Since the establishment of the first ChesaNyama, formerly known as Butcher’s Grill, at Wits University’s Matrix food court in 2012, the fast-food “traditional braai” offering has grown its footprint to over 300 across Southern Africa.
Over the past four years, the franchise’s holding company, Gold Brands Investments, has diversified its food offerings to include 1+1 Pizza, Mediterranean offering Opa!Pitaland, Chicken Wild Wings and rib and burger joint Blacksteer.
Gold Brands Investments listed on the JSE’s AltX earlier this year, raising R25m. Chief operating officer Stelio Nathanael says this will fuel the South African fast-food franchise’s plans to expand to the USA later this year, and acquire a few international brands. The company currently boasts a market capitalisation of R110m.