Tashas Group targets expansion with eight new brands in South Africa     

Tashas Group, an international hospitality company, is preparing its next phase of growth in South Africa, with plans to introduce eight additional brands to its local portfolio. The hospitality company, known for its flagship Tashas restaurants, is building on concepts that have already gained traction in its international markets.

The move reflects growing demand at home for its mix of casual dining, upscale venues and retail offerings. The group says it will roll out the new brands in partnership with selected operators, rather than through a traditional franchise model.

From single café to global footprint 

Founded in 2005 by Natasha Sideris, Tashas began with a single restaurant in Atholl, Johannesburg. The idea took shape after Sideris spotted a gap in the market for well-made breakfasts and lunches served in a relaxed but polished setting. 

Her early exposure to the industry—working in her father’s restaurant, Fishmonger—helped shape that vision. The concept combined fresh, made-to-order food with carefully designed interiors inspired by cafés in Paris, New York and London. 

The approach resonated quickly with customers, with long queues becoming common at early locations. Growth followed, including a deal that saw Famous Brands acquire a majority stake before Sideris bought it back in 2020. 

Since then, the business has expanded steadily. The group now operates 45 locations across South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Kingdom. Of those, 22 are in South Africa. 

Beyond its core brand, the company has developed several concepts, including Flamingo Room, Avli, Le Parc and Galaxy Bar. Le Parc, which currently operates in Johannesburg, is set to add three more locations this year. 

Recent additions such as Cafe Sofi, Arlecchino and Tashas Home—a retail homeware line—have also entered the South African market, giving the group a broader presence across dining and lifestyle segments.

Expansion strategy focuses on partnerships 

The company said the strong reception to its newer concepts locally has encouraged it to bring more of its international portfolio to South Africa. 

“With six concepts already established and a global portfolio of 14 distinctive brands, the group is well placed to serve different parts of the hospitality market,” it said. 

Planned offerings span casual all-day dining, fast-casual outlets, higher-end restaurants, bar concepts and retail formats. Sideris said the company will continue to rely on partnerships to support its rollout. 

“The response to our latest concepts in South Africa shows there is room for more,” she said. “Working with the right partners has been central to our growth, and we plan to follow the same approach as we expand further.” 

Instead of franchising, Tashas works through a collaborative model, staying involved from concept design to day-to-day operations. The group supports partners with site selection, design, staff training and ongoing management. 

“Rather than handing over a fixed template, we remain closely involved to maintain consistency and quality,” Sideris said. 

Among the concepts earmarked for expansion are Cafe Sofi and Arlecchino, as well as higher-end brands such as Avli, Flamingo Room, Bungalo34 and African Lounge. Fast-casual chain NALA and bar concepts including Galaxy Bar and Perlage are also part of the pipeline, alongside retail brands Collective Africa and Tashas Home. 

Savva Sideris, co-founder and group development director, said each brand has been designed to meet a specific customer need while reflecting the group’s broader approach to hospitality. 

“We see clear demand in South Africa for these concepts,” he said. “With the right partners, we can introduce them in a way that protects our standards while supporting local growth.”

Founder keeps close watch on growth 

Sideris, who now lives in the United Arab Emirates, continues to oversee the group’s operations. Her focus remains on measured expansion with partners who share the company’s approach to food, design and service. 

Tashas is also exploring further growth in the UK, Europe and the Gulf, as it builds on its presence outside South Africa. 

At its core, the company is sticking to a formula that has guided it from the start: well-prepared food, thoughtfully designed spaces and attentive service.