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Like the wrapps he peddles, Nick Nicolau is light. He is easy going and carries the scars of serial entrepreneurship with a hard-earned smile.

October 19, 2007

By John Vlismas and Ronnie Apteker

Like the wrapps he peddles, Nick Nicolau is light. He is easy going and carries the scars of serial entrepreneurship with a hard-earned smile.

He tells us the food game is one many people fall into by default, as there are few barriers and no prerequisite qualifications.

He went from clothing to supermarkets via event management and Ocean Basket, and finally settled on a small, shelved concept belonging to a large group. The story here is Global Wrapps: Nick has grown it from three stores to 13.

If ever there was a guy who understood the phrase, “Keep smiling,” this is the one. He tells us that mixing family and business is never a good idea; that partnerships get really tough when there is a lot of money rolling in.

His transition from family restaurants into faster food hasn’t been easy, but he shrugs as if he didn’t expect it any other way. Whatever money Nick has made, you can bet he’s laughed a lot while doing so.

What exactly do you sell?

Convenient food for a healthy lifestyle.

What’s in a name?

A lot – some people think we sell wrapping paper!

Is globalisation part of your vision?

Definitely. Wrapps are really only big in the US. They are just starting to take off in Australia. The opportunity here is great.

Is there a lot of dough in wrapps?

We make a living.

Can you survive on wrapps alone?

A business, definitely, and yes, a person can too. It is a well-balanced meal.

What’s with garnish?

Everything needs garnish because variety is the spice of life.

What is your favourite wrapp?

The one I just sold.

Why do you have a beef with pita?

It is too thick and too heavy.

Do you ever sneak off for a roll?

Never in public.

Is it sexy?

Absolutely. It is the ultimate phallic symbol. [Apart from an actual phallus, Nick.]

Did you bring us a beer for a gift?

I was going to offer you a drink. One must always be careful of Greeks bearing gifts.

Are you a salesman?

I am very weak on sales. My primary skills are strategy and administration. I talked most potential franchisees out of buying.

What do you do every day?

I help franchisees resolve their problems. I look for new products and recipes. And I look for new marketing opportunities.

Would you describe yourself as a risk taker?

Yes, a serial entrepreneur. In retrospect, that could be seen as a curse. Just as I get a business to be self-sustaining, I move on.

How do you measure success?

I measure it daily. If you have taught someone something, or if you have learnt something , then that day was a success.

Is South Africa ready for a R1 000 note?

It is long overdue. And we need to have a black leopard as a symbol on it, because only the black employment equity guys could actually afford to carry them around.

What is your view on crime in SA?

It is a problem we can fix if we want to.

Is it all about the bottom line?

No, it can’t be. Otherwise I wouldn’t have made some of the decisions I have made. You’ve got to have fun.

Is laughter the best medicine?

Laughter and good food.

What’s the secret to getting a woman into bed?

Ask her.

When was the last time you got sloshed?

At my brother-in-law’s party, a year ago.

Is the sandwich your enemy?

Not at all. It is a good point of reference.

Who invented the wrapp?

The first cave man who picked up a vine leaf and rolled it and put some stuff inside.

Is it about winning or losing, or is it about how you play the game?

It is about participating.

Are you a member of the mile high club?

Not yet.

Why do you work?

It defines who I am.

What is the secret to success?

Try and try again.

How does one get luckier?

See above.

Is marketing a function of cash?

No. Marketing is in everything you do. It is about behaviour.

Is it hard to find good people?

The hardest job in the world. And probably the most important job in the world.

Is a wrapp a good thing for a first date?

It shows style and it shows honesty.

How many wrapps do you eat a week?

About seven.

Who is your target market?

It is strange, but more women eat wrapps than men.

If we left you alone in a dark room with The Colonel, what would happen?

I’m Greek; we’ll see who’s chicken.