Duncan Mubonderi: The Zimbabwean Hospitality Trailblazer That Rose From Waiter to Grace

Duncan Mubonderi, founder and director of Pop-Up Hospitality Services Group, has become a trailblazer in Zimbabwe’s hospitality scene. From humble beginnings as a waiter in 2016, Duncan has built an award-winning business empire that spans restaurants, event services, and consultancy firms.

The 37-year-old entrepreneur established Pop-Up Hospitality Services in 2018 as a mobile bar service. Today, the company boasts four restaurants, including Duncan’s Restaurant and three Emagumeni franchises, as well as a thriving hospitality consultancy and event services business. At the 2023 Zimbabwe Business Awards, Duncan’s Restaurant was crowned Restaurant of the Year, while Duncan himself was named Businessman of the Year in Hospitality and Tourism.

Reflecting on his journey, Duncan shared: “I started this business to support my family and help my single mother during university. Being a waiter taught me the ins and outs of the industry, and that experience laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved.”

Over the past five years, Pop-Up Hospitality Services has grown steadily, partnering with over 30 corporate clients and catering to more than 15 national events. The company has also created employment opportunities for over 150 young people, combining full-time and part-time roles.

Despite the challenges of securing funding in Zimbabwe’s competitive market, Duncan has bootstrapped his business with resilience and strategic planning. His vision includes expanding the group’s consultancy services across Southern and Western Africa and introducing a fleet of 20 food trucks nationwide within the next two years.

“I believe in collaboration and thinking differently. Our industry has immense potential, and by addressing real-life challenges and offering unique services, we can achieve great things,” Duncan said.

Duncan’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start where you are, focus on solving problems, and the resources will follow.”

With a life philosophy of aiming high, Duncan’s story is one of perseverance and innovation. “Aim to be the richest man in the world; who knows, you may end up the richest man in the village. That’s far better than not aiming for anything at all,” he remarked.

Duncan Mubonderi’s journey is not just a testament to his personal success but a blueprint for others in Zimbabwe and beyond to dream big and work tirelessly toward their goals.