Lexi Monzeglio is a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur who has made a name for herself in South Africa’s food industry. Monzeglio, who was born and raised in Johannesburg, began her career in advertising by studying graphic design at the University of Johannesburg.
She eventually left her day job to pursue her passion for food, starting a food blog and side-hustling food styling, recipe development, and food photography. Monzeglio’s passion for cooking and healthy eating inspired her to start catering vegan meals for clients, and she quickly realized that there was a market for plant-based options.
In 2018, she met her business partner, Ezio Nichele, and they co-founded Lexi’s Healthy Eatery, a plant-based restaurant chain with a focus on sustainability and accessibility. The restaurant has quickly expanded, with five locations in two South African provinces.
In March of this year, Monzeglio made headlines when she sold a majority stake in Lexi’s Healthy Eatery to Famous Brands, Africa’s leading quick-service restaurant franchisor.
Famous Brands’ cash reserves were used to fund the acquisition of a 51-percent stake in the franchise and central kitchen operations across Africa, marking the company’s first plant-based acquisition in over 60 years of operation.
The management team at Famous Brands sees potential for Lexi’s to be expanded into a quick-service restaurant format and for the brand’s products to be developed for the supermarket retail space, leveraging the company’s well-established distribution network.
The plant-based movement has gained traction in recent years, with an increasing number of people incorporating plant-based options into their diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons.
Lexi’s Healthy Eatery has been at the forefront of this movement in South Africa, providing delicious and convenient plant-based meals that meet a variety of dietary requirements. Monzeglio’s dedication to sustainability and accessibility has distinguished the brand in a crowded market and contributed to its success.
As a skilled chef with a strong understanding of what makes the brand successful, Monzeglio has been instrumental in the growth and development of Lexi’s Healthy Eatery, and will continue to play a key role as the business expands under the guidance of Famous Brands.
Her journey from graphic designer to successful entrepreneur and restaurateur is a testament to her determination, passion, and talent. She has turned her passion for food into a successful business and is dedicated to making a positive impact on the South African food industry.
