With an analysis by GlobalData showing that the pizza sub-category constituted a 20% share among all restaurant types in South Africa, it is a good time to jump into the pizza business in South Africa by opening your own store or joining a pizza franchise. South Africa boasts a diverse and thriving pizza franchise landscape, offering entrepreneurs various opportunities to venture into the pizza business with established brands. The most notable pizza franchises in the country encompass both local and international names, each providing a unique blend of flavors, dining experiences, and business models tailored to meet the preferences of South Africa’s cosmopolitan clientele. Below is an overview of some of the top pizza franchises operating within South Africa, highlighting their founding backgrounds, specialties, and business models.
- Debonairs Pizza is a leading pizza franchise known across Africa. Founded in 1991 by two university students with a background in running a family bakery, Debonairs Pizza has grown significantly. It became part of the Steers Group (now Famous Brands), gaining access to a robust and professional franchising support system. Today, Debonairs boasts over 400 outlets across Africa and the Middle East, offering a wide variety of pizza options and innovations that keep customers coming back​​.
- Pizza Perfect was established in Johannesburg in 1989 by Michael Solomou, bringing a passion for the deli industry to the pizza franchise world. Known for its authentic and traditional wood-fired pizzas, Pizza Perfect has expanded to over 90 outlets across South Africa. The brand is celebrated for making pizzas in full view of their customers, enhancing the dining experience with an artful touch. The average cost to set up a Pizza Perfect franchise is around R940,000​​.
- Panarottis Pizza Pasta, founded in 1990, offers a taste of Italy with its high-quality, fresh ingredients and family-friendly atmosphere. With over 95 outlets in South Africa, Mauritius, Namibia, and Australia, Panarottis is known for its wood-fired pizzas, select pastas, and grills. The franchise emphasizes a kid-friendly environment with delicious menus and fun play areas, making it a popular choice for family dining and parties. Setting up a Panarottis franchise costs approximately R4 to R5 million on average​​.
- Andiccio 24 prides itself on offering a wide variety of pizzas that cater to individual tastes and preferences, allowing customers to create their own pizza creations. With 26 stores in Gauteng and one in Cape Town, Andiccio 24 serves as a testament to the brand’s popularity and adaptability in the fast-paced South African market. The setup cost for an Andiccio franchise varies depending on the chosen location​​.
- Pizza Hut, an international giant in the pizza industry, also has a significant presence in South Africa. Founded in 1958 in Kansas, USA, by Dan and Frank Carney, Pizza Hut has grown into one of the world’s largest pizza brands, known for its wide range of Italian-American cuisine. The brand is actively seeking partners in South Africa to further expand its footprint, although specific franchise costs are not provided​​.
- Del Forno is another noteworthy player in the South African pizza franchise market, established in 2000. Known as the neighborhood pizzeria, Del Forno has grown to about 40 outlets, offering a wide range of pizzas, pastas, and salads prepared on wood fire. The franchise is recognized for its Italian and Mediterranean-focused dishes, with an average setup cost of R2.2 million​​.
- Col’Cacchio was established in 1992 and has become synonymous with traditionally inspired Italian food, including crisp, thin-based pizzas and freshly prepared salads and pastas. The first Col’Cacchio restaurant opened in Foreshore, Cape Town, and has since expanded to 36 outlets nationwide. Col’Cacchio is known for its high-quality ingredients and nutritious offerings, including gluten and wheat-free options. The average cost to set up a Col’Cacchio franchise ranges from R2.5 to R4 million, depending on location​​​​.
- Kapstadt Brauhaus is a relatively new entrant, established in 2018 in Cape Town by Douw Krugmann and his family. Although primarily focused on traditional German cuisine, their menu includes alpine pizza, offering a unique twist on the classic pizza concept. With currently only two outlets, Kapstadt Brauhaus is open to franchise applications, with setup costs ranging from R4 to R5 million​​.
Each of these franchises offers different investment levels, culinary focuses, and market positions, catering to a broad spectrum of entrepreneurs and pizza lovers across South Africa. Whether you’re drawn to traditional wood-fired pizzas, Italian-American classics, or innovative custom creations, South Africa’s pizza franchise sector offers compelling opportunities for investment and business growth.
