Famous Brands extends footprint in Namibia

In March 2011‚ Famous Brands acquired the franchise agreements‚ trademarks and intellectual property of Milky Lane. A new strategic direction for the brand has subsequently been implemented‚ including a new corporate identity and store design.

Darren Hele‚ Famous Brands chief operating officer: franchising‚ said the group was confident Milky Lane stood to regain its former lustre in a sector that was showing good growth.

"Accordingly‚ we have awarded the Namibian master license for this brand to De Wet Oosthuizen‚ a business partner who has a longstanding relationship with the group and has achieved strong success in the Namibian market."

Oosthuizen began his relationship with Famous Brands in 1997‚ when he acquired a single Steers franchise in Windhoek in Namibia. In 2003 he was awarded the Namibian master licence for the Steers and Debonairs Pizza brands‚ and in 2006 the licence for FishAways. He now owns four Steers restaurants‚ three Debonairs Pizza restaurants and two FishAways restaurants in the country.

There is one Milky Lane in Windhoek and a further restaurant will be opened in Swakopmund in August. It is expected the brand has the potential to support at least 10 restaurants in the region.

"This opportunity will not only create jobs but also help to keep Namibia in step with global trends‚" Oosthuizen said. "Namibia's hot summer climate and short winter lends itself to a vibrant ice-cream culture."

Hele said there were plans in place to expand the base of Steers‚ Debonairs Pizza and FishAways in Namibia by a further 13 stores‚ starting as early as August 2012.

Famous Brands' total network in Namibia consists of 25 restaurants; in addition to Oosthuizen's portfolio‚ the group has 13 Wimpy and two Mugg & Bean restaurants trading in the country.