South Africa’s economy showed signs of improvement in 2025, but for most businesses the environment remains tight. Consumers are under pressure, growth is uneven, and even established retailers are reassessing their competitive strategies. Yet in the midst of this cautious recovery, one model continues to demonstrate resilience: franchising. Franchising is often discussed as a business format. I would argue it is something far more powerful. 

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Food Lover’s Market, one of the most recognisable names in South Africa today, began as a single fresh produce shop run by two brothers, Brian and Mike Coppin. The pair came from a family familiar with the retail trade. Their father had been a director at OK Bazaars, before that chain was absorbed into the Shoprite Group in 1997. Drawing on that background, the brothers set out to build a business focused on fresh food at low prices.

Ocean Basket is expanding its offerings into several new markets across Europe and Asia, aiming to add to its over 200 locations in 16 countries. Ocean Basket was founded in Pretoria in 1995 by brothers Peter “Fats” and George Lazarides, who looked to bring their mother’s Greek cuisine to a wider audience. The restaurant chain launched its first international expansion in 2008, opening its first location in Cyprus.

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Franchising has always been a pathway for people seeking a proven business model, an established brand and a long-term financial opportunity. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in who is seizing this opportunity. More young entrepreneurs — particularly Gen Z and younger millennials — are pursuing franchise ownership earlier in their careers compared to generations before them.

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