This archive report was first published on 9 July 2021.
Java House Africa Eyes Expansion Amid COVID-19 Challenges ¶
Friday, July 9, 2021
Java House Africa, a leading restaurant chain in East Africa, is planning to expand its presence in the region, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company, led by CEO Derrick Van Houten, aims to open 30 Kukito outlets in the next five years, creating 200 jobs.
Van Houten, a former KFC executive, joined Java House Africa in March 2021. In an interview with The Business Daily, he outlined the company's plans to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and expand its presence in Kenya and East Africa.
According to Van Houten, the company's recovery from the pandemic has been good, thanks to the new pillars introduced when he took over. He attributed the company's success to the simplification of processes, improvement in customer service, and the introduction of new menu options.
Java House Africa has been able to adapt to the pandemic by delivering meals to customers, which has helped cushion the company's bottom line. The company's overheads are also lower than those of big hotel chains, giving it a competitive edge.
Van Houten also highlighted the company's plans to expand its presence in Kenya and East Africa, with a focus on opening more branches in Nairobi and other parts of the country. The company aims to create 200 jobs through the expansion of its Kukito brand, which offers grilled chicken and chips at affordable prices.
