Scooters Pizza And Bimbo’s Make A Comeback In South Africa With New Stores Rolling Out

For many South Africans, the names Scooters Pizza and Bimbo’s come with a heavy dose of nostalgia. Whether it was a late-night burger run after a party or waiting nervously to see if your pizza would arrive in under 39 minutes, these brands once defined a certain era of fast food in the country.

Now, both are stepping back into the spotlight, with plans to win over not just loyal fans, but a new generation of customers.

A Familiar Name Returns To The Streets

Scooters Pizza is officially back, and this time it is being rebuilt with a fresh strategy. The brand, originally launched in 2000, quickly became a household name thanks to its bold delivery promise and rapid expansion across South Africa.

At its peak, Scooters had more than 100 outlets nationwide. But the brand’s disappearance came as part of a bigger shake-up in the fast-food space, when its parent company shifted focus to rolling out Domino’s Pizza locally. That decision ultimately led to Scooters being phased out.

The Domino’s experiment in South Africa did not go as planned. By 2020, the business had been liquidated, leaving dozens of outlets shuttered and a gap in the market that many customers still felt.

Now, franchise veteran Juan Engelbrecht is bringing Scooters back to life. His connection to the brand runs deep, having played a key role in its early expansion, including launching its first Gauteng stores.

The revival is already gaining traction. Since its relaunch in late 2025, the brand has seen a surge of interest from potential franchisees, signalling strong appetite for its return.

New Stores Across The Country

The comeback is not just talk. New Scooters outlets are rolling out across South Africa, with a clear focus on Gauteng and expansion into other provinces.

Recent and upcoming openings include:

• Waverley in Pretoria

• Elspark in Germiston

• Edenvale in Ekurhuleni

• Dalview in Brakpan

• Phalaborwa in Limpopo

In the Western Cape, new locations are planned for Durbanville, Paarl, N1 City and Kenilworth, bringing the brand closer to Cape Town customers who remember it fondly.

There are also plans for KwaZulu-Natal, although the current focus remains on building a strong base in Gauteng first.

Bimbo’s Gets A Second Life

Scooters is not the only name making a return. Bimbo’s, another once-beloved fast-food chain, is also being revived under Engelbrecht’s watch.

Founded in 1970, Bimbo’s was one of South Africa’s early homegrown fast-food brands, known for its chicken, burgers and 24-hour service. For many, it became the go-to spot after a night out, especially in urban hubs.

Its decline came after major changes in ownership. In the mid-2000s, many Bimbo’s outlets were acquired and converted into other well-known brands, while the remaining stores struggled to maintain the same cultural relevance.

Now, the brand is getting a second chance. The first new Bimbo’s outlet is opening in Waverley, Pretoria, with another already in the pipeline.

Why Nostalgia Is Driving The Comeback

The return of these brands taps into something bigger happening in South Africa’s food scene. As global chains dominate the market, there is growing space for local favourites that carry history and familiarity.

For older customers, Scooters and Bimbo’s offer a taste of the past. For younger consumers, they represent something different from the usual multinational options.

There is also a practical angle. South Africa’s franchise sector remains one of the most resilient parts of the economy, and proven brand names often have a better chance of success when reintroduced with a modern approach.

A New Chapter For Old Favourites

The challenge now is not just reopening stores, but staying relevant in a highly competitive market. Today’s fast-food customer expects convenience, quality and strong branding, all at once.

If the early interest in Scooters is anything to go by, there is real potential for these brands to carve out space again.

For many South Africans, the comeback is more than just about food. It is about revisiting familiar flavours and experiences that once felt like part of everyday life, now reimagined for a new era.

{Source:Business Tech}

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