Maxi’s franchise offers exciting opportunities for emerging business people

The franchise industry is increasingly being viewed as a major contributor to the South African economy, with information being shared at the recent International Franchise and Entrepreneurs Expo in Johannesburg that this industry contributes over R287-billion a year in economic activity.

One of the local food franchises offering a prime opportunity to capitalise on this market is family restaurant Maxi’s, which has grown to 65 outlets since the original 28 outlets, when Scooters Pizza bought Maxi’s in April 2005.  Scooters Pizza, Maxi’s, Fish & Chip Co, NWJ and St Elmo’s now operate under the holding company Taste Holdings. One of the primary reasons for the exponential growth of this company is the trusted name it has created in the food industry, as well as the ongoing support it provides to those looking to purchase one of its franchised stores.

Every new Maxi’s owner receives the benefit of a dedicated franchise consultant who provides support and advice on all aspects of running the business as well as store operations. These consultants also assist franchisees to optimise the turnover and profitability of each outlet by helping new franchisees compile business plans that are based on best practice models and national averages, while the operations team also assists with the implementation of local store marketing plans.

Franchisees can further rest assured when trying to increase the scope of their businesses, as the consultants help oversee the implementation of national promotions.

Training is also provided on a continual basis, with new franchisees, their management and staff receiving five weeks of intensive guidance from Maxi's training department. This includes a theoretical overview conducted at one of the regional offices around the country, and further practical guidance that is carried out at a designated training store.

The scope of this training involves both the basics of management and business skills, as well as advice on matters relating to finance and human resource management. The brand's positioning also assists in driving site selection, with prerequisites including high traffic areas that have an emphasis on morning, day time and early evening trade.

Taste Holdings Food Division CEO, Christo Calitz, concludes that Maxi’s is confident of attracting numerous new franchisees in the near future.

“Maxi’s positive and dynamic results over the last eight years have been largely built on the professionalism and attractive business proposition that we offer to ambitious entrepreneurs, which includes a respected and marketable brand name, as well as comprehensive training and support.

“Looking ahead, we have every confidence that our reputation of serving superior quality food and providing customers with a relaxed casual dining experience with quick attentive service will encourage numerous other talented businesspeople to join our family, and benefit from a winning formula.”

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Maxi’s operational franchise model helps employee rise through the ranks

Maxi’s has proven that it is a company that can offer aspiring business people the opportunity to gain real and sustainable career advancement, following 35-year old Jane Tladi’s rise up the ranks at the franchise.

Tladi began her career at Maxi’s in December 1995 as a scullery washer and helped with deliveries for take-always. Subsequently she has progressed to the position of a training manager whereby she is helping new franchisees to understand and buy into the Maxi’s brand and business philosophy.

She notes that being employed at Maxi’s has afforded her career opportunities that she wouldn’t have had otherwise.

“I was fortunate to be able to get a job at Maxi’s after completing Matric, as I didn’t have many career options owing to the fact that I lacked the financial resources to study long term. Maxi’s enabled me to develop my skills and advance in my career, which might not have been possible had they not employed me.

“Being employed at Maxi’s has also helped me to develop in a personal capacity, which made me realise that I should strive to serve as a role model in both my work place and my own community.”

When she is not working hard in training new Maxi’s franchisee to live up to the company’s reputation of being one of the top quick service sit-down restaurants in South Africa, Tladi enjoys spending time with her partner Solly Motukisi and daughter, Otlotleng. She is also currently furthering her management skills through a customer service management course with the University of South Africa (Unisa).

Maxi’s is rapidly becoming the number one family restaurant nationwide, with 66 trendy quick-services sit down restaurants in operation across all nine provinces in South Africa. It creates a unique and memorable customer experience by serving a wide range of freshly prepared and affordable meals, and providing outstanding service in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Greg Binstead, Managing Executive of Maxi’s concludes that Tladi’s career ascent demonstrates that Maxi’s business is people-focused and that the company understands the importance of driving customer relationships and value, while simultaneously developing and encouraging internal growth.

“We are proud and thrilled of Jane’s notable career developments, and this success can be largely attributed to the hard work, dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellence that she has displayed during her employment.

“Her achievements are also indicative that Maxi’s business model is an ideal one for people starting out in the working world, and that we provide an ideal platform for ambitious and talented individuals to develop and grow their careers within the company. Moving forward, we will continue to maintain this winning recipe, and empower others to achieve similar results.”

