Famous Brands

Founded by George Halamandress in 1960, Famous Brands was originally known as Steers. Halamandress had previously created the original Milky Lane ice cream parlours, followed in quick succession by the first South African steakhouse.

In 1999, Steers Group acquired Debonairs Pizza.

In August 2003, Famous Brands acquired Pleasure Foods, which included the South African master franchise license for Wimpy for R150.6 million.

In February 2007, Famous Brands acquired a majority stake in Wimpy.

In July 2009, Famous Brands acquired Mugg & Bean.

In September 2016, Famous Brands acquired Gourmet Burger Kitchen in the United Kingdom from Capricorn Ventures for £120 million. In October 2020, Gourmet Burger Kitchen was sold to Boparan Restaurant Group for an undisclosed sum.

Famous Brands' operations comprise 4 pillars - restaurants, manufacturing, logistics, and retail. As of 2025, the group operated 9 logistics sites, 11 manufacturing facilities, and sold a total of 188 products.

As per the group's February 2025 financial statements, it had 2,979 restaurants in 30 countries. Of these, 2,626 were located in South Africa. A further 224 were located throughout the SADC, 68 across the rest of Africa and the Middle East, and 61 in the United Kingdom.

As of mid-2025, Famous Brands owned and operated the following restaurant chains in its mainstream category:

Debonairs Pizza (868 locations)