From humble beginnings in Stellenbosch, Hungry Lion has grown from a small chicken joint to one of Africa’s fastest-growing fast-food chains. In 2023 alone, it opened 50 new stores, with plans for 100 more in 2024, bringing its total to 400 stores across seven countries. Not bad for a company that started with just one spot in Eikestad Mall!
The story dates back to 1997 when Shoprite, led by Whitey Basson, decided to try its hand at the quick-service restaurant (QSR) game. They kicked things off with a fried chicken shop, and boom—local demand was through the roof. By the end of the year, they had expanded to Zambia and the Eastern Cape.
Fast-forward to 2001 when Adrian Basson, now the CEO, joined the business. With a background in tech, Adrian brought a fresh approach, helping turn Hungry Lion from a simple chicken-and-chips spot into a customer-centric brand.
By the early 2010s, Hungry Lion was no longer just a part of Shoprite but a fully independent entity. They rebranded, revamped their stores, and focused on giving customers a great experience. By 2014, they had 168 stores across southern Africa.
The real game-changer came in 2018 when Shoprite sold off its stake, allowing Hungry Lion to grow on its own terms. Today, the brand thrives with over 400 stores across South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
What’s behind the growth? Apart from consistently serving up “king-sized” portions, Hungry Lion is a tech-savvy company, using AI and cloud computing to streamline operations. Adrian Basson’s tech experience has made a big impact—real-time performance data allows managers to solve problems on the fly, ensuring every store is running smoothly.
With big plans for the future, Hungry Lion is on track to open 150 new stores in 2025 and 200 more in 2026. By the end of 2026, they aim to have 750 stores and 15,000 employees. And as Africa’s population continues to boom, Hungry Lion is looking to expand further, bringing its signature fried chicken to even more hungry mouths across the continent.
For Hungry Lion, it’s not just about the food—it’s about creating communities, offering jobs, and making a lasting impact, one crispy chicken leg at a time.
Source Info: https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/806271/south-africas-new-fast-food-giant-and-its-hungry-for-more/