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Carlo Gonzaga

Taste Holdings

Impact metric

264% growth in revenues since selection

“I saw an opportunity to promote a culture of entrepreneurship through a restaurant franchise model in South Africa.”

Country

South Africa

Industry

Consumer

Employees

370

Year selected

2007

Website

Taste Holdings

Company Snapshot

Carlo guarantees you’ll have your pizza in 39 minutes or less. But, since the founding of his first restaurant franchise in 2000, he’s been delivering a lot more than just pizza. Through Taste Holdings, a restaurant franchising company that franchises the Scooters Pizza and Maxi’s Grill trademarks throughout South Africa, he has delivered thousands of new jobs — 90% of which are held by historically disadvantaged individuals.

Carlo promotes a culture of entrepreneurship through his franchise model. Over 30% of franchises are owned by PDIs and over 80% of managers within the franchises are historically disadvantaged individuals. Since selection, Taste Holdings expanded its business from food franchising to jewelry franchising. It acquired NWJ Jewelers in August 2008.

Endeavor and Taste Holdings

In addition to local mentoring and introductions, Carlo has benefited from the G-Lab program, an Immersion Tour, and best practice exchanges with another Endeavor company.

He remains highly active in the local network, participating as a speaker and panelist, and as a mentor to fellow Entrepreneurs.