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Jannat Shafaei and Hani Mirza have set their sights on becoming a leading food and beverages player, with plans not just limited to Oman

Last month, Bin Mirza International (BMI) bagged the first Second Cup Inter-national Franchise Partner of the year award. Says Shafaei, "The award came as a surprise. On the final night of the Second Cup conference in Canada, which is usually meant to honour the best local franchisee, there was a surprise announ-cement that an international partner would also be picked. A video clipping and photographs of our outlets in Oman were shown and Hani and I were called to accept the award."

The couple's dedication and passion clearly shows why BMI has been so successful in such a short span. "We are very relaxed and easy-going, and love working together. We are passionate about our work and enjoy what we do. We trained together in South Africa, Canada and Dubai when we took up the franchises for Second Cup, Nando's and Cinnzeo. I used to work behind the counter, but after the baby arrived, I didn't have much time anymore. But Hani is very hands-on. He works behind the counter, brews coffee expertly and sometimes even does the dishes. In fact, when there was a staff shortage at Nando's, Hani chipped in for a few days. He will soon be flying to Singapore to train for the BreadTalk franchise that will soon come to Oman."

A Singapore-based chain, BreadTalk conceptualises a boutique bakery where the customers can actually see what's baking with just a glass wall separating the two areas. "The concept will be totally new here. Each baked good has a unique story of how it came into being and that story will be displayed alongside. The first outlet will open sometime in December," informs Mirza.

Shafaei and Mirza look for the same level of enthusiasm and commitment from their employees. "We personally select the staff. Qualifications alone do not matter; if a candidate has the right attitude we bring him on board. We are supportive of our employees and are with them during ups and downs. Every employee has our mobile number and can reach us any time of day or night. A lot of them have stuck with us, and some who left have actually returned. In fact, our company won the Intilaqaah competition two years ago in the Omanisation category. And Hani was nominated for Oman Awards for Excellence 2006 in the Best Entrepreneur category."

Shafaei and Mirza are no doubt busy running their business. But they are equally doting parents to young Sami. "When we decided to have a baby, we wanted to do it without a nanny," says Shafaei. So as much as she would love to accompany Mirza to Singapore to take part in the training, Shafaei will stay behind with her son.

Despite the hectic schedule, Mirza has managed to take on new challenges. He has been appointed as the Honorary Consul-General of Canada. "I decided to take on the role because of the support I could provide in promoting trade between the two countries. Besides, it is a good learning experience."

The dynamic duo, as they are known in business circles, has not limited their plans to the sultanate only. "Eventually, as I gain further experience in the F&B business, I want to try out some of my own concepts and will branch out to other countries in the region," says Mirza. As for Shafaei, she sees a future where "we expand into retailing and have our own mall that will house all our franchises and brands."

Well, cheers to that!