SOUTH AFRICA – Spur Corporation, South Africa based fast–food chains operator, has expanded its service offering with the launch of its first drive-thru restaurant in Pretoria.

The move is in response to the changing consumer lifestyles, as it aims to broaden its appeal and foster a convenient way for its customers to get their favourite Spur meals.

While the drive thru business model brings with it novel innovation for the group, some things will still remain the same as the traditional Spur dishes sold at its restaurants, including burgers, chicken wings, ribs and onion rings, will still be served at the new drive-through.

The only difference is, that the meals will be conveniently prepared for faster delivery.

“There is really something for everyone at the new Spur Drive Thru and customers can expect Spur’s ‘sit down’ quality with every order.”

Spur Corporation

Additions to the existing menu include snack meals such as “hand-held” breakfasts, and “roadhouse-style” desserts on the go.

The drive-through restaurant will also serve “tripchips” – which are chips that come in packaging that is specifically designed to make it easier to eat the warm fries while on transit.

“There is really something for everyone at the new Spur Drive Thru and customers can expect Spur’s ‘sit down’ quality with every order,” stated the company.

Instrumental in driving this project from the outset has been Franchisee partner, Charles Fourie. “We are very proud and humbled to be part of this amazing project. Everybody involved worked very hard to make this dream come true.

“The Spur Drive Thru was built on a lot of passion, determination, and hard work from every team member. We are thankful, excited and looking forward to welcoming the Pretoria Community to share this wonderful experience with you,” says Fourie.

Alongside the drive thru is a traditional Spur restaurant giving customers the choice to enjoy the sit-down or Drive Thru offer.

“We are extremely excited to be launching the Spur brand into the Drive Thru category, we are most grateful for the tremendous efforts of our internal teams and for the trust and partnership of our franchisee partner, Charles Fourie and his broader team.

“Spur Steak Ranches is on a journey of transformation as a brand and business. The introduction of the Drive Thru is one of the progressive steps we are taking towards a more sustainable brand and business,” Val Nichas, Spur Corporation CEO said.

Competition Commission flags Burger King sale by Grand Parade on BEE grounds

In other related news, the Competition Commission has prohibited a proposed takeover of Burger King in South Africa by an international private equity fund.

Last year, the struggling Grand Parade Investments announced that it would sell Burger King South Africa and Grand Foods Meat Plant, which primarily supplies Burger King with patties, to a fund owned by Emerging Capital Partners (ECP). ECP, which was founded in the US, is a private equity firm that focuses on African investments.

But the Competition Commission has prohibited the transaction, objecting to the lack of black shareholding, reports Fin 24.

“The Commission found that the merger would lead to a significant reduction in the shareholding of historically disadvantaged persons in the target firm, from more than 68% [empowerment shareholding in Grand Parade] to 0% as a result of the merger.”

While the Commission found that the proposed transaction is unlikely to have an impact on competition in SA, it said that historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) won’t hold any ownership of Burger King SA following the deal.

“Thus, as a direct result of the proposed merger, the merged entity will have no ownership by HDPs and workers. The Commission is therefore concerned that the proposed merger will have a substantial negative effect on the promotion of greater spread of ownership.”

Burger King SA operates more than 90 fast-food restaurants across South Africa. Its parent company, Grand Parade Investments, first announced the sale transaction in February last year, aimed to reduce the company’s piling debts.

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