Shoprite expands ChicRite fast food outlets in South Africa

Shoprite expands ChicRite fast food outlets in South Africa as the country’s largest retailer continues to diversify its in-store offerings. Over the past few years, the retailer has quietly rolled out a network of around 80 ChicRite chicken outlets, with 50 to 60 opening in the last 18 months.

Each ChicRite chicken outlet operates inside a Shoprite store, providing quick meal options for shoppers seeking convenience while completing their grocery purchases.

“It’s about convenience and using our existing store infrastructure where it makes sense. When customers come and do their groceries, they can also grab a bite to eat from a ChicRite,” said a Shoprite spokesperson.

The Rise of ChicRite Chicken Outlets

The average ChicRite outlet is compact, featuring a menu of approximately 25 items, with fried chicken and chips as the most popular choices. Shoprite strategically introduces outlets in locations where demand for fast food is high.

This decision aligns with broader trends in South African dining. Chicken remains the nation’s most consumed protein, often preferred over beef and other meats due to affordability and taste. According to Cape Town consultancy Eighty20, KFC remains South Africa’s leading fast food chain, with Chicken Licken, Debonairs, and McDonald’s following closely.

Eighty20 research also highlights that chicken, burgers, and pizza account for roughly two-thirds of all fast food spending in South Africa, with chicken far ahead. In this context, Shoprite’s move to expand ChicRite chicken outlets is a strategic alignment with local consumer behavior.

Convenience and In-Store Dining

The ChicRite concept builds on Shoprite’s existing deli operations, which already sell cooked chicken and ready-to-eat meals across Shoprite and Checkers stores.

“Because chicken is the most popular protein in South Africa, it made sense to curate the offering in stores where there is the strongest demand,” the company said.

By embedding fast food options within South African grocery stores, Shoprite ensures that customers can shop and dine without leaving the premises, enhancing convenience and driving additional revenue.

Shoprite’s Broader Expansion Strategy

While ChicRite remains relatively small, its growth reflects Shoprite’s ongoing diversification. The retailer has added several non-grocery business lines, including:

• Medirite pharmacies

• Shoprite Money Market for financial services

• UNIQ clothing line under Checkers

• Petshop Science for pet care

• Checkers Outdoor for outdoor goods

• Little Me for baby products

Shoprite’s strategy contrasts with competitors who have slowed expansion in South Africa’s challenging retail market.

Strong Retail Performance

In the financial year ending 30 June 2025, Shoprite opened 194 new supermarkets, including 43 Shoprite stores, 38 Usave stores, and 29 Checkers stores. Its LiquorShop added 81 outlets, while specialist brands expanded: 60 new Petshop Science stores, UNIQ Clothing to 30 outlets, Checkers Outdoor to 28, and Little Me to 11 locations.

Total sales exceeded R250 billion, up R20.6 billion from the previous year. Within its core supermarket segment, turnover increased 5.9%, adding R6.5 billion to a base of R110.1 billion.

This strong financial performance provides the resources to continue expanding ChicRite chicken outlets in selected stores.

The Future of ChicRite

Shoprite has indicated plans to open additional ChicRite outlets where space and demand allow, signaling the company’s commitment to making quick meal options a permanent feature of its South African grocery stores.

The concept not only strengthens in-store customer experience but also leverages Shoprite’s infrastructure to maximize revenue from non-grocery sales. By combining shopping with dining, the retailer is tapping into evolving consumer habits favoring convenience and speed.

The Impact on South African Fast Food Market

ChicRite’s expansion positions Shoprite as a competitor in the broader fast food space, challenging established chains such as KFC and Chicken Licken. By offering fried chicken and other popular items inside grocery stores, Shoprite captures a captive audience of shoppers who might otherwise visit standalone fast food outlets.

This hybrid model of retail plus dining has proven effective in other markets and could reshape South Africa’s fast food landscape, especially as consumers increasingly demand convenience and affordability.

Conclusion

Shoprite expands ChicRite fast food outlets in South Africa as part of a larger diversification and growth strategy. By combining Shoprite fast food with ChicRite chicken outlets inside existing South African grocery stores, the retailer creates convenient, appealing options for shoppers.

With South Africa’s chicken consumption remaining high and fast food demand growing, the expansion of ChicRite is likely to continue, strengthening Shoprite’s presence in the fast food market while boosting overall store revenue and customer satisfaction.

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