In a statement, McDonalds International Franchising said: We have not set a firm date for the development of McDonalds restaurants in Zimbabwe. Eventually we will take steps to open McDonalds restaurants in Zimbabwe. The statement however indicated McDonalds was already seeking potential holders of the franchise in Zimbabwe and would compile a database of potential partners in the country.
These, it said, would need to be of high integrity with business experience in the market, history of success, ability to work well with a franchisor, ability to complete a training programme of about nine months, willingness to devote full-time to the McDonalds restaurant business, retail experience, knowledge of the real estate market and significant capital.
The coming of McDonalds into Zimbabwe would bring competition to the fast food sector, currently dominated by Innscor Africas fast food franchises, Chicken Inn, Bakers Inn, Creamy Inn and Vasilis, a bakery and coffee concept.
Innscor is also the Zimbabwean holder of South Africas Steers, which has over 450 franchises in Africa, and Nandos, a restaurant chain originating from South Africa but with a Portuguese theme.
As if readying itself for the competition, Innscor has already started rebranding its outlets. But one observer pointed out that Innscor could clinch the McDonalds franchise in Zimbabwe. The company fits the description of a potential partner for McDonalds, but would have to face up to scrutiny from the Competitions and Tariffs Commission.
Post published in: Economy