Galitobela celebrates 22 years of success
To celebrate 22 successful years in the flame-grilled chicken business, Louis Germishuys, Galito’s founder, launched a special celebratory campaign as a thank-you to his hometown.
MBOMBELA – The campaign light-heartedly nicknamed Mbombela, “Galitobela” for the duration of the campaign, as a nod to the first store in Brown Street opened in 1996, cheekily situated right next door to a competitor.
It all began when, growing up in what was then Nelspruit, Louis enjoyed regular forays into Maputo where he was captivated by his friend’s Portuguese family and their emphasis on savouring and sharing meals, discovering a deep appreciation for the traditional flavours of these original recipes.
“I loved chicken since I was 10 years old and realised the simple joy of shared mealtimes.”
He moved his father’s car out of the family garage and started experimenting with different flavours and cooking techniques, culminating in the original Galito’s Flame Grilled Chicken recipe that is still used today.
Trusting his instincts, Louis chose a location on Brown Street, Mbombela, and opened his first Galito’s flame-grilled chicken store. Growing quickly from one to three outlets, the fourth store was opened in Pietersburg and it thrived from day one: “I started to consider the franchise model and the rest is history.”
Galito’s now operates across 17 countries, with a total of 151 stores – 82 locally and 69 across Africa into Malaysia, Pakistan, the UAE, India and Canada… and expanding!
Still welcoming all guests with the hospitality and warmth of a Mbombela local, Louis plans to open at least 40 more stores within three years. “Our future is bright. No matter where you are in South Africa or the world, home is where Galito’s is.”
And Galitobela reminds us where it all began.
