Chronicle Editor
Peter Matika, Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO born former soldier Mr Xolani Dube (40) traded his combat skills for culinary ones in 2006 and established a thriving restaurant – Slice Pizzeria in 2013 with his wife Nomagugu.
The establishment has brought a new style in the eatery business, with its signature style – traditional wood cooked pizzas.
Mr Dube joined the army in 1999 and resigned in 2006.
“Whatever leads you to what makes you happy should be pursued with the type of energy needed to make it happen.
And this is the path I chose to be recognised for my passion. And I understand the unprecedented road I took has cemented my family’s success,” said Mr Dube.
“Having spent a part of my life in the corps that is from 1999 to 2006 and having gained life skills I decided to retire.
My wife and I then decided to seek greener pastures in neighbouring South Africa. There we worked in the food and hospitality industry for a company called Tsogo Sun Hotels.”
In 2013 they returned.
“We spent about seven to eight years in the industry and gained a lot of knowledge and skills. Upon our return we realised an opportunity to invest our knowledge in Zimbabwe. That is when Slice Pizzeria was born.
“You know back then pizza was more of a luxury meal and we decided to diminish that notion and turn pizza into an ordinary meal that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life,” said Mr Dube.
He said cooking runs in his family and they have shared the skills they had acquired with their staff.
“We all can cook and have a knack for it and won’t hesitate to go into the kitchen and throw down at any given moment. Cooking chose us and that is why we are good at what we do. I never went to any cooking school after I left the military,” said Mr Dube.
“There’s no question that talent is what drives many successful people in various crafts but handling the demands of the business aspects of the industry needs diligence and patience.
“Learning the business is the most important part of what my wife and I had to do to be as successful as we are. Part of learning your craft is learning how to approach the very thing that will make or break your career.
“We tell most youth and some of our peers all the time to learn the business. We handle the demands by surrounding ourselves with those who have our best interests in mind and at heart. My wife and I plan our schedule along with our team in order to maximise the days to the fullest,” said Mr Dube.
Today the Dubes boast of two branches both employing a combined 40 people in the city and they have hopes of branching out of Bulawayo.
“We have come a long way to establishing what we have and it was all hard work, determination and God’s will. We have two branches that are both doing well and we hope to have more in the future to become an internationally recognised franchise,” said Mr Dube.
The first branch is undergoing extensive renovations.
“The renovations are being led by my wife and I. We hope to see the outlet’s entire interior space being revamped to reflect the signature of our signature pizzas and modern elegance while maintaining the initial charm of the property. We expect to reopen on 25 February. As for now the renovations are progressing well and this will be an entirely new outlet,” said Mr Dube.
He said for the greater part of 2021 they had been slowly procuring materials for the renovations.
The renovations include a bright setting and modern decor, appealing to the eye yet exuding a warm welcoming feel to guests. The renovations will also add elegance, decor plans to add new flooring, lighting, contemporary finishes, lighting, and vibrant colours.
“The renovation doesn’t end there. Slice Pizzeria’s brand identity will also be getting a facelift in the future with a newly redesigned logo, new menus, marketing collateral and revamped website. Both the interior and virtual branding of Slice Pizzeria will be done in a way to complement each other and reflect a consistent look and feel,” he said.
Mr Dube said they would be introducing a delivery service in March.
He added that their franchise does not only offer pizzas but has a diverse menu.
“Our expansion drive was to offer a diverse menu that could cater for everyone and we have never gone wrong,” said Mr Dube.
He noted that his experience in the army taught him resilience and was grateful for every moment.
“There are many opportunities in this country. Those wishing to start projects or businesses should learn to listen to what is on the ground and not what is being flouted on social media.
For example, as a food outlet we often experience hardships with our suppliers. Sometimes they run out of supplies and we are left boggling as to who to turn to. There are opportunities in farming and those cannot be taken for granted,” he said.
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