eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
Harare’s impressive foodscape continues to bulge, with new eateries opening up faster than you can knock back a tequila.
After just two years operating at Fife Avenue Shops, Chop Chop Brazilian Steak is set to extend its services into the capital city’s Central Business District by the end of this month.
Located at the intersection of Angwa Street and Nelson Mandela Avenue, Chop Chop will be opening next to Manhattan Interior branch as it strategically spreads its wings across Harare.
Rated among the best 10 restaurants in the city, offering a variety of delicious meals prepared and served in a warm cozy environment, Chop Chop is also certified to be the best burgers and steak hub.
Responding to The Business Weekly, Chop Chop general manager Isaac Cohen, said they were motivated to open another shop in the CBD after considering the capital’s potential for growth.
“Chop Chop will open a new CBD restaurant by end on this month as we continue to expand in the capital and beyond.
“The Harare market has displayed large potential for growth despite economic challenges and there is such a hunger for excitement. Everything is now in place but we are expecting our paper work from the City Council and other responsible authorities by Monday (Feb 18) testing functionality of equipment,” Cohen said.
“The CBD branch, besides being small is a cool and informal place, semi-open air joint. For that reason, we want to certainly spoil clients when it comes to dining in our magnificent city – from tried-and-tested favourites to lesser-known gems and, of course, specialty restaurants.
“Eating in the same place each day can be boring. Often we only want something small to eat rather than ploughing our way through yet another buffet. However, for us, the options are endless.
“Our first restaurant Chop Chop at Five Avenue Shops offers an environment filled with serenity, a great ambience, and perfect for creating moments with your loved ones, partners, or having time with yourself and this is the kind of service we are extending to the CBD clients.
“Our environment is serene and enables you to concentrate and focus on your planning, whether with a colleague or partner or by yourself,” added Cohen.
Cohen also revealed the concept of not only serving food but bring artistes and fans together for street partying and street dining.
“It’s going to be a unique restaurant. It’s going to a fusion of music, food and street partying for Zimbabweans and tourists. We are looking forward to host artistes, mount stages on the streets, play music and allow our clients to enjoy. It will come a time when we set up tables on the streets and allow food lovers to celebrate and enjoy sunny days during the weekends or month ends.”
Influenced by the popular hit song ‘‘Magate’’ song by rising dancehall artist Enzol Ishall, Chop Chop will also introduce a new cuisine called ‘‘Magate’’.
‘‘Magate’’ is a popular song about a girl who is told by an apostle that she needs to be delivered from her raunchy dancing spirit through buckets (magate) of water.
The fast rising Zimdancehall chanter who is proving to be an unstoppable force in the music industry has his latest hit ‘‘50 Magate’’ song making waves on social media and head chef at Chop Chop restaurant, Douglass Mukucha says the idea is to celebrate local stars by acknowledging their work.
The ‘‘Magate’’ song was further popularised by raunchy pole dancer Beverly Sibanda, and Christabel Mahlungwa aka Kiki Badass, a female rapper as the ‘‘Magate’’ dancing challenge took the city by storm.
Mukucha explained: “Our next famous dish will be called ‘‘Magate’’ dish and comes with a variety from Magate soup, Magate mix, Vegetarian Magate, Beef Magate and Gate Salads. Its for those who want to tickle their taste buds during the month of love.
“These dishes will be available starting this valentine period day. The idea is to move with the times and to celebrate our stars like Enzol. At Chop Chop we work and host many artistes.
We appreciate our artist and we take pride in showcasing our creativity through salivating the capitals palate.”
Mukucha added, “Our duty is to make sure that you get what clients want; a hearty and tasty meal. Through our experience, creativity, and knowledge, we make sure that we deliver the best meals to you.
“We are the ones who make sure that every time we have meal, it’s an unforgettable one, the chef.
In Zimbabwe, Chop Chop competes with other international brands such as Pizza Hut, Nando’s and Pizza Inn, run by Simbisa Brands. There are other numerous known franchises around the country like Rocco Mamas.
KFC also set up shop in Zimbabwe and is currently operating various outlets with the last one having been opened last year in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city.
