative that we try to come up with ideas of what is missing within the market, and we offer that to our customers. Taking, for instance, our famous shawarma. We are the first ones, actually, ever to introduce that in a fast-food joint but look at it now there is no new fast food that opens without serving a shawarma, (so) we are trendsetters, I believe,” said Musabayana.
“We are highly innovative, and we try to make sure that we improve continuously.”
She added that as competition rises in the fast-food sector, the business has had to diversify in confectioneries to cater for its growing client base.
“We now have a bakery section, which offers fresh confectionery line cakes, and we create a family environment whereby you can come with your family and you can have a variety. It's a family brand,” said Musabayana, who in 2014 co-founded Eat n' Lick with her husband, Isaiah.
Eat n' Lick has grown rapidly, and now boasts of having branches in Harare, Mutare, Chegutu, Rusape, Chinhoyi, Karoi, Kadoma, Kwekwe and Chivhu.
Having started off as a teacher and later pursuing a degree in business studies and accounting courses, Musabayana believes there is no limit to her dreams.
"We have been recognized across and that actually gives us the confidence that the community, country and our customers also see, appreciate as well as believe that we are the best brand that they can find.
We really appreciate it (because) it actually enables us to stand tall and walk confidently in this competitive market, knowing that our customers, our people believe in us.”