Construction on the Eastern Cape’s first Burger King franchise is well under way in Port Elizabeth, with the establishment set to open its doors in August.
The fast-food joint, to be located at the Disa Avenue Sasol garage in Newton Park, owned by Joe Thompson, will be the international company’s 69th store in the country since launching three years ago.
It has restaurants across five provinces under master franchise licence holder Grand Foods.
About 55 staff are undergoing training for the Port Elizabeth operation. Interest has been mounting since the garage’s forecourt manager, Chris Bekker, began sharing progress on the construction.
Some are concerned about the location, but others are excited to welcome the world-renowned franchise.
Grand Foods chief executive Alan Keet said the company was looking forward to bringing Burger King fans in the city a taste of the popular “whopper”.
The establishment of a domestic supply chain has enabled expansion without compromising on quality.
Keet said Burger King South Africa “only works with premium local suppliers to source the best ingredients for its 100% pure beef, flame-grilled burgers fans around the world have come to love”.
Franchise owner Thompson declined to comment.
The global franchise launched in the country in May 2013 under Grand Parade Investments (GPI), which went on to acquire a 65% stake in burger patties company Excellent Meat Burger Plant for R37-million last year as part of the continuing bid to own the entire Burger King supply chain.
The company said the move was part of its plans to expand into high-growth emerging markets and was in line with expansion strategies in Southern Africa.
Grand Foods, GPI’s food division, was established three years ago to produce patties for South African franchises.
The first Burger King restaurant opened in Gauteng two years ago.
Its operations now include 33 outlets in Gauteng, 23 in Cape Town and eight in Durban.
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