Debonairs Pizza was founded by two university students in the 1990s and is now one of the largest restaurant chains in the country. The restaurant chain’s history dates back to 1991 when Craig MacKenzie and Andrew Harvey opened the first Debonairs Pizza restaurant at Park Lane Spar in Pietermaritzburg. From the first day, the company offered free delivery, the first to do so in South Africa, with it done in style, wearing a tux and a bow tie.’

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This dual-brand concept, which began welcoming customers in July 2025, is a meticulously designed ecosystem where the casual dining of Primi and the artisan coffee culture of Shift amplify each other, both operationally and experientially. Shaylin Naidoo’s journey into this venture began unexpectedly after a cricket injury at age 19. He quickly found success in his family’s hospitality business, eventually leading him to a position.

Nedbank Retail Services has warned that franchise businesses in South Africa will likely come under immense pressure after the US imposes its 30% tariff on the country. This could be especially painful for US brands like McDonald’s, Burger King and Starbucks, which rely on speciality imports from the United States to maintain brand and quality consistency. 

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Platō Coffee has reached 100 stores across South Africa, with the company expanding its store base, launching a new academy and releasing the first-ever rewards scheme. Started by two brothers, Stephan and Petrus Bredell, Platō now has 100 stores across South Africa. “It’s a celebration of every partner, franchisee, and client who believed in the vision,

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