Mugg & Bean has experienced a significant expansion in its store network, as its parent company, Famous Brands, has recorded a substantial increase in profits. Mugg & Bean’s history dates back to the 1990s, when Ben and Judi Filmalter took a trip to Chicago and discovered a little coffee shop that prided itself on the spirit of generosity. Inspired by the idea, Ben returned to South Africa and opened the first Mugg & Bean in 1996 at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

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In a business climate that is constantly shifting, the value of trusted business models and strong networks has never been more apparent. This was the underlying tone at the Standard Bank Franchise Networking Summit held in Kwa-Zulu Natal this week, where entrepreneurs, franchisees, franchisors, industry experts and the bank’s franchise sector specialists came together to unpack the realities of doing business in 2025.

McDonald’s South Africa announced the appointment of Max Oliva as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025. The group explained that Oliva brings over three decades of executive experience in retail and supply chain management. He also has a strong track record of delivering operational excellence, building high-performing teams. 

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Chantal Sombonos-Van Tonder followed in her father’s footsteps and is the woman behind Chicken Licken, the world’s most successful non-American-owned fried chicken franchise. George Sombonos, the founder of Chicken Licken, was born into the restaurant business. His father, a Greek immigrant, owned the Dairy Den in Ridgeway, Johannesburg. 

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