News

Col'Cacchio has appointed Etienne Pieterse as its new CEO. At just 38-years old, Etienne, a Chartered Accountant (CA) with a CTA Honours Degree and an MBA candidate at Stellenbosch University, is bringing a fresh approach to leadership that blends his impressive business acumen with a strong people-first philosophy. Known for trading the corporate suit for a golf shirt and sneakers, Etienne is redefining what it means to be a modern CEO - focusing on creating purpose-driven business solutions that resonate with employees, customers, and partners alike.

Etienne’s career has spanned over 15-years across various industries, including retail, finance, and consulting. His impressive accomplishments include pioneering financial services solutions at Mr Price Money, driving new business growth at EY Bermuda, and scaling operations at Huntswood over the last 3 years. Yet, beyond these accolades, it’s his people-first approach that sets him apart. Raised by entrepreneurial parents and surrounded by strong female figures, Etienne values the contributions that women bring to the table in any business - especially in hospitality.

As he embarks on his mission to take Col'Cacchio to new heights, he places great emphasis on values like diversity, equality, quality, and simplicity, ensuring that these principles shape every aspect of the business.

One of Etienne’s first initiatives as CEO has been a revamp of Col'Cacchio’s menu. Together with the brilliant South African chef Isla Rechner and the brand’s Co-founder & Head of Innovation, Kinga Baranowska, Etienne has overseen a thoughtful, detail-oriented process to bring the menu in line with evolving customer tastes. Isla Rechner, whose culinary journey took her from Kloof in KwaZulu Natal to working under renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi in London, is now putting her "signature sunshine food" on the Col'Cacchio menu.

Without giving too much away ahead of the official menu rollout, the new menu is a true reflection of Col'Cacchio’s core pillars - love, passion, diversity, and simplicity. The main menu has been carefully crafted to balance both local and global culinary trends, while staying attuned to the evolving tastes of the Col'Cacchio clientele. And for the loyal fans, rest assured that the best-selling favourites you love are here to stay, alongside fresh, innovative additions.

Some exciting new additions include the introduction of region-specific signature menus, tailored to reflect the local flavours and preferences of each area. As for the main sit-down menu, here’s a sneak peek: expect new pizzas like, the “sweet & spicy” with hot honey, chorizo and fior di latte mozzarella, delicious small plates and an aperitivo board designed for sharing, innovative pastas like “The Beet”, made with beetroot sauce, feta, crispy onion and herbs, a fresh brunch offering at selected restaurants and a few more desserts to choose from. Etienne and his team engaged in focus groups and met with partners (formerly known as franchisees) to gather insights, ensuring that every change to the menu is customer driven. This focus on people - whether customers, employees, or partners - is a hallmark of Etienne’s leadership, and it’s what will continue to drive Col'Cacchio’s success as the restaurant group steps into this new era.

Stay tuned as Col'Cacchio rolls out its innovative new menu and continues to lead the restaurant industry with heart, passion, and purpose under Etienne Pieterse’s dynamic leadership.