The iconic South African restaurant closing its doors
Spur Corporation has announced that its Seven Spur in Sea Point will close sometime this month after serving customers for 56 years.
The company told News24 that the decision is the result of the landlord’s plan to redevelop the property, which means the restaurant’s lease will not be renewed.
While the closure marks the end of an era for one of Spur’s most iconic outlets, the group has assured patrons that it plans to find a new home for this legendary restaurant.
Seven Spur opened in 1968 at the corner of Main and Conifer Roads in Sea Point, Cape Town. It was the second Spur restaurant to open after the first in Newlands.
Over the years, it relocated twice, eventually settling at its current location on Arthur’s Road in 2006. It has been a familiar fixture for generations of Capetonians and tourists visiting the area.
The company acknowledged that closures of this kind occasionally happen when landlords undertake significant property upgrades or redevelopments.
Spur Steak Ranches is one of South Africa’s most iconic restaurant brands. It is known for its steaks, burgers, and family-friendly environment.
Spur was established over 50 years ago in 1967 when Allen Ambor, born in Germany and raised in South Africa, decided to open his own steakhouse in Cape Town after years in the restaurant and retail trade.
On 24 October 1967, the first Golden Spur opened in Newlands, Cape Town. It was an instant hit, helped by a clever opening-day promotion in which schoolchildren were offered free ice cream cones after school.
Although Ambor initially had no plans to franchise his business, the success of the first two restaurants, including the Seven Spur in Sea Point, changed his mind.
By 1986, Spur Corporation was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, solidifying its position as a major player in the restaurant industry.
Spur contiues to thrive in South Africa
When Ambor retired as executive chairman in 2019, Spur had grown into a network of more than 600 franchises.
The Seven Spur became one of the most recognised branches in the group’s portfolio. Even as the closure date approaches, the restaurant remains open until mid-August.
Spur invited patrons via Facebook to share their memories so they can “celebrate the good times together.”
While the closure may be bittersweet for loyal customers, Spur Corporation continues to thrive and expand.
By the end of 2024, the group operated 726 restaurants across 15 countries, up from 701 in June 2024 and 687 in December 2023.
In the six months to December 2024 alone, the group opened 21 new restaurants, including six Spurs, six Panarottis, one John Dory’s, three RocoMamas, three Doppio Zero, one Piza e Vino, and one Modern Tailors.
This brought its South African footprint to 619 restaurants. Financially, the group remains strong. For the six months ending 31 December 2024, total restaurant sales increased by 10% to R5.9 billion.
Spur remains the flagship contributor to the group’s success, accounting for 64% of South African restaurant sales, followed by RocoMamas and Panarottis, each contributing 10%.
The company is listed on the JSE and has a market capitalisation of around R3 billion. Its latest financial year saw restaurant sales of R10.62 billion.
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