Two popular South African fast food brands launch internationally
The famous fast food chains are no longer just local.
According to BusinessTech, Famous Brands has taken Steers and Debonairs to Malaysia.
This marks the group’s entry into the international market, and they are extremely optimistic.
However, internal operations in the UK, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa have struggled significantly in the past financial year.
For the year ending in February 2026, Famous Brands saw revenue jump to R8.74 billion, up from R8,28-billion the year prior.
The group said this reflected its stable financial position, despite current economic challenges.
According to the group’s results, much of its success is tied to South Africa, where most of its restaurants and franchises operate.
The group has a total of 3,043 restaurants across South Africa, the SADC region, the rest of Africa, the Middle East (AME), and the United Kingdom, split into:
- Leading brands (Steers, Debonairs, Fishaways, Wimpy, etc.)
- Signature Brands (LUPA, Salsa, Mythos, etc.)
- Other brand segments
We are confident in our growth prospects across formats, technology and menu development.
One of the main focus areas the company is looking to grow is its expansion into new markets.
BusinessTech reports that Famous Brands has stated that “investment is being directed towards delivery channels, smaller-format restaurants, and drive-thrus to meet sustained demand for convenience.”
Expansion in the SADC and AME regions will be pursued through a measured and targeted approach, focusing on selected priority markets.
Recently, the group opened a Steers and Debonairs Pizza restaurant combo in Malaysia, with plans to expand further.
Famius Brands’ overall profits were up to R956,6-million for the previous Financial year (from R916,1 million in 2025), and they recorded headline earnings at R584 million (up from R520 million the year prior).
The group declared a final dividend of 220 cents per share (2025: 195 cents per share), amounting to R220,4 million.
They have also made operating losses with their UK Wimpy segment, with revenue falling by approximately 9.4% to R119,2-million.
This is R131,6 million, down from the previous year.
They experienced a similar effect in other African regions and the Middle East.
Here, the group suffered an operating loss of R34,8 million; however, this is down from the R42,7 million loss the year before.
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