First dual-brand Scooters Pizza and Maxi’s store commence trade

Taste Holdings Food Division, of which Scooters Pizza and Maxi’s are subsidiaries, has successfully managed to join these two individual brands with the creation of a combined store concept. The coupling of the two brands within the fast-food and restaurant industries is will provide an impetus for the Taste Holdings Food Division’s overall development strategy this year.

“The concept of synthesising the two distinct brand identities of Scooters Pizza and Maxi’s has been thoroughly examined and researched. Taste Holdings has been considering the notion for a while, but had to assess critical elements including, but not limited to, site selection, store layout, brand positioning, meal offerings, competitor activity and retaining key fortes,” says Christo Calitz, CEO of Taste Holdings Food Division.

Calitz says that the joint stores are distinctively set out with one main entrance and different counters for both Scooters Pizza and Maxi’s, “The layout of the store will ensure that each brand does not lose their strategically sustained identities, but rather build on each other’s strengths. With the combined offering we are certain that store numbers will continue to grow nationwide as it appeals to more franchisees and developers alike.”

He emphasises the advantages of the combined store for franchisees, “In addition to addressing wider consumer needs and tastes, the shared areas result in the franchise being more affordable, ultimately doubling the recipe for financial success. While initial costs may hinder potential franchisees, the long term rewards such as personal and financial growth within the franchise industry is definitely worth the investment.”

Calitz concludes that Taste Holdings Food Division intends to develop more combined stores as part of its national long-term growth strategy. “The first dual-branded stores recently opened in Vryheid and Bergville, while more are in the pipeline for this year. We are focused on disciplined expansion into selective markets and believe that the new growth strategy will give our competitors some food for thought.”