Pantry by Marble has brought in former McDonald’s South Africa CEO Greg Solomon to lead its next stage of expansion, as the luxury food and convenience retailer prepares to move beyond its Gauteng base and add new stores.

Solomon spent 15 years running McDonald’s South Africa, helping grow the fast-food business to more than 400 locations and a workforce of 15,000. Pantry said his experience scaling a large consumer business will support its plans to expand without weakening the brand’s premium positioning.

The appointment comes as Pantry moves from establishing its flagship locations to building the systems needed for a wider footprint. Its next store is due to open in Fourways in October, followed by a 1,300-square-metre standalone outlet next to Mall of Africa planned for 2027.

Pantry targets growth beyond Gauteng

Solomon said Pantry has reached a point where the brand, product offering and customer experience are established, shifting the focus toward infrastructure and operational capacity.

“The brand is established, the offering is consistent, and the experience is distinctive,” Solomon said. He said the next phase would centre on systems, training, supply chain capabilities and standardisation across Pantry’s central kitchen.

The expansion will also require tighter controls around where and how the retailer grows. Solomon said demand for the concept means the company will have to be selective about new locations, products and employees rather than simply pursuing store numbers.

“The hardest part will be saying no,” he said, describing the choice of locations, products and people as a significant responsibility as Pantry expands.

From pandemic concept to retail network

Pantry was launched by chef David Higgs and businessman Gary Kyriacou during the Covid-19 pandemic, combining an upscale food retail operation with a chef-led eatery.

Over five years, the concept has developed into a broader food retail business selling groceries, fresh produce, meat, baked goods, coffee and prepared meals. It now has permanent locations in Rosebank, Bassonia and Hazelwood, alongside a pop-up at The Marc in Sandton.

With its flagship stores established, Solomon said the opportunity now extends beyond Gauteng. His immediate focus will be putting the operational structure in place to support that expansion while preserving the qualities that have defined the brand.

“We have to add fast change and scale with discipline,” Solomon said, while protecting Pantry’s character and culture.

The retailer’s near-term priorities include stronger operating systems, employee training, supply-chain capabilities and greater standardisation across its central kitchen as additional stores come online.