Famous Brands posts solid results, opens new restaurants despite constrained consumer spending

Famous Brands has reported positive half-year results across key financial metrics, in the face of continuing constrained consumer spending in South Africa.

The food services franchisor operates in 20 countries; with over 2,600 restaurants in South Africa, where its brands include Steers, Debonairs Pizza, Wimpy and Fishaways.

For the six months ended August 2025, revenue increased by 5.6% to over R4.2 billion (2024: just over R4 billion).

Operating profit was up by a corresponding 5.8% to R393 milli (2024: R371 million).

Headline earnings per share (HEPS) rose 8% to 236 cents per share (2024: 218 cents).

Famous Brands declared an interim dividend of 162 cents per share, an 8% increase over the previous period (2024:150 cents).

Important strategic objectives achieved in 2025 included adding 153 restaurants investing R55.3 million in their supply chain, and revamping 289 restaurants.

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While they are feeling the effects of a stagnant economy, the Group is feeling some momentum, says CEO Darren Hele, with people certainly 'out and about'.

"We're probably focusing more on the green shoots we see than anything else, but saying that, we have come off the back of some tough times in our trading environment, but we definitely feel the momentum, on new stores as positive."

When it comes to the choice of locale for new outlets, Hele says they focus nationally, so the whole of South Africa and also Southern African Development Community (SADC) remains an opportunity for Famous Brands.

The back-to-the-office trend and booming lunchtime trade has also seen them targeting smaller suburban areas rather than the focus on big shopping centres in the past, he says.

Scroll up to the audio player to hear more from the Famous Brands CEO