From fueling the national economy with a R172.4 billion GDP contribution to shaping how South Africans socialize and celebrate, the restaurant industry is a dynamic and booming powerhouse of culture, innovation, and taste.
Key Takeaways
- The South African restaurant industry contributed R172.4 billion to the national GDP in 2023, representing 1.8% of total GDP with a year-on-year growth of 4.7% driven by urban consumer spending.
- Total revenue in the full-service restaurant segment reached R89.6 billion in 2022, up 6.1% from 2021 due to post-COVID recovery and inflation adjustments.
- Quick-service restaurants (QSR) generated R62.3 billion in sales in 2023, accounting for 36% of the total restaurant market share amid rising fast-food demand.
- South Africa had 85,000 registered restaurant outlets in 2023, with 12% increase since 2020 due to entrepreneurial boom.
- Johannesburg hosted 22,400 restaurants in 2023, comprising 26% of national total with density of 1 per 400 residents.
- Cape Town's restaurant count reached 18,500 in 2023, up 8% driven by V&A Waterfront expansions.
- The restaurant industry employed 450,000 direct workers in 2023, 2.8% of national workforce.
- Waitstaff positions totaled 180,000 in 2023, with 55% female and average wage R15,000/month.
- Chefs numbered 95,000 in 2023, 12% certified by City & Guilds with shortages in patisserie.
- Average consumer spent R450 per restaurant visit in 2023, up 11% from inflation.
- 68% of diners preferred local cuisine like bunny chow in 2023 surveys, urban millennials leading.
- Online bookings accounted for 42% of reservations in 2023, apps like Dineplan dominant.
- Digital menus adopted by 78% outlets in 2023, speeding orders 20%.
- Load shedding caused R4.2 billion losses industry-wide in 2023, generators in 65% outlets.
- Sustainability certifications held by 28% restaurants in 2023, zero-waste leading.
South Africa's restaurant industry grew significantly, contributing billions to the economy and jobs.
Consumer Spending and Preferences
- Average consumer spent R450 per restaurant visit in 2023, up 11% from inflation.
- 68% of diners preferred local cuisine like bunny chow in 2023 surveys, urban millennials leading.
- Online bookings accounted for 42% of reservations in 2023, apps like Dineplan dominant.
- 55% of consumers chose restaurants for family meals weekly in 2023, average bill R1,200.
- Vegetarian options ordered by 32% of patrons in 2023, up 15% from health awareness.
- Wine pairing influenced 28% of fine-dining spends in 2023, average add-on R250.
- Delivery orders averaged R220 per transaction in 2023, 25% repeat customers monthly.
- 47% of Gen Z dined out for social media photos in 2023, boosting trendy spots.
- Average lunch spend was R180 in 2023, QSR dominating weekdays at 60% share.
- 61% preferred outdoor seating post-2023, especially in Cape Town summer.
- Craft beer orders up 19% in 2023, adding R45 average to pub tabs.
- 39% of consumers tipped 10-15% in 2023, digital payments facilitating 70%.
- Weekend brunch popular with 52% participation, average spend R320 in 2023.
- Halal dining chosen by 22% weekly in 2023, urban Muslims driving demand.
- Sustainable sourcing swayed 44% choices in 2023, premium 12% price acceptance.
- Group dining (4+ people) 58% of evenings, bill split apps used 65%.
- Seafood cravings peaked summer 2023, 35% menu orders coastal regions.
- Dessert sharing 67% in 2023, adding R80 average to meals.
- Loyalty programs retained 71% customers in 2023, discounts key incentive.
- Late-night dining (after 10pm) 18% preference in 2023, urban youth led.
- Fusion dishes ordered by 41% millennials in 2023, curiosity factor high.
- Alcohol-free options chosen 26% in 2023, health trends boosting mocktails.
- 73% reviewed positively online post-visit 2023, influencing 55% future choices.
- Budget diners under R100/meal 29% share in 2023, township economies key.
- Premium steak spends averaged R450/plate in 2023, 22% frequency increase.
- Load shedding reduced dine-in 14% evenings 2023, boosting takeaways 22%.
- 62% of South Africans dined out monthly in 2023, income >R20k group 80%.
Consumer Spending and Preferences Interpretation
Despite inflation, South Africans are eating out with gusto, as evidenced by their willingness to spend significantly more for experiences that blend digital convenience, family time, health-conscious choices, and a hearty dose of local flavour, all while carefully splitting the bill and reviewing it online for their followers.
Employment and Workforce
- The restaurant industry employed 450,000 direct workers in 2023, 2.8% of national workforce.
- Waitstaff positions totaled 180,000 in 2023, with 55% female and average wage R15,000/month.
- Chefs numbered 95,000 in 2023, 12% certified by City & Guilds with shortages in patisserie.
- Kitchen hands and cleaners employed 120,000 in 2023, 70% casual contracts averaging R10,200/month.
- Managers in restaurants reached 45,000 in 2023, requiring 5+ years experience 80% of time.
- Youth employment (18-24) was 28% of workforce at 126,000 in 2023, training programs key.
