Small kitchen, big vision: How Sparkys won over Joburg’s burger lovers

Born out of a kitchen during the pandemic, Sparkys fast food has grown into a beloved fast-food joint with smashing burgers.

With a focus on quality and portion size, they managed to stand out in a crowded market.

Co-founders Michael Sparkes and Nicholas McWilliams saw an opportunity to create a brand that would cater to South Africans' love of good food and value for money.

“We took the best things that we could take from all the different brands and created our own.

“Especially in this economy at the moment, you need to give people bang for their buck, and we feel that a lot of places aren’t doing that. We are big on portion size and big on quality,” McWilliams said.

The journey was filled with highs and lows, including finding locations and navigating the competitive landscape.

But despite these obstacles, the Sparkys brand has expanded into multiple locations, and its commitment to quality and community has earned it a loyal following.

“We are always looking for our next location, but it also requires a bit of patience. One shop at a time, one burger at a time, that has always been our philosophy. Don’t rush anything,” said Sparkes.

To listen to Sparkes and McWilliams in conversation with 702’s Relebogile Mabotja, click the audio player below: