South African fast-food chain Pedros Flame Grilled Chicken is expanding into Zimbabwe, with plans to open 10 outlets and create hundreds of jobs over the next year.
The brand confirmed it will enter the Zimbabwean market through a partnership with Canary Wharf Zimbabwe, marking its latest move in a broader regional growth strategy. The first stores are set to open in Harare, with the initial phase of the rollout expected to be completed by February next year.
Founded in 2018, Pedros has grown rapidly across southern and eastern Africa. According to News Day, the company now operates more than 210 outlets in countries including South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Kenya.
Job Creation And Local Sourcing
The expansion is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in Zimbabwe. The company plans to open around 10 stores within the first year, beginning in Harare. Each outlet is projected to employ between 30 and 35 people, potentially creating about 300 jobs during the initial phase.
Harare has been identified as the starting point to simplify logistics and strengthen supply chain operations before the brand expands into other cities.
Pedros also intends to source its products locally. Chicken, vegetables and other fresh ingredients will be procured from Zimbabwean suppliers rather than imported. The approach is designed to support local agriculture, stimulate domestic supply chains and maintain competitive pricing. This model has already been implemented in other African markets where the brand operates.
Growing Competition In The Chicken Market
Pedros’ expansion into Zimbabwe follows years of rapid growth in its home market. By 2025, just six years after launching, the company had opened 173 stores across South Africa and Botswana, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing chicken franchises in the region.
Its rise has placed it in direct competition with established flame-grilled chicken brands such as Nando’s and Barcelos.
The competition comes amid strong consumer demand for chicken in South Africa. Data from the South African Poultry Association shows that the average South African consumes about 36 kilograms of chicken per year, more than double the global average of 14.6 kilograms.
With its Zimbabwean entry, Pedros is aiming to tap into similar demand patterns while contributing to job creation and local economic activity.
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