Kelly Lewis: CEO of Tasty Nation
Tasty Nation opens first of its own chain of restaurants
JOHANNESBURG, 7 MAY 2025 – Tasty Nation, South Africa’s innovative provider of authentic traditional ready meals, celebrated the grand opening of its first quick service restaurant at Chilli Lane Shopping Centre in Sunninghill, Johannesburg on the 7th of May 2025. The highly anticipated launch event welcomed media representatives and special guests who experienced firsthand the brand’s commitment to serving convenient, high-quality South African cuisine, building on a legacy of providing traditional dishes across retail hot food counters in supermarkets and service stations for the past 11 years.
The vibrant, high-energy restaurant marks a significant milestone in Tasty Nation’s growth journey, expanding from their popular frozen ready meal range available in Pick n Pay stores nationwide to now offering a dine-in experience that celebrates South Africa’s rich culinary heritage.
Guests at the launch sampled signature dishes including mogudu (beef tripe), samp and beans, the already-famous pap bites, gatsbys, and inhloko (cow head), along with sweet treats like traditional malva pudding. The menu showcases Tasty Nation’s dedication to preserving authentic South African flavours while making them accessible in a convenient quick-service format.
“This restaurant represents the natural evolution of our mission to bring traditional South African cuisine to busy consumers without compromising on quality or authenticity,” said Kelly Lewis, CEO of Tasty Nation. “For 11 years, we’ve been perfecting our recipes and understanding what South Africans truly crave through our hot food counters in supermarkets and service stations. The overwhelming response since we opened our doors in January has confirmed what we already believed – South Africans are hungry for convenient access to the foods that connect them to their heritage. We’re not just serving meals; we’re serving memories, culture, and tradition in every bite.”
Building on Kelly Lewis’s vision, Tasty Nation Sunninghill embodies a culinary revolution that democratises traditional African gastronomy. The restaurant strategically balances authenticity with accessibility, preserving time-honoured recipes while adapting them to contemporary dining expectations. This dual approach will resonate strongly with local patrons seeking cultural connection through food without sacrificing convenience.
The restaurant’s thoughtfully designed space reflects this philosophy, featuring modern décor elements that complement traditional African aesthetic touches. Open kitchen concepts allow diners to witness the preparation of their meals, creating transparency and appreciation for the culinary craftsmanship involved in traditional cooking methods.
Beyond individual dining experiences, Tasty Nation positions itself as a community hub where families and friends will gather to celebrate South African heritage through shared meals. The restaurant will regularly hosts cultural events and tasting experiences that educate patrons about the historical significance of various dishes, furthering their mission of cultural preservation through gastronomy.
The Sunninghill location is the first of several planned Tasty Nation restaurants, with the company aiming to expand its footprint across South Africa in the coming years. In addition to dine-in service, the restaurant also sells Tasty Nation’s frozen ready meal range, allowing customers to enjoy these authentic dishes at home.
Since its soft opening in January 2025, the restaurant has gained substantial attention, featured on eTV’s The Morning Show and various radio stations nationwide. The brand’s innovative approach to quick-service dining that honours South African culinary traditions has resonated strongly with consumers looking for convenient yet authentic meal options.
The success of the Chilli Lane location signals strong growth potential for Tasty Nation as it continues its mission of making traditional South African cuisine accessible to all, whether through ready meals or restaurant experiences.
