South Africa’s fast food industry raked in R587 billion in 2017, according to the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA), and it’s only grown since. For entrepreneurs eyeing this booming market, the cheapest fast food franchise in South Africa offers a golden ticket—low entry costs, proven models, and a hungry customer base. Franchising sidesteps the chaos of building a brand from scratch. Instead, it hands over a ready-made system to run. This article dives into the 10 most affordable fast food franchises in South Africa for 2025, unpacking costs, requirements, and actionable steps to get started. Professionals seeking a smart investment, take note: these options deliver value without breaking the bank.
Cheapest Fast Food Franchise in South Africa: What to Know
Franchising isn’t just buying a logo—it’s securing a license to operate a tested business. The franchisee pays a fee for the brand, products, and know-how. In South Africa, FASA oversees this sector, ensuring standards and growth. Fast food dominates here, fueled by convenience and demand. But costs vary wildly. Some franchises demand millions; others start under R50,000. The focus here? The cheapest fast food franchise in South Africa—options that keep upfront investment low while promising returns.
| Franchise Name | Setup Cost (R) | Upfront Fee (R) | Royalty (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip ‘n Dip | 24,000 – 505,000 | Variable | Not specified |
| King Pie | 2,500 – 750,000 | 55,000 | 8% |
| Hot Dog Café | 40,000 – 330,000 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Fish & Chip Co. | 699,000 | 140,000 | Flat R1,948.72 |
| Sausage Saloon | 795,000 | 75,000 | 5-7% |
| Kota Spot | 550,000 – 950,000 | 50,000 – 75,000 | 5% |
| Max Box | 600,000 | Not specified | None |
| Corner Bakery | 400,000 – 600,000 | 90,000 | 7-8% |
| Something Fishy | 850,000 | 55,000 | Not specified |
| ChesaNyama | 800,000 – 1,000,000 | 10,000/m² | 4% |
Chip ‘n Dip: A Fast Food Staple
Chip ‘n Dip kicked off in Cape Town, turning fries into a franchise empire. Picture this: crispy chips in a cone, drenched in sauce, served fast. With over 100 locations by 2025, it’s a contender for the cheapest fast food franchise in South Africa. Costs range from R24,000 to R299,000, depending on the setup.
- Mobile Unit: R217,000. A van or trailer for events—think festivals or markets. Mobility cuts rent costs.
- Gazebo: R101,500. A semi-permanent stand for high-traffic spots like malls or stadiums.
- Store: R505,000. A full brick-and-mortar spot, pricier but stable.
- Co-branded Store: R50,000. Pair it with another brand to split costs.
Steps to start? Contact Chip ‘n Dip via their site, pick a model, and secure 50% of the cost in cash (banks can finance the rest). No cooking skills needed—just follow their prep system. Profit comes from volume, so location is everything. Busy areas equal big wins!
King Pie: Pies on a Budget
Since 1994, Pie City has dished out affordable pies across South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia. Now rebranded as King Pie in many spots, it boasts over 70 stores. Establishment costs? Between R250,000 and R750,000. But here’s the kicker: smaller setups like kiosks or bike operations drop to R2,500–R30,000.
- Kiosk: R180,000. Perfect for malls or transit hubs.
- Full Store: R550,000. Includes a R55,000 joining fee.
- Royalty: 8% of turnover.
Want in? Fill out their online form or email info@piecity.co.za. A consultant will assess your site and capital. Working capital of R150,000 keeps things smooth. Partnerships split the risk—ideal for first-timers.
Hot Dog Café: Simple and Mobile
Hot Dog Café has grilled sausages for 24 years, offering mobile carts and small outlets. Costs start at R40,000 for a cart, climbing to R330,000 for a retail space. It’s lean, mean, and one of the cheapest fast food franchises in South Africa.
- Cart: R40,000. Park it outside busy stores or events.
- Outlet: R110,000–R330,000. Size and location drive the price.
Reach out via their site. No complex menus—just hot dogs. Prep off-site, sell on-site. Low staff needs (one or two people) keep overheads down. Target parking lots or sports games for quick sales.
