Famous Brands Expands Drive-Thru Network in South Africa

The restaurant group opened four new drive-thru sites as part of a strategy to prioritise customer convenience.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern drive-thru canopy, symbolizing expanded retail convenience in South Africa. — Famous Brands has expanded its restaurant network in South Africa, adding four new drive-thru sites to reach 81 locations nationwide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Famous Brands reported that its drive-thru network grew to 81 total locations as of 31 August 2026. The company also expanded its reach by opening 48 new restaurants and 14 delivery hubs across its primary markets.

Why it matters

The company is aggressively investing in physical convenience to compete with the rise of online grocery platforms. By focusing on drive-thrus and delivery hubs, the firm aims to match changing consumer behaviours that demand faster service.

Famous Brands now manages 3,070 restaurants across 21 countries, including 2,723 locations within South Africa. In the six-month period ending 31 August 2026, franchise partners also revamped 67 existing restaurant sites.

The players

Famous Brands

This is a leading South African restaurant group that manages a large network of brands across multiple countries.

The details

Franchisees funded the expansion of the drive-thru network and new delivery infrastructure to better serve a regional footprint that includes Botswana. This operational shift accompanies a period where the firm reported headline earnings per share of 228 cents, representing a 3.2% decrease.

The financial reporting period covered the six months through 31 August 2026.
Famous Brands released its interim financial results on 21 October 2026.

Culture Shift

The firm’s focus on drive-thrus reflects a broader societal shift away from traditional sit-down dining toward high-speed convenience. This move aligns with modern retail patterns where legacy brands must evolve to counter the influence of digital delivery aggregators.

Customers can expect increased access to drive-thru and delivery options as the company ramps up its physical footprint. These changes aim to streamline the purchasing process for regular patrons, reducing wait times at newly revamped locations.

The takeaway

The expansion highlights how traditional restaurant groups are prioritising speed and accessibility to maintain relevance. Consumers should anticipate more streamlined, mobile-friendly dining experiences as companies continue to optimise their infrastructure for convenience.