Val Bourdos Nichas is a trailblazer in South Africa’s restaurant industry. In January 2021, she became the first female CEO of Spur Corporation—one of the nation’s most iconic restaurant franchisors—with decades of experience in food, franchising, and business strategy under her belt.
When Nichas took the reins, the restaurant landscape was still navigating post-lockdown challenges and a shift in consumer habits. Leveraging her rich background, including leadership roles at major brands and running her consultancy for eight years, she quickly revamped Spur’s strategy to meet new market demands.
One of her early moves was to embrace technology. Under her guidance, Spur enhanced its online ordering and delivery services and introduced virtual kitchen brands like Just Wingz and Pizza Pug for the first time.
These initiatives extended the company’s reach far beyond traditional dine-in experiences. Additionally, Val Bourdos Nichas revived the look of Spur Steak Ranches—a flagship brand contributing about 50% of Spur’s revenue—to attract a younger, more diverse crowd without losing its family-friendly charm.
In December 2023, Nichas further firmed Spur’s market position by acquiring a 60% stake in the Doppio Group, which includes popular names such as Doppio Zero, Piza e Vino, and Modern Tailors, alongside a central bakery and supply business. This strategic move has strengthened Spur’s foothold in the premium casual dining segments, complemented by new menu options featuring plant-based and health-conscious dishes.
The results have been impressive. Since the CEO’s appointment, Spur Corporation’s franchised restaurant turnover jumped by 23% to approximately R9.5 billion ($523.5 million) in the year ending June 2023. The overall revenue surged 27.4%, while headline earnings soared 75.9% to R213 million ($11.8 million).
Spur’s footprint is growing to 639 locations, and with more on the horizon, It is set to keep expanding both locally and internationally.
Val Bourdos Nichas continues to lead Spur with a fresh, forward-thinking approach, ensuring that the brand stays relevant and remains a beloved name in South Africa’s ever-evolving restaurant scene.
