Chicken Slice to roll out new outlets

Published: 12 March 2014

Fast food outlet Packers International, popularly known as Chicken Slice, is set to roll out new outlets this year as it continues on its expansion drive and spread outside Harare.

As part of expansion, the retail chain will at the end of this month open a new outlet in Harare's high density suburb of Mbare.

Company founder and director Tawanda Mutyebere told Business Chronicle in an interview yesterday that before looking for opportunities in the regional market, Chicken Slice would ensure that the local market was fully serviced.

"We will be rolling out the new Mbare branch at the end of the month," said Mutyebere.

"As Packers International, our intention is to expand internationally. We are looking for opportunities beyond our borders for expansion. We will however only go beyond our borders when we have satisfied the local market."

Packers International brands comprise Chicken Slice, Creamy Slice, Pizza Slice and Slice Express.

Since rolling out the first outlet in Mvuma in 2010, the multi-award winning businessman has not looked back.

Indications are that the company is likely to roll out outlets in Gweru, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls before venturing into neighbouring countries. The opening up of new branches in other cities is likely to increase competition in the sector largely dominated by Innscor through its Chicken Inn, Creamy Inn, Pizza Inn and Bakers Inn brands.

Mutyebere, who is an accomplished musician, has bagged a number of awards including the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award, Midlands region and the Regional Customer Service Excellence Award under the Zimbabwe Institute of Management last year and the Standards Association of Zimbabwe Excellent Service Award.

Analysts contend that depressed consumer demand will see growth in revenue generation slow down, a development that would also affect fast food outlets.
- chronicle