- Female representation hit 52% of total jobs in 2023, up from 48% in 2020 gender initiatives.
- Turnover rate averaged 65% annually in 2023, highest in frontline roles at 75%.
- Average salary for head chefs was R28,500/month in 2023, Gauteng 15% higher.
- Part-time workers comprised 35% of 450,000 total, peaking weekends at 160,000 shifts.
- Black African workers 72% of workforce in 2023, skills development up 20% via SETA.
- Foreign workers numbered 25,000 in 2023, 5.5% total mostly skilled chefs from Zimbabwe.
- Training hours totaled 2.1 million in 2023 via WHETA, focusing hygiene and service.
- Unemployment impact: 15,000 jobs lost in 2023 from load shedding, mostly small outlets.
- Sommelier positions grew to 2,800 in 2023, Western Cape 60% concentration.
- Bartenders employed 38,000 in 2023, craft cocktail trend adding 5,000 roles.
- Delivery drivers for restaurants hit 45,000 in 2023, gig economy 80% via Uber Eats.
- Sustainability officers in chains: 1,200 roles created in 2023 for green practices.
- Disability-inclusive hiring reached 4,500 jobs in 2023, 1% of total via quotas.
- Overtime hours averaged 12/week per worker in 2023, peaking festive season at 18.
- Apprenticeships completed 8,200 in 2023, boosting entry-level chef numbers.
- Union membership 22% of workforce at 99,000 in 2023, wage negotiations key.
- Remote management roles grew 15% to 3,500 in 2023 via digital tools post-COVID.
Employment and Workforce Interpretation
Here is one sentence weaving together the spirit of these statistics: While the South African restaurant industry sustains nearly half a million livelihoods and has made strides in gender representation and skills development, its foundation is precariously balanced on a high-turnover, often casual workforce, whose stability is threatened by external shocks and internal shortages, revealing a sector that feeds the nation but struggles to consistently nourish its own people.
Market Size and Revenue
- The South African restaurant industry contributed R172.4 billion to the national GDP in 2023, representing 1.8% of total GDP with a year-on-year growth of 4.7% driven by urban consumer spending.
- Total revenue in the full-service restaurant segment reached R89.6 billion in 2022, up 6.1% from 2021 due to post-COVID recovery and inflation adjustments.
- Quick-service restaurants (QSR) generated R62.3 billion in sales in 2023, accounting for 36% of the total restaurant market share amid rising fast-food demand.
- The restaurant industry's average annual revenue per outlet stood at R4.2 million in 2023, with fine-dining establishments averaging R8.7 million.
- Projected industry revenue growth for 2024 is 5.8%, reaching R182.1 billion, fueled by tourism rebound and middle-class expansion.
- Casual dining segment revenues hit R45.8 billion in 2023, growing 7.2% YoY as families prioritized affordable outings.
- Alcohol sales within restaurants contributed R28.9 billion to revenues in 2022, comprising 17% of total sales with wine sales up 9%.
- Delivery and takeaway sales surged to R31.4 billion in 2023, representing 18% of total restaurant revenues post-pandemic.
- Gauteng province accounted for 42% of national restaurant revenues at R72.5 billion in 2023, led by Johannesburg's dining scene.
- Western Cape restaurants generated R38.2 billion in 2023, boosted by 12% tourism-driven growth in Cape Town.
- KwaZulu-Natal's restaurant revenues reached R22.1 billion in 2023, with Durban contributing 55% via beachfront eateries.
- The industry's profit margin averaged 8.4% in 2023, up from 6.2% in 2022 due to cost optimizations.
- Independent restaurants captured 52% of market revenues at R89.7 billion in 2023, outperforming chains by 3% growth.
- Chain restaurants' revenues totaled R82.7 billion in 2023, with international brands like Nando's leading at 15% share.
- Fine-dining revenues grew 11.2% to R12.4 billion in 2023, driven by high-net-worth individuals in urban centers.
- Buffet and family-style restaurants saw revenues of R9.8 billion in 2023, up 8% from increased group dining.
- Vegan and plant-based menu revenues reached R4.5 billion in 2023, a 22% increase reflecting dietary shifts.
- Seafood restaurant revenues in coastal areas hit R7.2 billion in 2023, with 14% growth from export-quality sourcing.
- Steakhouse segment revenues stood at R15.6 billion in 2023, maintaining 40% market preference among meat lovers.
- Bakery-cafe hybrid revenues grew to R6.9 billion in 2023, up 9.5% via breakfast and coffee combos.
- Pub and tavern revenues totaled R21.3 billion in 2023, with 6% growth from sports viewing events.
- Food truck and pop-up revenues emerged at R2.1 billion in 2023, growing 28% in urban festivals.
- Hotel-attached restaurant revenues were R34.7 billion in 2023, 19% of total industry from tourist stays.
- Corporate catering within restaurants added R11.2 billion to revenues in 2023, up 10% post-office returns.
- Halal-certified restaurant revenues reached R8.9 billion in 2023, growing 16% with Muslim consumer rise.
- Organic and farm-to-table revenues hit R3.4 billion in 2023, 18% growth from sustainability trends.
