South Africa is to get its own Jamie Oliver restaurant.
Melrose Arch in Johannesburg has announced that Oliver's chain Jamie's Italian will be opening a branch there some time in 2016.
Jamie’s Italian restaurant coming to South Africa https://t.co/VPmSmiFGZT
— Melrose Arch (@MelroseArch) February 24, 2016
"There are 40 establishments across the world; the first opened its doors in the British university town of Oxford in 2008," the statement on the website says.
Melrose Arch says the restaurant aims to open its doors later this year, and that other venues are being explored across the country.
The Business Tech website reports that Oliver will be teaming with Whisky Creek Brands. Justin Divaris, Stephen Gersowsky and Symeon Yiallouris are the executive directors of Whisky Creek and will be the exclusive operating partner for Jamie’s Italian in South Africa, Business Tech says.
"Being awarded the Jamie's Italian franchise is such a privilege," Gersowsky told lifestyle website Destiny Connect. "We all understand the responsibility that comes with representing this iconic brand in South Africa, and we believe our passion, commitment, integrity and dedication to the industry will lay a solid foundation for us to deliver on the expectation that comes with launching Jamie's Italian."
The restaurant chain's own website says that each restaurant is uniquely designed to incorporate the history of the building and personality of the city, "as well as creating an environment where the focus is on exceptional food, good company and the relaxed conviviality of the 'Italian table'".
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