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Manny Nichas started his career in franchising in 1996 as an owner of a Black Steer. In 1999 he joined Fats Lazarides as a primary driver in establishing the Fishaways brand in partnership with the then-Steers Group and Ocean Basket.
Manny, cousin of Ocean Basket co-founder George Nichas, joined Ocean Basket upon that company's disposal of its share in Fishaways to Steers.
For nearly three years Manny headed Operations while serving on the board of directors, before taking on the role of Group CEO for the Group. In that role, he has spearheaded the rapid expansion of the group both in South Africa, where there are approximately 150 restaurants, and the group's 12 international outlets in eight other countries.
Manny's success stems from his passion for food and exotic cuisine, while he has intimate knowledge of international restaurant management and the hospitality industry.
He has ensured that each of the more than 160 Ocean Basket restaurants is stamped with the founding ethic and culture of the group: high volume, good value for money, embracing simplicity both in business model and menu.
The success of the Ocean Basket brand is based on the basic formula of simplicity, excellent service, value for money and the most delicious seafood served piping hot in the pan, duplicated in each and every Ocean Basket restaurant.
Under Manny's leadership, Ocean Basket has assumed a leadership position among the seafood restaurant brands in South Africa with 60% market share of the sit-down seafood market, serving more than one million meals each month. The brand's success has been repeatedly confirmed by numerous consumer accolades awarded it over the years. For instance, Ocean Basket has been named the Best Seafood Restaurant in Johannesburg for 12 successive years.
The international success of the brand is due to Manny's pragmatic philosophy of 'When in Rome do as the Romans do' and changing the traditional iconic Ocean Basket menu to include authentic and local dishes so that every meal served in any Ocean Basket in each country is a creative culinary experience that complements the local dining style.
The Group's annual turnover which exceeds the R1 billion turnover mark positions the South African restaurant as the sixth largest casual dining seafood restaurant chain globally - and this with only a small brand presence beyond its own borders.
