Latest news with #Wimpy
IOL News
21-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Famous Brand shows financial resilience despite tough year marked by deteriorating infrastructure
Famous Brands, owns Wimpy, Steers and Debonairs among other brands Image: File Famous Brands, Africa's largest restaurant franchisor, reported a resilient financial performance for the year ended 28 February 2025 in its annual report, despite challenging operating conditions marked by a deteriorating infrastructure environment, and cash-strapped consumers. The group, which owns and franchises major South African food brands such as Steers, Wimpy, Debonairs Pizza, Mugg & Bean, and Fishaways, posted a 3.2% rise in revenue to R8.28 billion, up from R8.02 billion the previous year. Operating profit grew by 12.6% to R914 million, while headline earnings per share climbed to 520 cents, from 465 cents in 2024. CEO Darren Hele credited the group's performance to disciplined cost containment, brand resilience, and a robust business model. 'Our financial results are thanks to strong cost control, the enduring appeal of our brands, and the resilience built into our business,' Hele said in the annual report. However, Hele did not shy away from describing the difficulties the company faced. 'South Africa is an increasingly tough market to operate in, with rising costs and failing infrastructure,' he noted. Citing power supply issues, he added that Eskom's electricity tariffs increased by 12.7% in July 2024 and are expected to rise by another 11.3% in July 2025, with future hikes likely. Hele pointed to logistics disruptions at South African ports and poor road conditions as additional threats to operations. 'Delays at ports mean we must hold more stock or source from costlier suppliers to avoid shortages,' he said. 'Infrastructure failures - including potholes and malfunctioning traffic lights - have a knock-on effect on consumer behaviour, leading to reduced late-night foot traffic and earlier dining patterns.' Access to clean, reliable water also emerged as a growing concern. 'Water supply has become increasingly unreliable. We are investing in filtration, recycling, and storage at our plants, particularly where water use is highest,' Hele said. As of year-end, 56% of the group's South African restaurants had secured alternative water solutions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Despite these obstacles, Famous Brands maintained its expansion momentum. Chairperson Chris Boulle praised the resilience of franchise partners who, he said, continued to open and refurbish outlets despite rising electricity, labour, and input costs. Famous Brands has a healthy pipeline of new restaurant openings planned for 2026. He noted the 2025 financial year was characterised by low consumer spending, especially in the first half. To remain competitive, the group made strategic trade-offs, balancing support to franchisees and affordability for customers. This included carefully deciding which supply chain costs to absorb and which to pass on, all while maintaining viable margins across the system. Famous Brands continues to invest in operational efficiency and scalability. A major milestone was the June 2025 opening of a new cold storage facility at the Midrand Campus, a project completed on time and within budget as part of a broader logistics optimisation plan. The group is also focused on modernising its manufacturing plants over the next three years and enhancing its back-end technology to support cost-effective delivery and front-end customer service.
TimesLIVE
15-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Durban schoolgirl's viral support for Comrades runners earns her heartfelt reward
A Durban schoolgirl's efforts in supporting Comrades runners on the 45th cutting near Sherwood have been rewarded, thanks to a businessman, Fred McKenzie, who made an unannounced visit to Northlands Primary School on Friday. Grade seven pupil Maddyson Shepard,12, became an instant hero when videos of her lending support to runners by cheering them on went viral on social media last Sunday. McKenzie said he had also seen the video of the teenager when he got home while browsing on social media. 'I realised her efforts were lovely and amazing and made arrangements to meet her after getting information from one of the Facebook users,' he said. McKenzie, through the help of the school's marketing department, managed to arrange a visit to the school on Friday morning. Maddyson, together with her classmates were showered with Wimpy vouchers. 'She is exactly the kind of person you see on the video. Free spirited, kind and slightly shy,' said McKenzie. Shepard said she was proud of her efforts. 'We had been on the road since the morning and we had seen the first male and female runners,' she said. She said during the day, she had rallied behind the runners. 'I told some of the runners, 'come on, I know how hard you have worked to get to this point.' Some were tired but others were determined to go on.' Shepard said when she arrived home, her mother told her someone had taken a video of her. McKenzie finished his Comrades in 11:34 minutes, bagging the Vic Clapham medal. 'This really meant a lot and will encourage me to do good,' said Shepard. McKenzie, who runs under the colours of Westville athletics club, described this year's down run as being the most difficult race he has ever run since he begun his Comrades journey. His Comrades also came after he faced health complications, which made it even more difficult. 'It was getting late and getting dark. Even though I was facing my fair share of challenges on the road you notice things around you and I also noticed the young girl who was supporting other runners, and was pacing up and down. I thought it was very special,' said McKenzie. He said he knew too well how panic starts to set in when you are on the stretch of the road with just nine kilometres to go to the finish. 'Maddyson was, however, helping other runners in putting one foot on top of another,' said McKenzie
IOL News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
12-year-old Comrades cheerleader explains kind motive behind act that captured the hearts of South Africans
Grade 7 learner Maddyson Shepard (centre) gets a huge shout out and support from her class mates at the Northlands Primary School in Durban, for her efforts at the Comrades Marathon run. 12-year-old Maddyson Shepard has captured the hearts of thousands of South Africans after enthusiastically cheering exhausted runners at last weekend's Comrades Marathon. In a video which went viral in the past week, the Grade 7 learner from Northlands Primary School in Durban was seen giving high-fives and enthusiastic cheers to runners, even jogging alongside them for brief stretches. The barefoot cheerleader has been widely praised for her display of pure selflessness, with her warmth and energy becoming emblematic of the Comrades spirit of unity, perseverance and heart. 'I just thought if I were running, I'd love someone to cheer me on,' she said softly, at a special event held at her school this week, where representatives of fast food chain Wimpy presented her with gift packages and vouchers.
