Johannesburg - US-based fast food chain Burger King will open its first branch in South Africa early next year, local partners announced on Thursday, setting up a new battleground in the war with rival McDonald's.
"Now is the time to develop the brand in South Africa," said Grand Parade Investments
[JSE:GPL] executive Jose Cil, as he announced the decision to establish a branch in Cape Town.
The South African firm - which has made much of its cash from casinos and slot machines - has secured the Burger King franchise in this meat-crazy nation.
But Burger King will face stiff, and well connected, competition.
McDonald's has been in the country since 1995 and is controlled by ANC bigwig
Cyril Ramaphosa.