South African National Parks Responds To The Branded Restaurants Debate

SANParks has been monitoring the feedback and debate taking place in the various forms of media. There is, as in the case of such announcements, varied and differing opinion, but in general the move has been seen as positive.

 The debate seems to be following a few specific themes, namely;

 1. What research was done to inform the decision to solicit Branded Restaurants?

 2. There will be more road kill due to speeding delivery trucks.

 3. There will be more litter produced by the takeaways.

 A bit of background to the operations of restaurants in SANParks:

 There have been restaurant operations in Parks for many years. In 1931 restaurants in the following Kruger National Park camps, Skukuza, Satara and the Letaba were run by private individuals. These individuals were in fact responsible for all tourism services. In other words they were “Outsourced” In 1945, they were taken over by a company called Kruger Park Services and hence remained “outsourced” They were taken over by SANParks in 1955 who operated them until 2001. The decision to once again “outsource” them was based on the Mckinsey report that found that it would be of strategic value to outsource non-core assets and in addition bases on a PWC report its further found that they were loss making operations, and were therefore essentially being subsidized by public funding. It was the McKinsey report that laid down the basis of what is now termed the SANParks Commercialisation Strategy.

 The restaurant portfolio is a key part of SANParks Commercialization Strategy executed through Public Private Partnerships (PPP). Out of the initial suite of operations that were outsourced through PPP’s processes to private organisations i.e. lodges, retail and restaurants, it was indeed the restaurant operations that proved to be most unsuccessful. In the wake of two failed contacts with private partners, mounting complaints from visitors, SANParks had to look at a new model. It was on this basis that it was decided to look into the options of contracting with new and successful South African Restaurant Brands. 

 Before embarking on the development of a suitable model, two key factors had to be understood. Firstly, what were the main issues driving the complaints, and secondly and more importantly we needed to test the opinions, needs and preferences of our most loyal customers. A survey was conducted online and independently by the University of the North West’s Tourism Research unit (TREES). It was conducted over the periods 7 to 9 November 2011 and 5464 customers participated through invitation, 64% of them were Wild Card Holders. Based on this information (Available on the SANParks website) SANParks developed a revised restaurant PPP model. 

 SANParks engaged on the restaurant tenders in March 2013. The criteria for selection include Functionality, BEE initiatives & PPP fee offered. Functionality covers Environmental Initiatives, Financing and Capital plans, Business, Operation and Design plans and Risks that are transferred to the Private Party. The tenders were evaluated from 17 to 19 July 2013 and the successful operators were announce to the public on the 30 October 2013.

 SANParks is excited that our partners are happy to tone down the signage and interior décor in order to be in more in keeping with the sense of place of each restaurant. 

 Regarding concerns about more road kill due to speeding delivery trucks in the Kruger National Park, please note that Famous Brands will be the franchisor for the majority of restaurants through the Mugg & Bean and Wimpy brands. Along with their expert restaurant & franchising capabilities, they have very good logistical support to their franchisee which was a criteria that was important in making the appointments. It is important to note that Famous Brands will be re-designing the kitchen in order to provide a quality product. The re-design will in some cases lead to an increase in fridge, freezer and storage space and ultimately result in fewer deliveries happening (compared to current). The other large outlet is the Skukuza Main Restaurant where Cattle Baron will be the franchisor and Tourvest Holding (Pty) Ltd is the franchisee. Tourvest has been running the retail outlets in the KNP for over 10 years now. With the Skukuza Restaurant to their existing logistical support, it is unlikely that there will be any additional traffic but rather a consolidation between the retail and restaurant as far as the logistics are concerned. Ultimately though, all of these brand have been built on a sound reputation, something that these operators will not want to destroy due to aspects such as poor management of vehicle fleet operations. 

 It is important to note that due to SANParks’ conservation and Responsible Tourism mandate, emphasis on environmental issues are very prominent in our partner sourcing process. All operators have subscribed to many environmental friendly initiatives which could be far reaching in terms of looking after the environment. They include and are not limited to preferred pest control chemicals, prohibited chemical substances, subscribing to the pest management plan, recycling, use of biodegradable packaging, optimal water use and limiting litter. SANParks is therefore confident that the Private Parties understands our mandate and will partner with SANParks in this regard to ensure that the environment is looked after as good as possible. As reputable brands, they will not want to be the cause of any avoidable environmental damage.

 As we continue to adapt to our guest and environmental needs, we encourage all our guests to visit our restaurants and join us on this journey as we turn this new leaf!

 Issued by: 
 South African National Parks