Legendary “Ribs & Burgers” Restaurant is Coming to SA!
Yes, yes, we know, there’s isn’t much we South Africans like about Australia (except, of course, Liam and Chris Hemsworth … and Hugh Jackman) but we’re pretty darn excited about an Australian foodie export that is making its way to South African shores super soon. Ribs & Burgers has become somewhat of a phenomenon in Australia, the United States and UK and now the boutique casual dining restaurant has announced that it will be opening its doors, right on our doorstep this year! So, if you’re in Gauteng, get ready to sizzle because their very first SA eatery will be in your neck of the woods.
In a country where red meat dominates most menus, Ribs & Burgers promises to offer South African diners something special. Ribs & Burgers made a name for itself by putting a new spin on ‘trendy, fresh, quick, casual’. Serving traditional fresh, hot, succulent ribs and burgers and other Aussie-style delights for the discerning foodie. And, combined with friendly service, cosy vintage furnishings and a warm welcoming atmosphere, this boutique restaurant quickly became the talk of the town. The Ribs & Burgers concept brand was developed to have an identity that evoked the history of the classic butcher, founded in Australia by Bradley Michael (a South African living in Australia), the eatery will be spearheaded locally by Savva and Natasha Sideris (the founders of Tashas) and restaurant consultant Nic Marot.
This September, meat lovers in Gauteng can do a little jig of excitement because the first Ribs & Burgers is set to open its doors in Pretoria! The first local restaurant, and 20th in the group, is set to open its doors in Menlyn Maine, in September 2016. On the menu customers can expect to find South African free-range grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, with ‘healthy’ sides and salads. And, as for the burgers the eatery promises to offer a healthy twist to the usual burger offering of most SA restaurants, with plenty of dish modifications based on location.
Nic Marot, who has over 12 years of experience in the food business, explains that the new approach is all thanks to discerning South African diners. “South African consumers are now finally looking at the ingredient list and asking lots of questions about what’s in the food they’re eating.” Basically, the idea is good food with a source you can trust. “The ribs are marinated and slow cooked for eight hours then basted with a propriety family recipe. All meals are cooked with quality ingredients, including locally sourced grass fed beef and hormone free chicken with a selection of healthy salads and sides,” adds Savva.
Ribs & Burgers plans to fill the gap in the market for those who don’t wish to sit in a formal steakhouse setting, but still want a stylish environment that appeals to both sexes. With a variety of healthy options as well as good classic burgers to keep people coming back, diners can be assured of delicious food and exceptional value for money without compromising on quality.
The new Menlyn Maine shopping centre in Pretoria will see the first branch open on the 21st of September 2016, with a further 20 to 30 locations planned throughout the country over the next three years.
The eatery also recently launched their 1 in 100 promotion on social media where 100 people stand the chance to win a free burger, every week, for a year! To enter simply visit the Ribs & Burgers website here and register! Winners will be notified by email, and will need to collect their cards on the 21st September from the new Menlyn Maine store, between 11.30 and 12.30PM. The first 100 people to be lined up outside the store on opening day will also receive a free burger!