Today’s headlinesSun 9 Aug 2026

A R70.90 Big Mac, and the Commission turns its attention to franchising

Beef inflation has reached the till, Spur is opening at pace, and the first-ever market inquiry into the franchise sector is about to begin.

DataThe Big Mac now costs R70.90, up nearly 30% in a year after beef inflation peaked at ~30% following the foot-and-mouth outbreak. (Eighty20)

OpeningSpur Corp opened 29 restaurants and revamped 26 in H1, closing 8, and is targeting 42 SA openings this financial year. Panarottis is the quiet star, up 17.4%. (Financial Mail)

DealFamous Brands threw off R662m in free cash in FY2026 and started a share buyback, while opening seven new drive-throughs. The biggest franchisor is hoarding firepower. (Financial Mail)

TrendTacos are SA fast food's fastest-growing format, up 152% year on year, with the QSR sector projected at 8.4% CAGR through 2029. (Tastewise)

WatchThe Competition Commission is coming for franchising: a first-ever market inquiry into the sector, with fast food a priority. Read our explainer. (Polity)

← Mon 10 Aug 2026

All briefs

Join the operators already here

Franchise Hub is live. The Brief, the index and every piece are free to read without an account. Registering adds the forum, the weekly poll and the marketplace, and takes a minute. We never sell your details and we do not email you for the sake of it.