Urban African dining restaurant chain, Moyo, has made a robust comeback under the direction of Fournews, and is experiencing positive revenue growth from their five restaurants in Melrose Arch, Zoo Lake, Ushaka Marine World, Kirstenbosch and Blouberg. This in just over a year since emerging from a business rescue plan implemented in 2013.
“Aside from saving one of South Africa’s most recognised restaurant brands, the main purpose of the business rescue exercise was to save jobs, and this was successfully accomplished with 400 jobs maintained,” says Moyo’s National Marketing and Sales Support Specialist, Lynette Balie.
Fournews, is custodian to some of South Africa’s most loved and well established brands such as Café Fino, News Café, Smooch frozen yogurt, Illy coffees and Brooklyn Brothers. With their 20 years industry experience, the company is certainly reigniting the brand to be as fresh and exciting as their other established brands. The five Moyo stores are being transformed into franchises to align to the rest of the group’s brands, but more importantly, to ensure a wider market saturation
“We’ve implemented a strategy primarily aimed at tourists and we’re delighted that tour operators are now beginning to book their groups with us again. Today our offering rests on our commitment to these promises: we will always meet, greet and seat our guests; guests are welcomed with a hand washing ceremony and a traditional Moyo face-paint; a quick and efficient beverage service is provided; we serve complimentary Moyo flatbread; we offer a comprehensive explanation of the menu; as well as entertain and delight guests throughout their visit and afford them a proper farewell that makes them feel special and valued.”
Moyo is well known for offering some of Africa’s finest dining choices, whether patrons are in the mood for lunch or for dinner. The restaurant offers guests the choice of two menus, the Origins menu offers options reflective of the African continent, along with a few traditional South African items. If guests want a lighter meal option, they can always go with the Life menu. A separate children’s menu is also available for Moyo’s littler fans.
Larose adds that it goes without saying that Moyo continues to extend the same offering to the domestic market as well as in-store promotions aimed primarily at the locals. This includes the highly popular: Melrose Arch Woza Weekends; the Family Drum and Dine at Zoo Lake; and the Celebrating Senior Citizens 30% off on Tuesdays at Blouberg, Kirstenbosch and Zoo Lake.
“We are proud of the original Moyo concept of live music and a unique African dining experience that has remained a benchmark of the evocative Moyo restaurants around the country, and as we grow the brand we look forward to becoming more accessible to a wider clientele.
“Moyo is definitely back on the map and we’re excited about what the future holds for this unique African chain and look forward to serving the delicious and uniquely African meals that our patrons have come to expect from us,” Larose concludes.
