The South African franchise market is experiencing a wave of expansion, with a mix of iconic returning brands and new international entries. Below is a list of new franchises opening or expanding across the country in the current year.
List Of New Franchises Coming To South Africa
1. Scooters Pizza (Returning Franchise)
Scooters Pizza is making a major comeback in South Africa after disappearing from the market nearly a decade ago. Franchise veteran Juan Engelbrecht has revived the brand, which was known for its 39-minute delivery promise or the order was free. The brand has received over 1,000 franchise enquiries since its resurrection. New locations have opened in Waverley (Pretoria), Elspark (Germiston), Edenvale (Ekurhuleni), Dalview (Brakpan), and Phalaborwa (Limpopo). Additional locations are planned for the Western Cape in Durbanville, Paarl, N1 City, and Kenilworth, as well as a site in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.
2. Bimbo’s (Returning Franchise)
Bimbo’s, a nostalgic South African fast-food chain originally established in 1970, is also being revived by Juan Engelbrecht. The chain was famous for its chicken and burgers, as well as its 24-hour operating hours, making it a popular post-party spot. The first revived Bimbo’s outlet opened in Waverley, Pretoria, with a second location in Tierpoort scheduled to begin shopfitting shortly thereafter. The brand aims to recapture its place in the local fast-food market.
3. New Balance (International Expansion)
American footwear and apparel giant New Balance is aggressively expanding its physical retail presence in South Africa. The brand recently opened a new concept store at Somerset Mall in the Western Cape, taking its total number of national stores to 16. New Balance is set to add four new stores in the coming year, representing a 30% increase from its current store footprint. The expansion focuses on immersive retail spaces designed to blend performance, lifestyle culture, and community connection.
4. F45 Training (Fitness Franchise)
F45 Training, the global functional fitness franchise, continues to expand its footprint in South Africa. A new studio has opened in Melrose, Johannesburg, highlighting the continued demand for functional training in the local market. The brand is actively seeking investors and franchise owners to expand further, positioning itself as a scalable opportunity in the fitness sector for the coming year.
5. Galitos (Fast-Casual Dining)
Galitos, a well-known name in the fast-casual dining space, has opened a new franchise location in Balfour, Mpumalanga. This expansion was made possible by funding from the Mpumalanga Premier’s Youth Development Fund. The new outlet is expected to create employment opportunities for young people in the Gert Sibande District. This development highlights the accessibility of franchising as a business model for emerging entrepreneurs with proper funding and support.
6. Leroy Merlin (DIY & Home Improvement)
French DIY and home improvement retailer Leroy Merlin is significantly expanding its footprint beyond Gauteng. The company recently opened its sixth South African store in Alberton and has announced plans to open its first Cape Town store. Before the Cape Town launch, a new flagship store is currently under development in Cornubia, Durban (KwaZulu-Natal), costing R220 million. The development is expected to create 2,500 construction jobs and 1,200 permanent jobs, with the long-term goal of at least tripling the store count by the end of the decade.
7. Spur Corporation Brands (Multi-Brand Expansion)
Spur Corporation, which owns Spur Steak Ranches, Panarottis, John Dory’s, RocoMamas, and Doppio Zero, is undertaking a major expansion drive. The group plans to open 42 new restaurants in South Africa in the current financial year. This expansion creates significant franchised partnerships, including opportunities for black and female franchisees. The restaurant group continues to strengthen its presence locally and internationally, providing numerous franchise investment opportunities across its various brands.
8. The Belly Restaurant Group (New Hospitality Franchise)
Cape Town-based chef-restaurateurs have formally launched The Belly Restaurant Group, expanding beyond their existing restaurants (Belly of the Beast, Galjoen, Seebamboes) with three new concepts opening in the current year. Buri offers a refined take on South Africa’s iconic boerewors roll, transforming street food into a high-quality, accessible dining experience. Quagga focuses exclusively on wild game and venison through a multi-course tasting experience. No Show is the group’s first à la carte offering, designed for walk-ins only and providing a more accessible, time-conscious format. This expansion represents a new franchise and licensing opportunity in the premium casual dining sector.
