Business
From a Bakery to a National Brand: The Story of Doppio Zero’s Rise in South Africa
In 2002, Paul Christie and Miki Milovanovic set out to open an Italian restaurant in Greenside, Johannesburg. However, they faced an unexpected obstacle—the location they had chosen wasn’t zoned for a restaurant. Instead of giving up, they pivoted their idea and launched Doppio Zero as a bakery and café, leveraging Milovanovic’s background as a baker.
What started as a small corner bakery with a few tables quickly gained traction, thanks to its artisan bread, Mediterranean-style meals, and welcoming atmosphere. A positive review from respected food critic Victor Strugo helped accelerate its popularity, and word-of-mouth marketing did the rest.
Expansion and Growth
Within two years, Doppio Zero expanded to Bedfordview, followed by more locations. As the brand grew, Christie and Milovanovic worked tirelessly—starting their days at 5 AM and closing late into the night. Their dedication paid off, and soon, Doppio Zero became a household name in South Africa.
By 2009, the duo realized their dream of opening a true Italian restaurant, launching Piza e Vino, a concept focused on authentic Italian pizzas paired with great wines. This brand complemented Doppio Zero’s offering and tapped into South Africa’s love for quality pizza.
Diversification and a Major Deal with Spur Corporation
In addition to Doppio Zero and Piza e Vino, Christie and Milovanovic introduced Modern Tailors, an Indian restaurant brand with locations in Rosebank and Groenkloof.
Their success attracted the attention of major investors. In 2023, Spur Corporation acquired a 60% stake in the Doppio Collection, including all three restaurant brands and a bakery supply business. This deal marked a major milestone, allowing the group to scale further while maintaining its founding team’s leadership.
Doppio Zero Today
With 30 locations across South Africa and an international presence in Botswana, Doppio Zero has become a go-to restaurant for Mediterranean cuisine lovers. What started as a bakery out of necessity has grown into one of the country’s most beloved restaurant chains, proving that resilience and innovation can turn challenges into opportunities.
The journey of Doppio Zero is a testament to entrepreneurship, adaptability, and the power of quality food. From a small bakery in Greenside to a multimillion-rand restaurant group, Paul Christie and Miki Milovanovic have built a brand that continues to thrive. With Spur Corporation’s backing, the future of Doppio Zero looks brighter than ever.
{Source Daily Investor}
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