Chicken Slice are our ‘Little brothers’, says Simbisa MD

Zim Now Writer

Simbisa Brands managing director Warren Meares has claimed that Chicken Slice which is headed by businessman Tawanda Mutyebere cannot be regarded as a competitor to Chicken Inn.

Meares believes that Chicken Slice is good at copy and pasting their business models.

The two companies recently locked horns in the courts over branding and naming of products.

However, the Simbisa MD claimed that they do not have qualms with Chicken slice and when it comes to business, claiming that Chicken Slice is a little brother who is copying.

“We have got no qualms or animosity with Mr Mutyebere in any way. If anything, concerning Mr Mutyebere — and you are someone on the street, wherever we go, he follows. We went to Braeside, he followed, we went to Walk Tall West End, he followed, Kadoma he followed, we went to Gweru, and he followed, and we were in Bulawayo he followed,” Meares said.

“When I see him, I stop and have a chat. I don’t have any qualms with him. If anything, I love the fact that he can become successful, and competition is good. I see KFC (American global chicken fast-food store, with outlets in Zimbabwe) more as competition than Chicken Slice. KFC is an international brand. It is a big name, it is a strong name, which is real competition. Chicken Slice is our little brother who is copying us.”

This comes as Chicken Slice boss Mutyebere accused Chicken Inn of using bullying tactics after the Simbisa-owned fast foods outlet tried to bar his brand from using the red and yellow colour. It also comes as Chicken Inn had earlier lost the battle over the use of the word “Luv” on its products.

Chicken Inn argued it had always used “Luv Dat Chicken” since 1987 before Chicken Slice started using “I Luv it” on its burger boxes.

However, High Court judge Justice Sylvia Chirawu-Mugomba last month dismissed Chicken Inn’s application.