 | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| JSE:FBR | |
| ISIN | ZAE000053328 |
| Industry | Fast casualrestaurants Foodmanufacturing Logistics Retail[1] |
| Founded | 1960; 65 years ago (1960) |
| Founder | George Halamandres |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of locations | 2,979(2025)[1] |
Area served | South Africa United Kingdom Middle East Africa |
Key people | Darren Hele (CEO)[2] Christopher Boulle (Chairman)[3] |
| Revenue |  R8.28 billion(2025)[2] |
| R914 million(2025)[2] | |
| R585 million(2025)[2] | |
| Total assets | R3.64 billion(2025)[2] |
| Total equity | R1.29 billion(2025)[2] |
| Subsidiaries | Debonairs Pizza |
| Website | famousbrands |
Famous Brands (formerly known asSteers Group) is aSouth African-basedconglomerate predominately dealing infast casualrestaurants, and is currently headquartered inMidrand.
Founded in 1960, the company operates around 3,000 locations across 30 countries,[2] and listed on theJSE Limited in 1994.[1] It is a level 1BBBEE contributor.[4]
The company is also involved in food and beverage manufacturing, logistics, and retail, in relation to its restaurant outlets.[1]
Founded by George Halamandress in 1960, Famous Brands was originally known asSteers. Halamandress had previously created the original Milky Lane ice cream parlours, followed in quick succession by the first South African steakhouse.[5]
In 1999, Steers Group acquiredDebonairs Pizza.[6]
In August 2003, Famous Brands acquired Pleasure Foods, which included the South African master franchise license forWimpy forR150.6 million.[7]
In February 2007, Famous Brands acquired a majority stake inWimpy.[8]
In July 2009, Famous Brands acquiredMugg & Bean.[9]
In September 2016, Famous Brands acquiredGourmet Burger Kitchen in the United Kingdom from Capricorn Ventures for £120 million.[10] In October 2020, Gourmet Burger Kitchen was sold toBoparan Restaurant Group for an undisclosed sum.[11]
Famous Brands' operations comprise 4 pillars - restaurants, manufacturing, logistics, and retail. As of 2025, the group operated 9 logistics sites, 11 manufacturing facilities, and sold a total of 188 products.[1]
As per the group's February 2025 financial statements, it had 2,979 restaurants in 30 countries. Of these, 2,626 were located inSouth Africa. A further 224 were located throughout theSADC, 68 across the rest ofAfrica and theMiddle East, and 61 in theUnited Kingdom.[2]
As of mid-2025, Famous Brands owned and operated the following restaurant chains in its mainstream category:[12]
The group operates numerous small, upmarket chains under its Signature Brands portfolio, including Lupa, Mythos, Paul, Salsa Mexican Grill, Turn ‘n Tender, Vovo Telo, and House of Coffees.[12]
Companies based inGreater Johannesburg | |||
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| Diversified conglomerates | |||
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| Energy | |||
| Financial |
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| Hospitality | |||
| ICT | |||
| Legal | |||
| Manufacturing |
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| Mining | |||
| Retail and marketing | |||
| Restaurant franchises | |||
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| State-owned enterprises | |||