9. Cash Converters (Franchise Expansion)
Cash Converters, the international second-hand goods and financial services franchise, is actively recruiting new franchise owners in South Africa. With over 30 years of local success and a proven business model, the brand offers a unique combination of revenue streams including second-hand retail, secured lending (pawnbroking), and unsecured lending. The company is promoting franchise opportunities for driven entrepreneurs looking to achieve financial independence and build multi-store operations within a supportive network.
Summary Table
| Brand | Sector | Expansion Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Scooters Pizza | Fast Food (Pizza) | Multiple new locations in Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN |
| Bimbo’s | Fast Food (Chicken/Burgers) | New outlets in Pretoria and Tierpoort |
| New Balance | Retail (Footwear/Apparel) | 4 new stores (30% increase in footprint) |
| F45 Training | Fitness | New studio in Melrose, seeking new franchisees |
| Galitos | Fast‑Casual Dining | New franchise opened in Balfour, Mpumalanga |
| Leroy Merlin | DIY & Home Improvement | New store in Durban (R220m), Cape Town planned |
| Spur Corporation | Restaurant Group | 42 new restaurants planned |
| The Belly Restaurant Group | Hospitality (Premium Casual) | 3 new restaurant concepts opening |
| Cash Converters | Retail & Financial Services | Recruiting new franchise owners |
Advice for People Who Want to Invest in a Franchise
Investing in a franchise can be a rewarding path to business ownership, but it requires careful planning, research, and a realistic understanding of the risks involved. Below is practical advice for prospective franchisees in South Africa.
1. Do Your Homework Before You Sign Anything
Franchising is not a passive investment. Before committing, you need to investigate thoroughly. The South African Franchise Association (SAFA) recommends that prospective franchisees take at least three months to conduct their research before signing any agreement. Ask for a copy of the franchise’s disclosure document, which legally requires the franchisor to provide detailed information about the business, including litigation history, trademarks, and financial performance representations. Verify the brand’s claim and ensure that the trademark is registered in South Africa with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). If the franchisor cannot prove they own the intellectual property, walk away.
2. Understand the Full Cost of Entry
The initial franchise fee is only the beginning. You need to budget for several additional costs that are not always included in the headline figure. These include fit-out and construction costs to get your location operational, equipment and signage purchases, an initial stock or inventory order, working capital to cover operating expenses for the first 3-6 months (as you may not break even immediately), and professional fees for lawyers and accountants to review the franchise agreement and financial projections. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the initial investment before you commit.
3. Read the Franchise Agreement with a Specialist Lawyer
Never sign a franchise agreement without having it reviewed by a lawyer who specialises in franchise law. This is not the time to use a general practitioner or a family friend. A specialist will help you understand key clauses that can trap unwary franchisees, including the restraint of trade (what you cannot do after leaving the system), the renewal terms (how long you can keep the franchise and on what conditions), the termination clauses (what happens if you want to leave or are forced out), and the dispute resolution process (how conflicts with the franchisor are handled). If you do not understand a clause, do not sign until you do.
4. Talk to Existing Franchisees
This is one of the most valuable steps you can take. The franchisor should provide you with a list of current and former franchisees. Contact them and ask hard questions. Are the franchisor’s earnings claims realistic? Does the franchisor provide adequate training and ongoing support? Is the supply chain reliable and fairly priced? Has the franchisor ever withheld support or treated franchisees unfairly? Would they invest in this franchise again if they had the chance? If the franchisor hesitates to provide this list, consider that a serious red flag.
5. Assess Your Own Suitability
Not everyone is cut out to be a franchisee. Franchising requires strict adherence to systems and rules. You are not building your own independent business from scratch; you are operating within someone else’s proven model. Ask yourself whether you are comfortable following established procedures, whether you can take direction from a franchisor, whether you have the patience to build a business gradually (profits rarely come overnight), and whether you have the resilience to handle the stress of managing staff, inventory, and customer complaints. Franchising is not passive income. It demands hard work, long hours, and hands-on management, especially in the first year.
