New fast-food chain expands inside Shoprite stores across South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s biggest retailer, Shoprite, has been quietly growing its in-store fast-food venture, ChicRite, with about 80 outlets now operating nationwide.

According to the retailer, around 50 to 60 of these chicken-focused counters have been introduced over the past 18 months as part of a broader push to enhance convenience for shoppers.

Each ChicRite operates inside a Shoprite store, allowing customers to pick up a meal while doing their grocery shopping.

A spokesperson for Shoprite said the setup makes use of existing infrastructure to serve customers who want quick meals without leaving the store.

The outlets are compact, averaging around 25 menu items, with chicken and chips remaining the top sellers.

Shoprite only adds ChicRite outlets in stores where it expects consistent demand for hot food, particularly fried chicken.

This strategy aligns with South Africa’s dining habits, as chicken is the most consumed meat in the country due to its affordability compared to beef and other proteins.

Data from Cape Town consultancy Eighty20 shows that KFC remains South Africa’s top fast-food brand, with around 10 million customers buying from the chain within a month.

Chicken Licken, Debonairs Pizza, and McDonald’s follow in popularity, while chicken, burgers, and pizza together make up nearly two-thirds of all fast-food spending.

Given these numbers, Shoprite’s decision to formalize its fried chicken offering reflects consumer demand already visible across the market.

The group said ChicRite expands on its existing deli business, which already offers roasted chicken and other ready-to-eat meals in Shoprite and Checkers stores.

Shoprite explained that it chooses to add ChicRite only in locations with the strongest appetite for chicken-based meals.

Diversifying the business

Although ChicRite remains a smaller segment within Shoprite’s portfolio, its expansion mirrors the company’s broader diversification strategy.

In recent years, Shoprite has moved beyond groceries, introducing brands such as Medirite pharmacies, the Money Market financial service, and UNIQ by Checkers clothing.

It has also entered pet care through Petshop Science, outdoor retail via Checkers Outdoor, and baby products under the Little Me brand.

In the past financial year, Shoprite opened 194 supermarkets, including 43 Shoprite stores, 38 Usave outlets, and 29 Checkers locations.

Its LiquorShop arm grew by 81 stores, while Petshop Science expanded to 144 outlets, Checkers Outdoor to 28, UNIQ Clothing to 30, and Little Me to 11.

The retailer said these new openings reflect its plan to strengthen its presence in underdeveloped retail segments.

Shoprite’s total sales reached about US$13 billion (R250 billion) for the year ending June 30, 2025, up by roughly US$1 billion (R20.6 billion) from the previous year.

Turnover in its South African supermarket division rose 5.9%, contributing an additional US$326 million (R6.5 billion) to its US$5.9 billion (R110.1 billion) local base.

Shoprite said it will continue adding ChicRite outlets “where the demand exists and where store layouts make it possible.”

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