The South African restaurant industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards greater collaboration and unity, as The Restaurant Collective (TRC) continues to build a strong community of restaurant owners and operators. This movement, which began in 2020 when industry leaders Natasha Sideris and Grace Harding came together during a time of crisis, has evolved into a powerful force advocating for the industry’s interests on a national level.
Historically, the South African restaurant industry has been characterised by a lack of collaboration, with businesses operating in silos and a focus on individual survival. However, the challenges of the modern world have prompted a change in mindset, with a growing recognition that collective success benefits everyone. The mantra “I succeed, we succeed” is now driving a new era of cooperation.
This shift towards unity has already yielded tangible results. TRC’s partnership with the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) is a prime example. Through this collaboration, the restaurant industry is gaining a stronger voice in key areas such as government relations, skills development, and industry recognition.
One significant outcome of this partnership is the introduction of a sit-down restaurant category in the annual FEDHASA Hospitality Awards. Launched earlier this year with the endorsement of the Minister of Tourism, these awards are set to become a prestigious platform for recognising excellence in the restaurant sector.
In addition to this, the collaboration with FEDHASA has opened doors to vital resources like the CATHSSETA (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority). This has paved the way for life-changing skills development programmes that will elevate the standards of the industry and create a more desirable career path for aspiring professionals.
The success of prominent restaurant groups such as SPUR and Famous Brands further underscores the positive momentum within the industry. SPUR’s recent strong financial results and Famous Brands’ achievement of Level 1 BBBEE compliance highlight the benefits of strategic collaboration and industry-wide support.
As TRC continues to grow, it is calling on all individual restaurants and suppliers to join the movement. With increased participation, the collective can further amplify its impact, ensuring that the industry remains resilient and competitive in the face of future challenges.
Grace Harding, a key figure behind TRC and CEO of Ocean Basket, emphasises the importance of community involvement: “We need your insights and your voice. And we need the numbers.”
As the industry prepares for the next phase of transformation, TRC is encouraging stakeholders to stay tuned for more information on how to get involved and the benefits of joining this growing community. For further details, interested parties can reach out directly to Grace Harding at Grace@oceanbasket.com.
The future of the South African restaurant industry is being shaped by a collective vision—one where success is shared, and the industry’s voice is stronger than ever.
