Simbisa Brands began in 1987 with Chicken Inn in Harare, sparking Africa’s iconic QSR journey.
Every great story has a beginning—and for African fast-food giant Simbisa Brands, it all started with three simple words: "Luv dat chicken." When the very first Chicken Inn opened its doors in Harare in 1987, it was more than just a restaurant launch. It marked the birth of a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) empire and the rise of one of Africa’s most iconic and beloved brands, setting the stage for Simbisa’s remarkable journey across the continent.
Built on a simple promise of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and affordable prices, Chicken Inn has grown from a single outlet into a pan-African powerhouse. This profile explores the DNA of the brand that started it all.
The Brand: A Zimbabwean Original
Chicken Inn's brand identity is rooted in its heritage. As a proudly Zimbabwean brand, its initial focus was on serving the local community with a menu that was both delicious and accessible. The core philosophy established on day one continues today: use only the best A-grade chicken, premium spices, and fresh ingredients to create a distinctive taste that customers can rely on, every single time. This unwavering commitment to quality is the cornerstone of its exponential growth across the continent.
The Menu: Home of the "Meal of the People"
While the menu is broad, appealing to both individuals and families, one item stands alone as a cultural icon: the 2-Piecer. Affectionately known as the "meal of the people," this simple, satisfying option is a top seller, fueling thousands of on-the-go consumers daily. The full menu is a testament to the brand's expertise:
Signature Fried Chicken
The legendary fried chicken pieces, renowned for their crispy coating and juicy interior, are the heart and soul of the brand.
Famous Hand-Cut Chips
A key differentiator, the famous hand-cut chips are prepared fresh daily in every outlet, offering a quality that sets them apart from frozen alternatives.
Diverse Offerings
From fried chicken burgers and spicy wings to fresh rotisserie chicken, the menu provides a wide range of choices to satisfy any craving.
Value for Money
For over three decades, Chicken Inn has maintained its promise of offering delicious, high-quality meals that provide exceptional value for money.
The Experience: Convenience and Quality
Chicken Inn's success is also built on a deep understanding of its customers' needs. The brand has invested heavily in creating a convenient and accessible experience. The rollout of modern drive-through services in multiple locations across Africa caters to the fast-paced lifestyle of its consumer base. This focus on convenience, combined with the guarantee of a high-quality meal, has solidified its position as the go-to choice for a quick and satisfying meal, further driving the ever-increasing footprint of both Chicken Inn and its parent company, Simbisa Brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken Inn's most famous and popular meal is the '2-Piecer.' It is widely known as the 'meal of the people' and is a top seller, satisfying thousands of customers daily with its value and signature taste.
The first Chicken Inn outlet opened in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1987. It was the inaugural brand in what would later become the Simbisa Brands fast-food empire.
Chicken Inn's brand promise is built on using the freshest, locally sourced A-grade chicken and premium spices to deliver a consistent, high-quality taste at an affordable price. Their famous hand-cut chips, made fresh daily, are also central to this commitment.
Polaris Systems: Our approach works so well because we provide a single point of contact for every customer, creating multiple efficiencies. We aim to ensure a seamless experience, resulting in partnerships that deliver improved value and minimal downtime. This is how we achieve true customer satisfaction.
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