A chef from a long line of chefs

Rejoyce Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter

FOLLOWING in his grandfather and father’s footsteps who were cooks during their time, a young man from Bulawayo has been demonstrating his proficiency in food preparation.

Simbarashe Chimbongodze (27), a qualified Chef from Thorngrove suburb says he first prepared a meal when he was just seven years old, shocking his mother who then encouraged him to be a chef.

He says his passion to be a chef was something that he was born with. He was always glued to the television, watching and following cooking shows.

“Studying Tourism and Hospitality and working at a lodge helped me to apply all the skills that I gained to the business that I recently opened. I worked here and there, but I then moved to pursue opportunities such as having to start my own business.

“I then drafted my business plan, first got a market to sell my hotdogs, burgers and potato chips at the University of Science and Technology (Nust) and the Bulawayo Polytechnic. This is how I started small and did mobile selling. I also took orders from the students there and delivered, meeting the target, demand and supply,” said Chimbongodze.

The popularity of his food has seen him open a fast-food outlet in the city centre. That has not stopped him from doing deliveries to colleges and universities. He makes burgers, pizza, cakes, muffins and cupcakes, sadza, rice, and salads among other foods.

Chimbongodze named his company “Simpson Fast Foods”. “Simpson” is a name that he was given by his mother.

“I cater for weddings, conferences, parties and many other events. I am now familiar with a lot of people, and this is because I prepare the best fast foods for them. However, this journey has not been easy, and I am sure that where I am going there is a brighter future.

“I have faced challenges such as managing costs, marketing my business, creating a unique concept for my business that was going to save me from a lot of competition and securing financing. My journey is continuing and my aim in a few years to come is to compete with these big well-known brands such as Simbisa,” he said.

Chimbongodze runs the business on his own and believes that has turned him into a better businessman and cook. He has managed to attract customers by making his affordable tasty foods. Taking orders and making deliveries around town has seen his business thriving.

He said: “I believe that every little win counts and every progress despite how small it is, is still progress. I love experimenting and I have prepared a lot of different dishes both local and foreign. For example, I have prepared French dishes such as chicken chasseur, grilled chopped beef steaks with marjoram shish kebab and grilled loin of Elk.

“My favourite dish is macaroni cheese cream mixed with vegetables. It is my favourite because it is very healthy, tasty, contains all the nutrients and the fact that one does not need to add anything as it is the main dish on its own.”–@ReeSibanda