Rail Park Mall’s Food Court got a boost on Saturday as Bobonong couple owned Barcelos opened doors to the third outlet.
Taking guests on a journey that led to the opening of the third store Gaothobogwe Radikwata, Managing Director and mother of two said it wasn’t an easy road. “You may see us smiling but you don’t know what we went through,” she said and encouraged Batswana to start their own businesses.
Barcelos representative Shaun Stoltz said in 1998 they embarked on an adventure which resulted in 103 outlets in 14 countries serving one million meals a month.
Before cutting the ribbon to let invited guests feast on the flame grilled Portuguese menu Vice President , Honorable Ponatshego Kedikilwe said the opening of the shop was a testimony to growing participation by citizens in the country’s economy .
In 2009 two Batswana couples formed a company, LEX Investments (PTY) LTD to purchase from their savings, and run Barcelos African Mall and Mogoditshane, but last year the other family was bought out of the business leaving the Managing Director and her husband Loeto Paul Radikwata as the only owners.
“I note with appreciation the vigor, courage, perseverance, strength and negotiating skills employed to convince the bank that the project satisfied viability criteria.
“I’m impressed that this company has employed 43 Batswana with 19 in Rail Park branch only. In addition, the company spends over P300 000 on a monthly basis purchasing products and services from local suppliers. These efforts are in support of government’s initiative of job creation and poverty eradication,” Kedikilwe said.
MP Botsalo Ntuane said it was encouraging to see Batswana youth making it in business and questioned why franchises in Botswana were not in the hands of native. “Government should consider such things,” he said and promised; “We intend to take franchises to task for denying Batswana the chance. We can’t just be buyers only.”
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