By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
PIZZA Hut will open about eight outlets across the country this year following a positive performance of its first outlet at Lusaka’s East Park Mall.
The Dagon Zambia Limited Sub Saharan region managing director Stefano Benedikter whose firm operates as a franchisee of Pizza Hut in the region says the launch of Pizza Hut in Lusaka has received overwhelming response.
He said the Lusaka launch which took place last year would be followed by expansion to other regions in
Zambia with the food chain set to roll out eight outlets across the country in 2015.
In a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Benedikter said this has been prompted by the encouraging performance of the outlet at East Park Mall.
“Our launch in Zambia has given us the flexibility to respond to local tastes, to engage more and provide a product and service that is international in culture but suited to local needs,” he said.
He said the move to adopt an internationally recognised brand was not without consideration.
The world’s largest restaurant company, Yum Brands, with over 15,000 Pizza Hut restaurants globally, was not successful in sub-Saharan Africa seven years ago.
But Yum together with Dagon returned to the drawing board and developed a strategy tailored to emerging markets like Zambia.
“The new business plan for Zambia is based around targeting the takeaway and delivery service. Drop-off distances will also be limited to a few kilometres and this means eventually it will have smaller stores in a number of neighbourhoods.
“The franchise is also taking a responsive approach, choosing to listen to customer’s needs and developing suitable products and services,” Mr Benedikter said.