Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia

Ci Gusta in Congo: A Delicious Adventure

For almost three years now, Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia has opened its doors in Congo, with the aim of bringing the authentic taste of Italian cuisine to the capital’s and by creating something unique in the country. It all started when Mr Mohamed discovered our franchise during a food event in Dubai. Impressed by the passion of the team and the quality of the products, he decided to bring Ci Gusta to Congo, obtaining master franchise rights despite all the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his determination enabled him to overcome every challenge and to succeed in opening the first shop of our franchise in Brazzaville on 17 October 2021. Success that was soon replicated with the opening of a second shop in Maya-Maya airport. 

Dealing with a wide range of products, including gelato, pasta, pizza and pastries, has been one of the biggest challenges for Mr Mohamed. Of all of them, the artisanal gelato won the hearts of the residents of Brazzaville and became the symbol of his shop. The success of this product was not only due to the quality of the raw materials but also due to Mr Raad’s profound knowledge of local food tastes. Thanks to this expertise, he was able to create a unique and authentic gastronomic experience, mixing Italian and local flavours to satisfy all palates.

Over time, Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia has established solid ties with the community through various initiatives. First of all, in order to valorise to the maximum the ingredients coming from this extraordinary land, it was decided to introduce the ‘Made in Congo’ label. This label is meant to inform customers that all the raw materials used for the different preparations are sourced locally, thus demonstrating the franchise’s commitment to supporting local producers. In addition, by 2025, the use of local ingredients, especially fruit and vegetables, will be further increased.

Our franchise’s plans do not stop here! In fact, Mr Mohamed and his partner are planning to open a third shop in Pointe-Noire. When we asked what is the key to opening a successful Ci Gusta, their answer was very clear: ‘Dedication and adaptability are key. Understanding the local context, carefully selecting ingredients and building a passionate team is essential in this industry”. It is with this mindset and vision that we look forward with confidence to new challenges and opportunities that await us in the future.

Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia: A Successful Gelato in the Heart of Bamako

Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia has found two extraordinary ambassadors in Mali; Mr. Chadi and his wife. Together the two of them have been running a restaurant for more than four years that has brought the magic of Italian food to the lively city of Bamako. Their successful journey is an example of the strength that the Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia brand has in conquering new markets and adapting to local challenges.

A Journey from Senegal to Mali

The story of Mr. Chadi and Mrs. Chahnaze, as franchisees of Ci Gusta in Mali, begins in Senegal. In fact, it was during his return trip from this country that Mr. Chadi first came into contact with the world of Ci Gusta in Dakar. This encounter was a true revelation, as he had been contemplating opening a gelato shop in Bamako – the capital of the Republic of Mali – where at the time there were only a couple of establishments. Subsequently, the experience that ultimately solidified his interest and convinced him to open his Ci Gusta in October 2019 was his visit to another franchise store in Benin. Thus began an exciting entrepreneurial adventure that turned this couple’s dream into a reality.

Gradual Steps and Constant Adaptation

Today, anyone entering Mr. Chadi and his wife’s establishment can enjoy a piece of Italy through their delicious gelato and pastries or enjoy an authentic pizza with a variety of toppings. On another note, managing such a diversified range of both sweet and savoury products has been a gradual process that required time and dedication.

The couple’s most significant challenge was undoubtedly adapting traditional Italian dishes to local tastes, as the customers were accustomed to very different foods and flavours. To face this challenge, the collaboration between Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia team and the future franchisees proved crucial. In fact, Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia provided essential support through its chefs and experts who actively contributed to the development of a menu, staff training, and continuous support in adapting recipes to local preferences.

These aspects proved to be indispensable through gradually introducing new flavours and products, ultimately aligning them with tastes that the customers were more familiar with. Fundamentally, this strategic approach – combined with the managers’ extraordinary passion – helped create a unique offering in the Malian market, allowing their shop to significantly stand out in the country’s capital.

Quality and Deep Roots in the Community

Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia has thrived in Bamako thanks to two fundamental pillars that have truly made a difference for the local community. Firstly, the quality of its products, especially the gelato, has been an unbeatable strength. The constant innovation and high quality of Ci Gusta Reggio Emilia’s products have manifested through the tireless commitment of Mr. Chadi and his wife, providing residents with unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

Furthermore, the design of a dedicated children’s area inside the store played a key role in capturing the community’s attention and affection. This space not only made the establishment a reference point for all Italian cuisine lovers but also transformed the entire environment into a welcoming and family-friendly place. In this way, Ci Gusta Mali is not just a gelato shop; it has become a gathering place where the quality of the products and the warm atmosphere come together to create a unique experience that resonates in the heart of the community.

The Recipe for Success

Mr. Chadi concludes our conversation with some valuable advice for future franchisees, emphasizing that success, in his opinion, depends not only on providing high-quality products but also on the deep integration into the local community.

Actively participating in local events and understanding the community’s needs is crucial for increasing brand visibility, building trust, and a sense of belonging. Furthermore, he stresses that remaining flexible, adapting to changing local market needs, being ready to innovate, and maintaining an open mind are the keys to thriving in the long term, as trends, tastes, and customer expectations continuously evolve. To summarize, these combined elements constitute the essential foundation for becoming a successful franchisee in the dynamic and diversified Malian market.