A flaming success for franchise owner
South Africans are known for their love of chicken as a source of protein, making Summertime Ndlangamandla to build a business around the country’s favourite meat, creating 13 jobs. Ndlangamandla from Mpumalanga, said passion and determination made him believe that he could own a HONCHOS Flamed Grilled Chicken franchise.
The franchise trades under his business Akhule Aphile (Pty) Ltd.
From humble beginnings, Ndlangamandla has five years of experience in the restaurant industry. He started as a waiter and worked his way up to manager at a popular restaurant.
In 2023, his life took a turn when HONCHOS Flamed Grilled Chicken approved his franchise application. He approached the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) which assisted him with a business plan and thereafter helped him secure financing with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa).
“I was working as a manager, at that time. I was dreaming of owning a business of my own… I was provided a platform to pursue my dream.The five years’experience in the fast food out industry made things easier,” he said.
Ndlangamandla's franchise was opened in January 2023.
HONCHOS Flamed Grilled Chicken is a proudly South African brand offering a product range of flame grilled chicken.
Their menu also consists of burgers, shwarmas, hand-cut chips and many more. The franchise began in Pietermaritzburg in 2005 and has grown to 98 Stores nationally with a footprint in Botswana, Lesotho and eSwatini.
Ndlangamandla's business is located at KG Mall - Kwa Guqa Shopping Centre in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga.
He explained that franchising provides an opportunity to buy into an existing, successful business model that comes with a proven track record, a successful training programme, and a solid supply chain.
He advises young people to never give up on their dreams and believe that with determination it is possible.
“To the youth, you have to wake up and start searching for opportunities that will change your life for the better,” he concluded.