Scaling With Soul - What Col'Cacchio GO Means for Entrepreneurship in South Africa

In an economy where small business owners are under increasing pressure and traditional routes to entrepreneurship feel increasingly out of reach, one South African restaurant brand is reframing what scale can, and should, mean.

For Col’Cacchio, scaling in 2026 isn’t about rapid expansion for the sake of footprint. It’s about creating a model that opens doors for local entrepreneurs, supports sustainable business ownership, and meets consumers where they are, without compromising on quality.

Enter Col’Cacchio GO

Designed as a streamlined, fast-service extension of the brand, Col’Cacchio GO was developed in response to shifting consumer behaviour and the realities facing business owners today. With rising operational costs, changing dining habits and increased demand for convenience, the traditional sit-down restaurant model alone no longer tells the full story.

Unlike conventional franchise structures that often require high capital investment and complex operations, Col’Cacchio GO was designed to be leaner and more accessible. The focus is on smaller footprints, simplified menus, and efficient systems, enabling franchise partners to focus on consistency, customer experience, and sustainable growth.

For local entrepreneurs, this shift matters.

In a country where unemployment remains high and small businesses play a vital role in economic participation, scalable models that reduce barriers to entry are increasingly important. Col’Cacchio GO offers aspiring business owners the opportunity to operate within an established brand ecosystem while remaining deeply connected to their local communities.

The model also reflects a broader evolution in how food brands think about growth. Rather than centralising everything, Col’Cacchio GO is intentionally local, adapting to neighbourhoods, high-footfall areas, and the rhythms of everyday life. Each outlet becomes part of its surrounding community, not just another branded location.

From an operational perspective, the GO model has also provided valuable insights for the group’s executive team. Scaling, they’ve learned, isn’t just about adding 

more stores, it’s about building systems that support people, maintain standards, and remain flexible in a changing market.

As Col’Cacchio looks toward 2026, the focus remains firmly on purposeful growth. That means prioritising people over pace, long-term sustainability over short-term gains, and entrepreneurship that feels achievable rather than aspirational.

In an era where scale is often mistaken for success, Col’Cacchio GO offers a different perspective: one where growth is measured not just in numbers, but in impact.

Interested in learning more about the Col’Cacchio GO model, or in exploring how accessible franchise opportunities can support local economies? Visit www.colcacchio.co.za or follow the brand’s journey on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Col’Cacchio: Italian inspiration, South African heart… and sealed with a Chef’s kiss.

Issued by:

Lauren Josephs 

Paddington Station PR

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

021 447 0564

On behalf of:

Jenifer Hole

Col’Cacchio

Chief Marketing Officer 

More About Col'Cacchio

Established in 1992, Col'Cacchio is one of South Africa’s most iconic Italian-inspired brands, renowned for its gourmet ingredients, inventive flavour combinations, and uncompromising quality. With over 30 years of tradition and success, the brand continues to evolve—bringing its signature taste to new formats and audiences. From its beloved sit-down restaurants to the launch of Col'Cacchio Go and its new frozen pizza range in leading grocery retailers, Col'Cacchio remains committed to delivering premium, accessible pizza experiences. Every product reflects the brand’s passion for flavour, innovation, and the shared joy of good food.