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Beloved fast-food joint to reopen after two years as locals say they ‘missed nostalgic restaurant'
Locals celebrate return of iconic restaurant- but surprise delays nearly shut plans down for good BURGER RETURNS Beloved fast-food joint to reopen after two years as locals say they 'missed nostalgic restaurant' A POPULAR burger branch has finally reopened its doors after nearly two years – and locals couldn't be happier to see it back. Wimpy has returned to Tufton Street in Ashford, Kent, after shutting in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down following 30 years in charge. 3 The branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics Credit: Alamy 3 Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children Credit: Getty The iconic burger spot was originally expected to reopen at the start of 2024, but a series of delays, including unforeseen issues before Christmas, left customers fearing the restaurant might never return. Now, to the delight of fans, the branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics. The company, famous for menu staples like the Bender in a Bun and thick shakes, confirmed: 'Wimpy Ashford is now open under new ownership with a fresh team and great vibe. 'We will still be serving your favourite Wimpy burgers, chips and thick shakes.' News of the reopening has spread quickly among locals, with many taking to social media to share their excitement and memories of the eatery. Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children. One customer wrote: 'So glad Wimpy is back! Nothing beats a proper burger and chips with that classic taste. We've really missed it.' Another added: 'Ashford just hasn't been the same without it. It's not just the food, it's the memories that come with it.' Wimpy, once a major player on the UK's fast-food scene, has been undergoing a gradual revival in recent years, with several branches refurbished or reopened under new management. The Ashford branch's relaunch is seen as a positive step for the town centre, which has faced a number of retail closures in recent years. The new owners say they're committed to maintaining the traditional feel of the restaurant while bringing in modern touches to enhance the customer experience. Early visitors have already praised the updated décor and friendly atmosphere, saying it retains the charm of the old Wimpy while feeling fresh and inviting. Staff say they've been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and steady flow of diners since opening, and hope to build on that momentum in the months ahead.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Beloved fast-food joint to reopen after two years as locals say they ‘missed nostalgic restaurant'
A POPULAR burger branch has finally reopened its doors after nearly two years – and locals couldn't be happier to see it back. Wimpy has returned to Tufton Street in Ashford, Kent, after shutting in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down following 30 years in charge. 3 3 The iconic burger spot was originally expected to reopen at the start of 2024, but a series of delays, including unforeseen issues before Christmas, left customers fearing the restaurant might never return. Now, to the delight of fans, the branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics. The company, famous for menu staples like the Bender in a Bun and thick shakes, confirmed: 'Wimpy Ashford is now open under new ownership with a fresh team and great vibe. 'We will still be serving your favourite Wimpy burgers, chips and thick shakes.' News of the reopening has spread quickly among locals, with many taking to social media to share their excitement and memories of the eatery. Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children. One customer wrote: 'So glad Wimpy is back! Nothing beats a proper burger and chips with that classic taste. We've really missed it.' Another added: 'Ashford just hasn't been the same without it. It's not just the food, it's the memories that come with it.' Wimpy, once a major player on the UK's fast-food scene, has been undergoing a gradual revival in recent years, with several branches refurbished or reopened under new management. The Ashford branch's relaunch is seen as a positive step for the town centre, which has faced a number of retail closures in recent years. The new owners say they're committed to maintaining the traditional feel of the restaurant while bringing in modern touches to enhance the customer experience. Early visitors have already praised the updated décor and friendly atmosphere, saying it retains the charm of the old Wimpy while feeling fresh and inviting. Staff say they've been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and steady flow of diners since opening, and hope to build on that momentum in the months ahead. 3
