There is no such a thing as a free lunch, but in these expensive times it’s refreshing to find a cheap one. Let’s rephrase that: it’s refreshing to find a cheap AND tasty lunch. You either get one or the other, it seems, not both – until now.
Durban-born Afro’s Chicken Shop has spread its wings to Cape Town, and by all accounts they must be glad their chicken crossed the great divide.
Founder Emil Venter started Afro’s after a career in restaurants. When he thought food got too fussy and craved simplicity, he created Afro’s. The first Afro’s shop is in the distinctive yellow container on Durban’s Addington Beach. The brand was a huge success and by January 2016, Afro’s had four stores. Patrons ate up the new concept of fresh food of the highest quality, that didn’t cost a fortune.
The killer chicken strips with “tjips” or coleslaw, delicious bacon and egg rolls, great coffee and ambiance adds to the appeal. And the best part is that the most expensive meal is R49.
Afro’s Chicken Shop offers a home-grown, feel-good take on South Africa’s obsession with chicken. There’s an emphasis on great quality and affordable price – chicken burgers, wraps and strips at around 50% cheaper than you would expect to pay anywhere else. The menu is simple and the food is every bit as tasteful. The limited offerings help them clear orders much quicker (no more wasting your lunch break waiting for your food).
When Afro’s took flight Venter approached Mike Harris, a chartered accountant turned property developer to get involved.
“Afro’s seems to have hit the spot. Growth has been driven by demand. By mid Dec last year we had 14 shops – including the first one in Cape Town – in the newly redeveloped Church Square Precinct. The market is massively traded. To stand out you need an appealing brand and a great food and service offering. We’re distinctly new African. Afro’s is modern, fun and friendly,” says Harris.
It is also perfectly located on Spin Street – a hop, skip and a stone’s throw away from Parliament and Company’s Garden.
They pride themselves in using only locally sourced ingredients and preservative-free sauces. As part of its commitment to the community it serves, Afro’s sources nutritious local food and serves this in paper cartons and bags that are recyclable. They banned straws a few months back because ‘plastic ain’t so fantastic’.
Afro’s is a model of simplicity and encourage customers to bring their own mugs for coffee to decrease their carbon footprint.
Venter’s passion for the brand, he believes, is unmatched. He’s not about ripping off people by under delivering, but makes sure that his food is at a reasonable price. All menu items are tastier than anything else in this price range, as far as we can tell in Cape Town.
Address: 4 Church Square, 4 Spin Street, Cape Town
Contact: 072 559 5868
Pictures: Supplied