6. Secure Funding Before You Apply
Most franchisors will want proof that you have the necessary capital before they seriously consider your application. In South Africa, banks and funding organisations offer specific franchise finance products. The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) provides funding for qualifying franchise businesses. The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) offers funding for black-owned or black-empowered franchises. Major banks including Standard Bank, Nedbank, FNB, and Absa all have dedicated franchise lending divisions. However, banks typically require a minimum personal contribution of 20% to 40% of the total investment. Do not expect a 100% loan. Have your deposit ready before you approach a franchisor.
7. Understand the Ongoing Costs
Your initial investment is not the end of your financial obligations. Every month, you will pay royalties (typically a percentage of your gross turnover, not profit). You will also pay marketing or advertising levies to contribute to national or regional campaigns. You will need to pay for ongoing training for yourself and your staff. In many cases, you must purchase products, ingredients, or stock directly from the franchisor or from approved suppliers, often at prices you cannot negotiate. Make sure you fully understand the total cost of operating the franchise before you commit.
8. Visit the Franchisor’s Headquarters
A professional franchisor should welcome you to their head office. This visit allows you to meet the support team, assess the professionalism of the operation, see the training facilities, and get a sense of the company culture. If the franchisor is reluctant to let you visit or does not have a proper head office, consider that a warning sign.
9. Start Small If Possible
If you are new to franchising, consider starting with a single-unit franchise rather than signing a multi-unit development agreement for multiple locations. Learning the business with one outlet is less risky. You can always expand later if the first location performs well.
10. Attend a Franchise Information Session or Expo
Many franchisors, including those listed above such as Cash Converters, hold regular franchise information sessions where you can learn about the opportunity in a low-pressure environment. SAFA also hosts franchise expos and seminars throughout the year. These events are excellent opportunities to compare multiple brands, ask questions directly to franchisors, and network with existing franchisees.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be extremely cautious if you encounter any of the following warning signs:
– The franchisor pressures you to sign quickly or claims the opportunity will not last.
– The franchisor refuses to provide a disclosure document or a list of existing franchisees.
– The earnings claims seem too good to be true (they probably are).
– The franchise agreement contains clauses that allow the franchisor to change terms unilaterally.
– Multiple franchisees are trying to sell their outlets at the same time.
– The franchisor has been involved in lawsuits with franchisees.
Final Advice
Investing in a franchise is a significant financial and personal commitment. For many people, it is the single largest investment they will ever make, alongside buying a home. The brands listed in this article represent exciting opportunities in the South African market, but each comes with its own risks and requirements.
Do not rush. Take your time to research, ask questions, and seek independent professional advice. A good franchise opportunity will still be available after you have done your due diligence. A bad one will often try to rush you into a decision. Be patient. Be thorough. And if something feels wrong, trust your instinct and walk away.
Key Resources for Prospective Franchisees in South Africa
– South African Franchise Association (SAFA): www.franchiseassociation.co.za (For accredited franchisors and industry guidance)
– Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA): www.sefa.org.za (For government-backed funding)
– National Empowerment Fund (NEF): www.nefcorp.co.za (For funding for black-owned franchises)
– Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC): www.cipc.co.za (For trademark verification)
– Banks: Standard Bank, Nedbank, FNB, Absa (For franchise lending divisions)
Related:
- List Of Franchise Under r100 000 In South Africa
- List Of Franchises In South Africa
- Top 20 Food Franchises In South Africa
- Top 10 Cheapest Franchises In South Africa
- Top 10 Cheapest Car Insurance in South Africa
Conclusion
The South African franchise landscape is vibrant and expanding across multiple sectors. From the nostalgic return of Scooters Pizza and Bimbo’s to the significant retail expansion of international giants like New Balance and Leroy Merlin, there are numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and consumers alike. The growth in fitness franchises like F45 Training and the multi-brand expansion of Spur Corporation further demonstrate the confidence in the local market. For aspiring business owners, the current market offers a diverse range of proven business models ready for investment. However, success requires careful research, adequate funding, professional advice, and a realistic understanding of the commitment involved.
Disclaimer: Franchise plans, opening dates, and locations are subject to change. Interested parties should contact the respective brand or franchisor directly for the most current information and specific investment requirements. This article does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making any investment decision.