Deal Done for Hungry Lion

Sandiso Qumntu , a broker at Galetti, recently concluded a significant deal with Hungry Lion , a national fast-food retailer. Hungry Lion faced stiff competition from brands like Chicken Licken, KFC, Nando’s, and Pedros. Their aim was to expand in the Western Cape, and they approached Galetti with specific requirements for a new location. They needed a spot in areas such as Lower Claremont, Newlands, and Wynberg, with off-street positioning, high visibility, and proximity to public transport like taxi ranks and bus stops. Additionally, the space had to be between 200-300sqm with sufficient power capacity (150 amps of 3-phase power).

After evaluating multiple locations, including Rondebosch and Wynberg, the ideal site was identified in Claremont. The chosen location, previously occupied by Capitec Bank, offered 227sqm and met Hungry Lion’s requirements. The landlord, keen to fill the space with a national brand, agreed to upgrade the power supply to meet Hungry Lion’s needs, investing nearly R500,000 for the upgrade with the City of Cape Town.

“The space was perfect,”?Sandiso notes. “The willingness to upgrade the power supply demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting the tenant’s needs.”

The process highlighted the importance of clear and consistent communication.?Sandiso ensured regular updates and follow-ups, maintaining a strong connection between all parties involved.

He reflects, “The tenant was very well-educated on the site and had done their market research. Effective and proactive communication was key to keeping everyone informed and engaged.”

Claremont has seen a surge in fast-food retailers over the past 12 months, with brands like Pedros and Hungry Lion setting up shop within 500 meters of each other along the main road. This trend indicates a post-COVID recovery in the area, attracting more fast-food establishments and driving commercial growth. According to the Rode Report, retail confidence remains weak but is improving, indicating a more positive outlook for the future. Additionally, the demand for prime retail spaces continues to rise, driven by the growth in consumer spending and the need for strategic locations that offer high visibility and accessibility.?

Successful deals in the fast-food sector involve various factors beyond just securing a location, such as understanding the consumer base, accessibility, visibility, and specific building requirements for fast-food operations.

“Every deal teaches you something new,”?Sandiso shares. “This one taught me the value of staying patient and persistent. It’s not always straightforward, but with the right approach, you can overcome any challenge.”

Hungry Lion is not stopping at Claremont.?Sandiso continues to work with them to secure another prime location in the CBD, reflecting the brand’s ambitious expansion plans in the Western Cape.?

Having been with Galetti for two years,?Sandiso attributes his success to the company’s supportive culture, fast access to market knowledge, and the benefits of cross-communication in open-plan offices. His background in the residential property industry, where he closed R12 million worth of property in his first three years, laid a strong foundation for his current role in commercial real estate.

“It has been a phenomenal experience working at Galetti. The growth, exposure, and opportunities I have access to are amazing,” he says. “The culture here truly makes a difference, and I am grateful for the support and knowledge sharing across the company.”