Hungry like a Lion?
Michelle Phetlhe | Tuesday February 28, 2023 06:00
They created one of those taglines that stay with you, simply unforgettable. We had the opportunity to visit the Hungry Lion branch at the new ultra uber and popular; ‘The Fields Mall’. Nicely positioned away from what would seem is the food court, and just towards the end of the mall where there is a walkway that makes a passage for commuters to go to-and-fro the mall via the taxi rank.
Strategically placed was my thought. After a long day of teaching Arts & Crafts followed by collecting my boys from school, the three of us connected with their dad to go to the mall. Because we had to make a trip home first, we only then got to the outlet around 4pm. Needless to say, we were all ‘hungry like a lion’. They have a predominantly fried Chicken menu with burgers and an assortment of ice cream and as of recent an addition of Spicy Zamba Winglets. We ordered the Party Combo (one of the daily specials), it’s essentially a family meal with eight chicken pieces, two regular chips, two sides of coleslaw, seven spicy winglets and a 2litre Pepsi.
I added a mini loaf to the order as I wanted to test the quality. Malatsi a di mini loaf ga di sa tlho di le fresh, di le monate. Le gale this has been my observation over a few years of getting take-aways. The boys and their dad got burgers on top. For the boys it was the Dixie Burgers, one with cheese one without, their dad got the Big Boss Burger of which I took a few bites out of. That burger was delightful! Very fresh sesame seed burger bun, a thick, juicy, perfectly spice crumbed chicken breast with original sauce! It is so good, my hubs who does not much enjoy spicy food was all over it and professed how it's possibly a new favourite. My main focus was on the Zamba winglets because wings/winglets are one of my favourite foods. They are seasoned with a spicy kick that is not overwhelming. The size is what had me impressed. Di na le nama! I did a thing, a combo I never knew I needed in my life; piece of mini loaf, coleslaw and pieces of Zamba winglet. I enjoyed every single bite and that mini loaf has redeemed all others if they keep the same quality. The boys tucked into their burgers before the chicken and it was all smack lip responses.
The chicken is coated in secret deliciousness, the generously sized pieces are well cooked. I personally noted they are not as oily as I always imagined their food would be. We sat down with store manager Kene and regional manager Mma J, to get more insight on the brands strategy. Having opened its doors in 1997, the aim has been to set it apart as the fried chicken fast food joint of choice that is affordable and welcomes everyone. They have worked on this over the years with an introduction of nine stores nationwide, with Gaborone having four, as well as planned renovations across all branches to ensure for a standard aesthetic. Whatever pre-conceived stereotypes one has about this brand should be put to rest, it is inviting, comfortable and has pleasant staff. Watching them attend to customers was refreshing. I witnessed a wide demographic visit the shop and they all received warm smiles. The space is adorned in bright colours with cosmopolitan decor.
A huge wall to wall mural caught my eye. It’s of a Hungry Lion store and all around it, is a normal day, a diverse community either engaging with the brand or going about their own way. A man in a suit eating a Big Boss Burger, friends with takeaway bags, little boys enjoying drumsticks on a break from some football. We played a fun game where we each had to count the number of logos we could spot. Great way to pass time while waiting for our order. Sitting down and having a meal was ideal, all the booths are equipexd with power points which allow one to plug in a laptop or charge their phone through the USB port. Convenience. They will likely see an upsurge in their patronage as they aim to appreciate and truly value all customers who walk in through the door. The price point says it all. It was raining outside all afternoon so the number of couples and individuals who came in for ice cream cones or sundaes really stood out for me. It was later confirmed that indeed ice cream is a top seller alongside, Big Bite 2 and Big Bite 3. Kene offered me the Mint Tart Sundae for dessert, which is a soft serve vanilla ice cream in a cup, topped with mint shavings and drizzled with a chocolate sauce and coated with small shortcake balls. It is more than worth the value.
My partner got the Toffee topped sundae and shared with the boys. The ice creams are an absolute hit because at no point during our time there, did we not see somebody walk in and out of that store with ice cream. Some came, bought and sat down to eat. Do yourself a favour if you've been wondering or if you've never thought to, and pass by Hungry Lion at The Fields Mall where we were. If this is the sort of service excellence that they are working towards across their brand footprint, I don't mind being ‘Hungry like a Lion’.