- Dessert-only venue revenues grew to R1.8 billion in 2023, up 25% via Instagram-driven appeal.
- Rooftop and scenic view restaurants generated R5.6 billion in 2023, 12% premium pricing uplift.
- Fusion cuisine revenues stood at R10.2 billion in 2023, blending local and international flavors successfully.
- Breakfast-focused restaurant revenues reached R7.8 billion in 2023, up 9% from remote work habits.
Market Size and Revenue Interpretation
From fine dining's robust recovery to fast food's relentless sizzle, South Africa's restaurant industry, now a R172.4 billion cornerstone of the economy, proves that whether it's a quick bite, a family feast, or an Instagrammable dessert, the nation's diverse appetites are fueling a hearty and profitable comeback.
Number of Establishments and Locations
- South Africa had 85,000 registered restaurant outlets in 2023, with 12% increase since 2020 due to entrepreneurial boom.
- Johannesburg hosted 22,400 restaurants in 2023, comprising 26% of national total with density of 1 per 400 residents.
- Cape Town's restaurant count reached 18,500 in 2023, up 8% driven by V&A Waterfront expansions.
- Durban had 9,200 restaurants in 2023, with 45% beachfront or promenade-located for tourist access.
- Pretoria boasted 7,800 restaurants in 2023, growing 10% from government worker influx.
- Independent outlets numbered 45,000 nationwide in 2023, 53% of total with urban concentration.
- Fast-food chains operated 15,200 outlets in 2023, 18% of market led by KFC at 1,100 sites.
- Fine-dining establishments totaled 2,400 in 2023, primarily in top 5 cities with Michelin aspirations.
- Western Cape had 21,000 outlets in 2023, 25% national share boosted by wine farm eateries.
- Gauteng's 36,000 restaurants in 2023 represented 42% national total, highest density at Sandton.
- Rural areas had only 8,500 restaurants in 2023, 10% of total focusing on braai and local cuisine.
- Mall-based restaurants numbered 12,000 in 2023, 14% growth from shopping center booms.
- Street food vendors formalized to 5,200 outlets in 2023 under municipal licenses.
- Hotel restaurants totaled 4,100 in 2023, integrated into 1,200 properties nationwide.
- Vegan restaurants grew to 1,200 outlets in 2023, concentrated in Cape Town at 320 sites.
- Seafood specialists numbered 1,800 along coasts in 2023, with Durban having 450.
- Pubs and bars reached 9,500 in 2023, up 7% in rugby heartlands like Bloemfontein.
- Food courts in transport hubs had 2,300 outlets in 2023, airports contributing 400.
- Pop-up and seasonal venues operated 1,100 sites in 2023, festivals hosting 60%.
- Halal restaurants totaled 3,400 in 2023, Johannesburg leading with 1,200 certified spots.
- Rooftop diners numbered 850 in 2023, Cape Town skyline venues at 250.
- Farm-to-table establishments reached 950 in 2023, Western Cape dominating at 520.
- Dessert parlors grew to 2,200 in 2023, malls hosting 40% of trendy spots.
- Breakfast cafes totaled 4,500 nationwide in 2023, urban morning rush key driver.
- Fusion cuisine outlets numbered 2,800 in 2023, blending African-Asian flavors popularly.
Number of Establishments and Locations Interpretation
While South Africa's restaurant landscape now caters to nearly every taste, location, and budget, it's clear the nation's collective appetite for dining out has become a serious business, one that sees fine-dining ambitions in Joburg, entrepreneurial spirit in Cape Town, and a reliable staple of braais and KFC in the rest.
Trends and Challenges
- Digital menus adopted by 78% outlets in 2023, speeding orders 20%.
- Load shedding caused R4.2 billion losses industry-wide in 2023, generators in 65% outlets.
- Sustainability certifications held by 28% restaurants in 2023, zero-waste leading.
- AI menu optimization used in 15% chains 2023, reducing waste 18%.
- Plant-based menu items grew 35% in 2023, Beyond Meat imports up.
- Contactless payments reached 88% transactions in 2023, post-COVID staple.
- Labor shortages affected 42% outlets in 2023, wages up 12% response.
- Food inflation hit 9.8% in 2023, menu prices adjusted 7.2% average.
- Ghost kitchens proliferated to 3,200 in 2023, delivery-only 80% efficient.
- Health and safety compliance 92% in 2023 audits, post-COVID protocols.
- Tourism recovery boosted 22% revenues 2023, international visitors key.
- Water scarcity challenges 35% coastal outlets 2023, rainwater systems 20%.
- Social media marketing ROI 4:1 in 2023, TikTok viral for 60% youth.
- Supply chain disruptions cost 8% revenues 2023, local sourcing up 25%.
- Experiential dining trends 51% preference 2023, chef tables popular.
Trends and Challenges Interpretation
While the industry races towards a digital, sustainable future on the back of AI menus and plant-based booms, it remains precariously balanced between tourism-fueled recovery and the relentless blackouts, inflation, and water scarcity that demand constant, costly adaptation.
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