MIKES KITCHEN
Kitchen in Johannesburg

Another price-driven innovation, which was to become a Mike’s Kitchen trademark, was the salad bar, the actual dining area in the first restaurant had a large concrete plinth in the centre, which Mike turned into an enduring Mike’s Kitchen feature, by covering it with a tablecloth and displaying his salads on it. Besides being the first steakhouse to serve spare ribs, basted with a secret marinade, Mike’s also had a distinctive look and promised wholesome, hearty food at affordable prices for the whole family. In the early 80’s Mike’s Kitchen grew extensively and opened 5 stores in Houston, Texas as well as two in Germany. The international expansion was handled by Mike lllion who emigrated in order to further develop the brand. David continued Mike’s Kitchen’s innovative trend by the Mike’s Birthday Club, which was to become an important marketing tool. Locally, David launched Mike’s Kitchen into an extensive growth phase by concentrating on suburban development in order to target the family market. After a succession of managers, the business was acquired by a franchisee and a new company called Kingco was created. It was believed that an entrepreneur with a passion and vision for the group was needed to launch the company into the new millennium and a new beginning. Garry Corney had the drive, passion and vision for the task at hand. After Garry’s sudden passing away, his wife Judy Corney and her team took control with the same vision and passion. Under their control, the group has expanded with exciting, vibrant and dynamic new franchisees joining Mike’s Kitchen. Mike’s Kitchen has also been firmly repositioned as a family restaurant with a special focus on children. Once the apple eventually hit the ground and the paw-paw hit the fan, Mike’s plan was set into motion. The design links the new image to Mike’s Kitchen’s distinguished past, while creating a contemporary atmosphere firmly grounded in the kitchen at home etc. In keeping with Mike’s look and South African family, the menu includes unique South African dishes which supplement the existing all-time favorites and of course, Mike’s famous salad bar and carvery buffet. Mike’s Kitchen pioneered the franchising of restaurants in this country and in so doing, has created a powerful brand image. The team is highly skilled in all methods of food preparation and general restaurant operations. Besides visiting the stores regularly to check on the standards, they provide the franchisees with an invaluable trouble shooting service. All franchisees are provided with a comprehensive Operations Manual, which covers every detail of the Mike’s system and is constantly updated with new recipes, preparation methods and group standards. The franchisor firmly believes in inviting input from the franchisees when reviewing standards and designing new meals for the menu.