Fully describe the business's activities?
This well-established, family-run Italian restaurant in Cape Town, specializes in authentic Italian cuisine, particularly wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a variety of Italian-inspired dishes.
The restaurant is known for its warm, rustic ambiance, community involvement, and commitment to quality, using mainly locally sourced ingredients.
They offers vegan and gluten-free options, a dog-friendly menu, and supports local charities through initiatives like âPay It Forward.â
It operates as a sit-down restaurant with takeaway and delivery options, and also sells frozen pizzas and house-made liqueurs through retail channels.
How long has the business been established?
2009 but officially since 2014.
How long has the owner had the business?
Since inception.
Give a breakdown between sit-down, takeaways and deliveries
⢠Sit-down: The primary focus, with both indoor and outdoor seating, including a family-friendly play area - 80 %
⢠Takeaways: Available for collection; pizzas and other menu items can be ordered for pickup - 10 %
⢠Deliveries: Offered via third-party platforms (e.g., Mr D, Uber Eats) - 10 %
How does the business operate on a daily basis?
The business operates 7 days a week, with lunch and dinner service.
The owners only deals with payments and wages and the 3 managers runs the restaurant.
Should the buyers want to be hands-on, one of the managers can be reduced.
The business currently open from 4pm Monday to Thursday and from 12 noon on Friday and weekends.
The business prides itself that quality and consistency remains in place.
Staff prepare fresh ingredients daily, and the restaurant is open during loadshedding.
The business is community-oriented, with regular specials and charity initiatives.
How are the clients attracted to the business?
⢠Reputation for quality and authenticity (awarded âBest Pizzeria in Africaâ in 2019 and 2021)
⢠Community involvement and charity work
⢠Family- and pet-friendly environment
⢠Specials (e.g., 2-for-1 pizza nights, senior discounts)
⢠Strong word-of-mouth and online reviews
What Advertising/Marketing is carried out?
⢠Active social media presence (Facebook, Instagram)
⢠Website with menus and specials
⢠Listings on restaurant and tourism platforms (Tripadvisor, Restaurant Hub,)
⢠Community engagement and charity events
⢠Occasional local press coverage
What competition exists?
Competition includes other Italian and pizza restaurants in the area and various local eateries.
However, their loyal customer base have been built over a decade by differentiating themself through quality, community focus, and unique offerings (vegan menu, dog menu, charity work).
What are the seasonal trends?
⢠High season: Summer months (DecemberâMarch), weekends, and holidays see increased patronage, especially for outdoor seating.
⢠Low season: Winter months are quieter, but the cozy indoor setting and fireplace attract locals.
Specials and community events help maintain steady trade year-round.
Is the business VAT Registered?
Yes
Are there up-to-date Management Accounts available?
Yes
What Balance Sheet and Income Statements are available?
The Owners wishes to sell the Members Interest in the CC.
The business will be sold on a cash free, debt free basis.
How could the profitability of the business be improved?
1. Increase Revenue Streams
Expand Delivery & Takeaway: Promote and streamline delivery and takeaway services, especially during quieter seasons or for customers who prefer eating at home.
Retail Products: Increase the range and distribution of frozen pizzas and house-made products (like liqueurs or sauces) to local stores and online.
Events & Functions: Host more private events, parties, and corporate functions, especially during off-peak times.
Special Menus: Introduce seasonal or themed menus to attract repeat customers and create buzz.
2. Boost Marketing & Customer Engagement
Loyalty Programs: Implement a loyalty or rewards program to encourage repeat business.
Targeted Promotions: Run targeted promotions during slow periods (e.g., winter specials, family nights, or âkids eat freeâ deals).
Social Media & Online Presence: Increase activity on social media, share customer stories, and leverage user-generated content to attract new customers.
Collaborations: Partner with local businesses, schools, or charities for cross-promotions and community events.
3. Optimize Costs
Menu Engineering: Analyze menu item profitability and adjust pricing or portion sizes. Focus on high-margin items and consider removing low-performing dishes.
Supplier Negotiations: Regularly review supplier contracts and negotiate better rates or bulk discounts.
Waste Reduction: Implement tighter inventory controls and reduce food waste through better forecasting and portion management.
4. Improve Operational Efficiency
Staff Training: Invest in staff training to improve service speed and upselling skills.
Technology: Use technology for reservations, ordering, and inventory management to reduce errors and save time.
Energy Efficiency: Invest in energy-saving equipment and practices to reduce utility costs, especially given loadshedding challenges.
Trading Hours: Expand the trading hours - currently only opening at 16:00 on weekdays
5. Enhance Customer Experience
Ambience Upgrades: Small improvements to decor, comfort, or entertainment (like live music nights) can increase dwell time and spend per customer.
Feedback Systems: Actively seek and respond to customer feedback to improve service and address issues quickly.
What is the total staff complement?
The most senior manager retired in May 2025.
The business now has:
- A General Mananger
- A Manager
- A newly appointed Junior Manager
Approx 20 staff members
⢠Kitchen staff (1 x chef, 1 x souz chef, 3 helpers, 5 x pizza makers )
⢠Front-of-house ( 6 x waiters)
⢠Support staff (Barman)
Some staff have been with the business since inception.
Do any receive special perks or incentives?
The 2 Senior Managers get Bonusses and occasionally the Waitrons get incentives.
Are they on contract?
Yes
Do any have management potential?
Yes
How involved is the Owner in running the business?
Owner does all banking, payslips and wages, Menu designs and wine list as well as deal with invoices and orders.
They also have a weekly managers meeting.
When does the current lease end?
A new lease have been signed for 4 years with a 3 year renewal.
Is there an option of renewal & what period?
3 years
What is the annual escalation %?
6,5 %
What are the trading hours?
Mon to Thursday - 16:00 - 22:00
Fri - Sunday - 12:00 - 22:00
What is the square meters of the business?
295
Is a copy of the lease available?
Yes
Do you require a licence?
Liquor license in the name of the CC
What lease deposit and/or other surety is required?
1 month.
What are the main assets of the business?
A full asset list is on file.
⢠Wood-fired pizza oven
⢠Kitchen equipment (stoves, fridges, prep stations)
⢠Furniture (tables, chairs, outdoor seating)
⢠POS system
⢠Play area equipment
⢠Branding and signage
Are any items not included in the sale?
The Coffee Machine belongs to the coffee supplier. All that is needed is that the restaurant purchases its coffee from them
How have they been valued ?
Owners Valuation - fair market 2nd hand value
Which assets are on lease/HP and with whom?
The Dishwasher is on lease.
The Water Dispenser is on lease.
Will Seller settle or Buyer to take over?
Buyer to take over as part of the members interest.
Are they presently insured?
Yes
Strengths?
⢠Award-winning reputation (âBest Pizzeria in Africaâ)
⢠Loyal customer base
⢠Strong community involvement
⢠Unique offerings (vegan, gluten-free, dog menu)
⢠Consistent quality and owner involvement
Weaknesses?
⢠This is a destination store in a suburb but on a main road
⢠Seasonal fluctuations
⢠Limited parking (typical for the area)
Opportunities?
⢠Expand delivery and frozen pizza sales
⢠Increase marketing to tourists
⢠Host more events and functions
Expand trading hours
What is the reason for the sale?
The owners wish to retire.
Why is this a good business?
⢠Strong brand and reputation
⢠Consistent profitability and cash flow
⢠Loyal customer base and community support
⢠Award-winning product
⢠Opportunity for further growth in delivery, retail, and events
This is a turnkey, well-established business with a proven track record and significant goodwill in the area and greater Cape Town area.
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