Pedros has acquired South African fast casual brand, Bird & Co.
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Restaurant brand Pedros has acquired South African fast casual brand, Bird & Co, bringing the nine-store chicken and pizza business into the Pedros Group.
The move forms part of the brand's strategic national expansion strategy.
Pedros said in a statement that the deal adds an established KwaZulu-Natal brand to the Group’s portfolio at a time when scale, supply chain resilience and pricing discipline are becoming critical for food businesses operating in South Africa’s tough consumer environment.
It said Bird & Co has built a loyal following across KZN and in a part of Gauteng, with a total of 9 stores.
“The brand will continue trading under its existing name. Under the Pedros Group, Bird & Co is expected to benefit from improved buying power, a national supply chain and established, successful operational systems.”
Greg Stephenson, general manager of Bird & Co, said the transaction provided certainty for the business, its customers and its people, to grow responsibly and sustainably and become a respected brand in the industry.
“Pedros has grown to more than 200 stores nationwide, and their experience in food service and franchising creates real opportunities for our team and our franchise partners. The group is rich in talent and resources, and there is a strong willingness to grow and strengthen Bird and Co, especially from an operational and customer experience perspective.”
Bradley Marshall, marketing executive at Pedros, said Bird & Co was a natural fit within the group.
“Bird & Co has a differentiated offering with its wood-fired pizzas and deboned chicken,” said Marshall.
“The brand has room to grow and the fundamentals are in place. It operates in competitive markets and has built local recognition. Our role is to refine the brand, improve consistency, and support its next phase of development.”
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