Degusto, a cafeteria known for its diverse selection of ready-made foods served in a fast, buffet-style format, is improving in both the retail and corporate sectors. Following the successful implementation of a robust operating system, the company is poised for expansion throughout the capital city of Tbilisi and surrounding regions.

As part of its growth strategy, Degusto plans to open a new branch, thereby creating additional employment opportunities and enabling the chain to better meet the demands of its growing customer base.

Sandro Norakidze, the Director of Degusto, shared this news with Golden Brand and summarized the developments of last year.

Q. What developments and innovations did Degusto see last year?

A. Last year was marked by development, innovation, and stable growth for Degusto. We opened new branches in various locations and introduced modern technologies to enhance our services. We expanded our production infrastructure and launched new product lines. We also began focusing on corporate cafeterias, partnering with around fifteen organizations, including the Bank of Georgia and the Georgian Public Broadcaster.

Today we can confidently state that Degusto provides companies with a comprehensive range of services, including space arrangement, food provision, daily operations, and ongoing quality control. When planning corporate cafeterias, we consider factors such as the company’s infrastructure, the number of employees, and work schedules. This approach helps organizations reduce costs, optimize resource allocation, and create a comfortable working environment.

Q. How many branches does Degusto have, and how are quality standards maintained?

A. Degusto currently operates over 25 branches and has two fully-fledged enterprises in Tbilisi that focus on the production of ready-made food, as well as bread and pastries. Both enterprises adhere to HACCP standards, and regular quality control procedures are in place. Each product undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure that customers receive only safe and high-quality food. Service personnel are continuously retrained and upgraded. We are committed to automating processes and implementing new technologies to enhance our operations.

Q. Fresh and high-quality ingredients are essential to Degusto’s menu. Can you explain how you source your ingredients and why this is important to Degusto?

A. We partner with both local and international suppliers, using only certified ingredients. When selecting ingredients, we carefully monitor their origin, storage conditions, and nutritional value. For Degusto, high-quality ingredients mean not only creating delicious dishes but also upholding a strong sense of responsibility towards our consumers.

Q. With a focus on high-quality ready-to-eat food, what is your approach to developing the menu?

A. Our menu is updated seasonally and is based on a balance of healthy, fast, and affordable food. Recently we’ve introduced new types of sandwiches, desserts, and salads. The concept remains unchanged: fast, healthy, and delicious.

Q. Have customers influenced Degusto’s menu? Can you recall instances when a particular dish was included in the menu based on customer wishes?

A. Customer feedback is invaluable to us. We have often added dishes to the menu based on customer recommendations, such as a vegan salad and meals designed for customers seeking sugar-free and lactose-free options. We actively monitor social media and online reviews of our orders.

Q. Can you tell us about the digital cafeteria Lanchoba, how successful is it so far?

A. Lanchoba is a Degusto cafeteria aimed at providing fast, delicious, and easily accessible lunches for office workers. Currently the application is available to employees of our client companies. The working model is straightforward: every day at 4:00 PM, the next day’s menu is published in the app, featuring six main dishes and about ten snacks. Customers can place their orders until 10:30 the following morning, and at 1:30 PM, our courier delivers the ordered lunchbox to the office.

The primary advantage of the Lanchoba service is its simplicity—the customer doesn’t need to specify an address, interact with the courier, or schedule a delivery time. They only need to select their desired dish in advance, and every day, at the same time, in the same place, they will receive their order. Our main advantages are high-quality food, simplified solutions, and affordable prices, which help establish a strong position for Lanchoba in the market.