Famous Brands (formerly known as Steers Group) is a South African-based conglomerate predominately dealing in fast casual restaurants, and is currently headquartered in Midrand.
Founded in 1960, the company operates around 3,000 locations across 30 countries,[1] and listed on the JSE Limited in 1994.[3] It is a level 1 BBBEE contributor.[4]
The company is also involved in food and beverage manufacturing, logistics, and retail, in relation to its restaurant outlets.[3]
In 1999, Steers Group acquired Debonairs Pizza.[6]
In August 2003, Famous Brands acquired Pleasure Foods, which included the South African master franchise license for Wimpy for R150.6 million.[7]
In July 2009, Famous Brands acquired Mugg & Bean.[9]
In September 2016, Famous Brands acquired Gourmet Burger Kitchen in the United Kingdom from Capricorn Ventures for £120 million.[10] In October 2020, Gourmet Burger Kitchen was sold to Boparan 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.[3]
As per the group's February 2025 financial statements, it had 2,979 restaurants in 30 countries. Of these, 2,626 were located in South Africa. A further 224 were located throughout the SADC, 68 across the rest of Africa and the Middle East, and 61 in the United Kingdom.[1]
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]
In 2022, Famous Brands met its goal of sourcing 100% cage-free eggs across all of its products and locations.[13]
