SANParks in dispute with Mugg & Bean and Debonairs

South African National Parks (SANParks) is in a dispute with the operator of former Mugg & Bean and Debonairs Pizza outlets at certain rest camps in the Kruger National Park (KNP).

Meanwhile, the operator, Famous Brands, said that they had terminated their franchise agreement between the group and the franchisee of these Mugg & Bean and Debonairs Pizza outlets.

According to SANParks’ acting head of communications, William Mabasa, a dispute has been declared following a host of complaints by guests on various social media platforms in relation to the quality of service experienced at Mugg & Bean and Debonairs Pizza restaurants at Letaba, Satara and Olifants camps in the KNP.

Restaurant operations at Mugg & Bean Lower Sabie and Wimpy Pretoriuskop are unaffected, as they are owned and managed by another franchisee.

SANParks is currently embarking on an arbitration process with the operator in question and is unable to confirm how long the process will take.

“Arbitration proceedings are under way,” said Mabasa.

He said: “SANParks will endeavour to put temporary substitutes in as operators of the restaurants particularly during peak times.”

“SANParks management sincerely apologises for the inconvenience,” said Mabasa.

Famous Brands has in the meantime requested for these outlets to be debranded, but food will be available at the outlets and the restaurants are still operational, although all the branded products might not be available.

“Famous Brands has regretfully terminated the franchise agreement between the group and the franchisee of the Mugg & Bean and Debonairs Pizza restaurants at the Letaba, Satara and Olifants camps in the KNP,” said Frederic Cornet, spokesperson for Famous Brands.

“Despite interaction with the franchisee following a breach in terms of the said franchise agreements, the franchisee failed to remedy the situation notwithstanding having had opportunity to do so,” said Cornet.

The franchise agreement stipulates that in the event of termination, all intellectual property belonging to Mugg & Bean and Debonairs Pizza must be removed by the franchisee within 10 days of termination of the agreement.

“The debranding process will commence shortly, and the now ex-franchisee has indicated that the outlets will be run as independent operations,” said Cornet.

Famous Brands also apologised for any inconvenience experienced by patrons of the restaurants. – Caxton News Service