adminBusiness Correspondent
LOCAL fast food chain, Golden Crust Eat and Lick, that recently opened a second branch in Mutare has been applauded for steering President Mugabe’s 10-Point Plan anticipated to maintain economic growth, particularly on job creation.
The two branches in Mutare add to the franchise’s six other outlets dotted countrywide since its entry into the fast food industry in 2008.
Employing 28 people at the Mutare branches alone, the developmental vision of Golden Crust was applauded for spurring employment creation which is direly needed in the country.
Golden Crust Eat and Lick is part of Eyeshigher Holdings which also owns Bestbake Foods (Pvt) Ltd that specialises in production of confectioneries.
Eyeshigher Holdings chairman Mr Isaiah Musabayana thanked the Mutare community for the outstanding support they have had since opening the first branch early this year, which prompted them to open the new up-market outlet.
Mr Musabayana added that support of indigenous enterprises was important especially at present when the economy is subdued by inadequate foreign direct investment and limited fiscal space.
Golden Crust Eat and Lick managing director Mrs Tsitsi Musabayana said the vision was to take their franchise beyond the borders.
“God permitting, we have earmarked three strategic places before we expand beyond the borders.
“It has taken a lot of endurance and determination to reach where we are and we believe more is yet to come from us as we intend to grow the Golden Crust franchise to be rated among the best international fast food chain outlets,” said Mrs Musabayana.
She said the company’s policy on employment was centred on benefiting the direct communities.
“We always employ 75 percent of the working staff locally while at most 25 percent of the critical, specialised staff is hired by credentials on merit. We do this to make sure that we create jobs and ensure that we are of service to every community that we open a branch in,” she said.
Mrs Musabayana added that they also had an 80 percent local procurement policy to support local enterprises and prop up the Buy Zimbabwe concept.
Tabernacles of Grace Ministries International founder Apostle Batsirai Java said it was achievable for the Golden Crust franchise to expand beyond the borders and surpass internationally known fast food chains.
He said a vision and principles of hard work was all that was needed to become successful in life.
“This is a product of hard work and integrity. The problem nowadays is that most Christians do not want to work. They want things on a silver plate. But in the exceptional case of Golden Crust, I tell you that if someone can come from the village and build such a growing business, then beyond doubt the sky is the limit,” said Apostle Java.
Golden Crust started in 2008 with a small confectionery outlet which was later expanded into the Eat and Lick fast food chain. The first branch was opened in Chinhoyi.
The Eat and Lick fast food chain currently has eight branches comprising of two outlets in Chinhoyi, one in Karoi, three in Rusape and two in Mutare.
The Eat and Lick fast food courts specialise in chicken and chips, variety of pizza and sharwamas, while also offering a range of confectioneries and pies.
Online Reporter