Hungry Lion’s rapid expansion in Harare is reshaping the city’s fast-food landscape, with strong customer turnout and immediate public reaction following the opening of its latest outlet at Eastgate Shopping Complex.
The Eastgate branch, which opened this week, adds to outlets already operating at Greenfields Retail Centre and along Robert Mugabe Road near Eat n Lick and Bakers Inn, underscoring the South African chain’s aggressive push into high-traffic commercial zones.
From early hours, the Eastgate outlet drew large crowds, with long queues stretching across the food court as customers waited to place orders.
Similar scenes have been observed at the Greenfields branch, where foot traffic has remained steady beyond peak lunch and supper periods, pointing to sustained demand rather than launch-day hype.
Public reaction has been swift, particularly on social media. In the comments section of Hungry Lion Zimbabwe’s official platforms, customers openly compared the brand to long-established competitors.
One user remarked, “Asi nyama yenyu same ne Chicken Inn,” while another said the chicken “tasted like home.” Others welcomed the brand’s arrival with brief but telling reactions such as “Finally.”
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Questions around food standards also emerged, with some customers asking whether the outlet is halal certified.
Fellow users responded by pointing out that Hungry Lion is certified by Jamiat Halal Zimbabwe, one of the country’s recognised halal bodies, a detail that appeared to reassure hesitant customers.
The expansion places Hungry Lion in direct competition with dominant fast-food chains including Chicken Inn, Chicken Slice, KFC and Barcelos.
While these brands maintain strong nationwide footprints, Hungry Lion’s strategy appears centred on affordability, generous portions and proximity to daily commuter routes a model increasingly attractive to price-sensitive consumers.
The company is also preparing to open another outlet in Madokero, an area already dense with fast-food options, a move likely to further heighten competition in Harare’s western suburbs.
Hungry Lion’s Zimbabwe growth comes as the group plans to roll out up to 200 new outlets across its existing markets by 2026, signalling long-term commitment to the region.
As queues build at new locations and debate plays out online, Hungry Lion’s arrival is no longer just another fast-food opening it is emerging as a visible test of how pricing, accessibility and consumer trust are redefining competition in Zimbabwe’s fast-food industry.
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