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Maxi’s people-centric business franchise model drives employee development

Hard work, dedication and professionalism is rewarded at Maxi’s; just ask Gairoonisha Ishmail – better known to her family of regulars as Nisha. The widowed mother of two who began her career at Maxi’s in 1986 is now manager with the trendy family restaurant chain.

Customers at Maxi’s in Alberton are greeted by Ishmail’s welcoming smile, whether it’s for the breakfast rush or family dinners and get-togethers.  “t Maxxsha. owner of her own restaurant.he trendy fast growig I don’t have much of a social life because I am at the restaurant all the time,” the dedicated manager explains. “I don’t have to, I just love what I do,” she adds without apology.

Ishmail’s dedication stems partly from tragedy. When she lost her husband six years ago she needed to provide for her family – her sons Riyaan and Yasseen.  “I had to embrace my life. I could not wish to be someone else as I had children and a career to nurture. Working here at Maxi’s is a rewarding challenge, and it allows me to provide for my children, and that helps fulfill me as a mother.”

When asked what is it about her restaurant that makes customers want to linger over that cup of coffee, or her team want to work even harder, she responds happily: “A hardworking scullery means dishes for a happy kitchen, and a delighted kitchen means a happy waiter, which translates to satisfied customers.

“I believe that team work and a positive attitude is everything, and that by supporting each other, we also learn from one another,” continues the manager with 33 years of restaurant experience.

Ishmail trained to be a manager under Johan Coetzee, the founding owner, in Menlyn before moving to Alberton. She looks back and says the risk of joining a new company has never crossed her mind. “I have been a cleaner, a cashier and a supervisor. I wanted a challenge that would make use of all those skills and add to them. I’m a better person and manager because I learnt from the ground up. I was encouraged to test myself and have been rewarded.”

In her years with Maxi’s Ishmail has learnt much and seen changes as the chain has become the fastest growing family restaurant in the country. She feels the group’s success is as much hers and puts it down to the lessons she has learnt.

Greg Binstead, General Manager of Maxi’s, concludes that it is special people like Ishmael that is the secret ingredient to the group’s success.

“As a people-focused company we believe in building relationships by identifying and nurturing talent from the inside. As our employees understand and believe in this ethos, they spread a message of care and respect to our customers, which ensures repeat business and sustained growth for the franchisee and the organization as a whole.”

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Maxis Franchise scrumptious value offering now available in Overport

The Durban community of Overport will now be able to enjoy the benefit of delicious and wholesome family meals served in a welcoming environment, following the recent opening of Maxi’s Overport at the Atrium Mall. The new store will allow locals and visitors to the mall to enjoy the unique Maxi’s experience of freshly prepared foods of the best quality served in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Greg Binstead, Managing Executive of Maxi’s notes that he is confident that the store will obtain meaningful success.

“Maxi’s has identified that shoppers and consumers in the Overport area are hungry for the value and family orientated service offering that a successful franchise such as ours can provide. Simultaneously, we recognised that locating the restaurant in the Atrium Mall offers a substantial opportunity to launch a thriving business, as there is already an established and marketable customer base.

“As such, through maintaining the core Maxi’s values that have served us so well in becoming the preferred quick service restaurant chain in South Africa, we are confident of making a significant  impact, and obtaining a large-scale and loyal customer base for many years to come. In appreciation of the communities support, we also give back and donate R2,500 to a local charity upon store openings nationwide.”

Maxi’s Overport is owned by Hashicka Bhika, who notes that she was motivated to pursue a career as a Maxi’s franchise owner due to the ongoing support provided by the company, as it provides an ideal platform for new business owners to obtain long term success.

Bhika adds that Maxi’s has provided valuable input and help in terms of various franchising areas, sales, marketing, training, advertising, and store design. Beyond offering customers with outstanding value for money, she believes that giving back to the community through various Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives is important. To demonstrate this commitment, Maxi’s Overport recently donated R2,500 to Gift of the Givers.

She concludes that she has ambitious plans for the store.

“I am committed to helping Maxi’s Overport reach its full potential. Through dedication, hard work, passion, team and a commitment to creating a business defined by superior quality food and attentive service, I intend to ensure that Maxi’s Overport becomes a household name in the Durban region, and attracts customers from far and wide.”

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