Fish & Chip Co.: Classic Takeaway
Fish & Chip Co. fries up fish, chips, and sausages at over 100 spots. Setup averages R699,000, including a R140,000 joining fee. Monthly fees? A flat R1,948.72 for management and marketing.
- Setup: R699,000. Covers equipment and branding.
- Process: Pay upfront, train with their team, open.
Contact them through Franchiseek South Africa. Simple menus mean fast training—six weeks tops. Focus on working-class neighborhoods where R40–R100 meals sell like hotcakes.
Sausage Saloon: Hot Dogs, Big Reach
Sausage Saloon, born in 1997, runs over 100 outlets with sausages and hot dogs. Setup costs hit R795,000, plus a R75,000 fee. Working capital? R200,000, with 60% in cash.
- Setup: R795,000. Includes shopfitting.
- Extras: Royalty and marketing fees apply (5–7%).
Email sales@infinitybrands.co.za. Pick a kiosk or store—kiosks cut costs. High foot traffic (malls, stations) boosts revenue. Train staff in a month, then launch.
Kota Spot: Township Star
Kota Spot, launched in 2024 by Terence Leluma, serves township staples like kotas (quarter loaves stuffed with fillings). Costs range from R550,000 (container) to R950,000 (diner).
- Container: R550,000. Mobile and cheap.
- Diner: R950,000. Bigger space, more sales.
- Fees: 5% royalty, 2% marketing.
Request a quote from Franchiseek. Containers need less setup—plug and play. Target urban edges or townships where kotas reign supreme.
Max Box: Budget Meals
Max Box, since 2009, offers fish, sausages, and chips for R40–R100. Setup costs around R600,000, with no royalty fees—just a flat rate.
- Setup: R600,000. Equipment and branding.
- Perks: No ongoing royalties.
Contact via their site. Position near hardware stores or walkways. Low menu complexity means quick turnarounds and steady profits.
Corner Bakery: Pies and Pastries
Corner Bakery, tied to Engen stations, bakes pies and pastries. Setup runs R400,000–R600,000, with a R90,000 fee. Royalty? 7–8% of turnover.
- Setup: R400,000 minimum.
- Support: Training and site help.
Email info@cornerbakery.co.za. Pair with a fuel stop for built-in traffic. Prep off-site cuts costs—sell fresh daily.
Something Fishy: Seafood Lite
Something Fishy fries fish and chips for R900,000 setup, including a R55,000 fee. It’s straightforward and scalable.
- Setup: R850,000 plus fee.
- Steps: Apply via SA Franchise Warehouse.
Focus on coastal towns or urban hubs. Minimal staff (two max) keeps it lean. Consistency drives repeat customers.
ChesaNyama: Braai on a Budget
ChesaNyama grills meat township-style. Setup costs R800,000–R1,000,000, with a R10,000/m² fee. Royalty is 4%, marketing 2%.
- Setup: R800,000 base.
- Extras: R80,000 working capital.
Contact via their site. Containers or small stores work best. Grill skills matter—train hard, sell fast.
Why Fast Food Franchises Work
South Africans love convenience. A 2024 Eighty20 study found 20 million ate fast food monthly, with 90% hitting top brands. Low-cost franchises thrive by targeting volume over margins. Risks? Power cuts and competition. Mitigate with generators and prime spots.
Funding Your Franchise
Cash is king. Most franchisors want 30–60% upfront, unborrowed. Banks like FNB offer franchise loans—expect 10% interest over five years. Example: R300,000 loan for Chip ‘n Dip costs R5,000 monthly. Grants from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can offset costs—apply early.
Steps to Launch
- Research: Compare costs, locations, and support.
- Contact: Use franchise sites or Franchiseek.
- Finance: Secure cash and loans.
- Site: Pick high-traffic zones.
- Train: Master the system—weeks, not months.
- Launch: Market locally—flyers, social media.
Sasol Franchise Opportunities: Your Guide to Success in SA
Final Thoughts
The cheapest fast food franchise in South Africa isn’t just about low costs—it’s about smart moves. Chip ‘n Dip, King Pie, and others prove you don’t need millions to start. Pick a brand, crunch the numbers, and jump in. South Africa’s fast food scene waits for no one—get cooking!
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