South Africa's history is full of food, with a long history of franchises serving delicious food to the masses. Don't know what you want to eat? There are plenty of food options, including KFC, Chicken Riken, and Debonairs.
Where was the country's first franchised restaurant?
The answer is not KFC. Not even McDonald's.
Here's a closer look at the franchise business in this country and who got here first.
franchised restaurants in south africa
Franchise restaurants have been around for a long time.
Unfortunately, South Africans have missed out on many great international flavors due to sanctions. We didn't get to enjoy the cheeseburger or the freedom.
According to the famous brand, Steers was founded in the 1960s.
Locals have been enjoying Real Burger for decades.
KFC South Africa
KFC's history dates back to 1930.
However, the first South African KFC branch opened in 1971. His first KFC store was in Orange Grove, Johannesburg.
Since then, the brand has expanded to more than 300 stores across the country.
KFC has over 22,000 stores worldwide.
The local KFC restaurant has a pretty unique menu.
Of course, like everyone else, there is also chicken on the menu. Local eateries also have paps and sauces available that you won't find anywhere else.
What would you like to see on your local KFC menu?
The store also recently added generous portions of fries.
How other restaurants started
Steers has been around since the 1960s and was started by George Halamandaris.
McDonald's opened its first restaurant in South Africa in 1995.
Shoprite originated in Cape Town, with its first store established in 1979. He traces the origins of Chicken Licken back to 1982, offering people unique new flavors.
Debonair's Pizza? They are from 1991.
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Read more articles by François Jansen (Alex J. Coyne)