Mike’s Kitchen, is a 47-year old system and one of the pioneering brands in franchising in the country. Established in 1972, the first Mike’s Kitchen store was opened in Greenside, by founder Mike lllion. Since then the brand went on to become a household name in South Africa.
Mike’s Kitchen is synonymous with Family Time and its brand values are deeply rooted, since its inception nearly half a century ago on family, generosity and quality. Even though the brand has changed its look & feel over the years, the brand ethos has stayed firm.
In May 2017, the Mike’s Kitchen brand was acquired by NRD Capital, a private equity company, based in the USA with over 1000 units between 5 brands and 15 countries.
NRD Capital is a private equity firm, based in the USA that invests in small to mid-sized brands, both domestically and internationally. Its focus is companies that offer superior products or services and have compelling unit-level economics, and technologies which improve margins for operators. The core pillar of NRD’s strategy is to invest in brands where franchisee success is a central value.
New franchisees and managers attend an intensive 5-week training program. The curriculum includes an introduction to franchising, stock management, basic business skills, finance, store administration, human resources management, point-of-sale training, and marketing.
To ensure they have a complete understanding of the operational aspects of the business, franchisees and managers are also required to complete the kitchen and front-of-house staff training program. Ongoing and on-the-job training for kitchen and front-of-house staff is provided by head office during the course of regular store visits.
Franchisees also receive ongoing support based on best practice models and national averages to ensure profitability of outlets is optimized. Assistance is provided in compiling business plans for stores as well as the implementation of local store marketing plans designed to maximize turnover.
Operational standards & guidelines.
Training & Development
Product innovation & Sourcing.
National brand marketing & Community marketing guidelines.
Financial guidelines & Development services.
Joining Fee: R170 000 excluding VAT
Set up Cost: from R5 mil (dependent on size)
Marketing: 2%
Management: 5%