Wimpy

MOMENTS THAT WE’VE ENJOYED IN HISTORY

WIMPY HIT DURBS FIRST

The enjoyment started in Durban where South Africans could get their very first taste of a Wimpy burger in Murchie’s Passage. Back then in 1967 , if you ordered a Wimpy burger with chips and Coke, your bill would be a whopping 60 cents. Wow!

1967 Wimpy Pinetown

AND THE PLEASURE SPREAD QUICKLY

The Wimpy burger boom had begun and people enjoyed every moment of it. It didn’t take long before we were South Africa’s leading restaurant franchise.

Wimpy SA was bought from J Lyons by Bakers SA Ltd in the late 1970s and in 1987 the success of Wimpy and fast food franchising led to the formation of Pleasure Foods - a franchise holding company for Wimpy and Juicy Lucy. Milky Lane and Whistle Stop were later added to the Pleasure Food Group.

1978 Wimpy Germiston

FEEDING CHANGE

1985 was another milestone year for Wimpy, and for the progress of racial harmony. That was the year that, long before real change was seen in South Africa, Wimpy officially welcomed all races inside its stores, making it a destination that every South African could enjoy.

1980 Wimpy Roodepoort

STILL WALKING TALL AND STANDING PROUD

Right from the start Wimpy stood for a lot more than great food. It also stood for quality, cleanliness, service, value and friendliness. Although these days your bill for a Wimpy burger, chips and a Coke won't be 60 cents, you’ll still enjoy every moment.

1986 Wimpy Maitland

A BRAND WITH A MISSION

At Wimpy we have achieved success with a smile. Our bun logo has become a South African icon that is recognized everywhere and is synonymous with quality, cleanliness, service, value and friendliness. With us you’ll always feel comfortable and at home, your food will be delicious and swiftly delivered to you, but most importantly, you’ll enjoy every moment. This is our mission.

1988 Wimpy Northstate, JHB

ENERGISING FRANCHISING

The Wimpy brand has become a nationwide icon which beams brightly for a franchising operation that relies on how strongly and positively the people identify with the brand name. Right across the country, Wimpy franchisees reap the rewards of a brand that is kept constantly fresh, alive and desirable by memorable advertising campaigns and punchy promotions.

1997 Wimpy Cloisters, Rivonia Square

AWAKE. AWARE. ALIVE

Contemporary trends. Shifts in food, décor and lifestyle tastes. Wimpy is always aware of exactly what's going on out there.

2000 Wimpy Lenasia

THE WIMPY BRAND

In an industry that is as highly competitive as the restaurant industry, Wimpy has managed to stay ahead of the game for more than thirty years. The new millennium has brought with it new challenges, but we have managed to meet those challenges head on. Through the use of technology, we are constantly monitoring the market to see whether we are on track with our promotions and product offerings. It seems to be working, because our group has grown in leaps and bounds to over 400 franchises in the new millennium.

Beating to the rhythm of the world and the soul of Southern Africa.

WIMPY VOWS WITH NEW LOOK STORES

Wimpy, your family’s favourite casual dining restaurant, is sporting a new look that will keep you coming back for more of the great-tasting affordable meals served to you with a smile. Wimpy was ‘born’ in 1967 and as such, the main design elements were inspired by the ‘Swinging Sixties’. If one looks at fashion and interior design trends that are currently in the marketplace today, the majority of the looks are from the 60’s but just have a modern twist. By using the 60’s as inspiration for the new look, both the younger generation and the older generation customers will feel at home in any Wimpy store.

When visiting a new look Wimpy you will notice great changes that have been made to the seating areas. There are now spacious red ribbed vinyl seats with white ‘racing’ stripes at the tables and bunks as well as cosy, new circular shaped bunks with leather seats where you can chat and eat with a little more privacy. An I-Bar area with computers and internet access has been included for your convenience. You can sit comfortably on the cone shaped stools and go online to check emails or chat to friends on Facebook for free while waiting for your meal to arrive. In some stores, the I-Bar has the WiFi facility which allows customers to use their personal laptops.

The retro design wallpaper is eye-catching and the addition of electronic menu boards mean that Wimpy will be able to constantly update you on the latest menu offerings and promotions to choose from. The vinyl flooring and wood panelling gives the store a feeling of warmth and comfort. Taking care of the environment is everyone’s responsibility and as such, Wimpy new look stores will be fitted with energy efficient LED lights instead of neon lights. The instantly recognisable Wimpy Red still features in all elements of the shop and cartoon images, inspired by memorable Wimpy adverts, adorn the walls, speaking the language of the communities in which the stores are situated.

500th store opening

During the month of September, Wimpy celebrated the opening of their 500th restaurant with a Facebook Fan Page campaign, amongst other activities. For the first 500 people who joined the “500 Restaurants. 500 Memories” Fan Page, Wimpy donated R50 per person to the Wimpy Charitable Trust. The R25 000 raised from this campaign has been donated to The Haven Care Centre in Benoni, Johannesburg.

The Haven Care Centre was founded by Bettie Crellin and Pem Morgan and registered as a non-profit organisation on the 5th of August 1999. The centre’s main objective is to care for people who are homeless and/or unemployed as well as abused women and children. With the assistance of donations, the centre is able to provide shelter, food and clothing and strive to integrate self-sufficient individuals back into the community.