South Africa’s beloved fast-food chain, Scooter’s Pizza, has made a triumphant return after nearly a decade of absence, relaunching on 21 October 2025 following its liquidation in 2016. The brand, once a staple for pizza enthusiasts across the nation, vanished when its former owner, Taste Holdings, prioritised the introduction of Domino’s Pizza, leading to the conversion of many outlets and the eventual dissolution of the operation. As reported by BusinessTech, the revival taps into enduring consumer nostalgia, with social media buzz generating hundreds of thousands of views in the lead-up to the opening.
Founded in 2000 by Carlo Gonzaga, who drew inspiration from his family’s involvement in the early Debonairs Pizza franchises, Scooter’s quickly captured the market with its audacious guarantee of delivering pizzas within 39 minutes or providing them free. Gonzaga, having balanced a law degree with hands-on experience in the family business during university breaks, eventually took the helm, fostering a model that emphasised speed and reliability. This approach resonated deeply with South Africans seeking convenient, consistent takeaway options, propelling the chain to over 100 stores by 2006 and establishing it as the country’s fastest-growing pizza brand at the time.
The decline began around 2014 when Taste Holdings secured the Domino’s licence for Southern Africa, prompting a strategic pivot that sidelined Scooter’s in favour of the international giant. Franchisees were encouraged to convert their locations, effectively phasing out the local brand. By 2016, liquidation followed, and the remaining stores shuttered as Taste struggled to sustain the imported model. The parent company later divested from the food sector entirely, rebranding as Luxe Holdings in 2020 before facing its own liquidation in September 2023, according to IOL.
The resurgence is spearheaded by Juan Engelbrecht, a veteran entrepreneur and one of Scooter’s original expansion partners, who acquired the rights through 1st Choice Business Brokers & Franchising. Engelbrecht, boasting over 40 years in corporate leadership and franchise development, played a pivotal role in the brand’s early growth, establishing its first four outlets in the Western Cape around 2002-2003. His portfolio includes launching more than 22 other franchises, such as Jimmy’s Killer Prawns and Wiesenhof Coffees, showcasing his expertise in scaling food businesses. Engelbrecht cited persistent customer inquiries on platforms like Facebook and TikTok as the catalyst for the revival, noting that the demand for a proudly South African pizza option had never truly waned, as detailed in Scooters Pizza’s official comeback story.
The inaugural relaunched store opened at 4 Main Road in Melville, Johannesburg, marking the beginning of a franchising-driven expansion. Customers can once again rely on the iconic 39-minute delivery pledge, complemented by fresh promotions and interactive challenges to differentiate in a crowded market dominated by rivals like Debonairs, Roman’s Pizza, and global players such as Pizza Hut. Launch events feature specials alongside a novel “39-minute all-you-can-eat challenge,” where participants test their limits against the brand’s delivery speed—bookings are essential due to limited availability, as promoted on the Scooters Pizza website.
Franchising remains central to the strategy, mirroring the original model that propelled Scooter’s success. Opportunities for new franchisees are being actively marketed from the outset, with plans to open additional locations, including potential sites in Somerset West and Stellenbosch by year-end. Engelbrecht, a Capetonian at heart, anticipates strong interest in the Western Cape, where inquiries have already surged. This approach not only aims to recapture market share but also to pioneer home delivery innovations, a niche Scooter’s helped define in South Africa, according to News24.
The relaunch has ignited widespread excitement, with TikTok videos and X posts amassing tens of thousands of engagements within hours, evoking memories of Friday night rituals paired with rentals from Mr Video or Blockbuster. While the menu details like the return of signature items such as the 40cm Makhulu pizzas or honey mustard varieties are still emerging, the focus is on blending nostalgia with modern efficiency to appeal to both loyal fans and a new generation. In a sector where quick-service restaurants contribute significantly to employment—South Africa’s fast-food industry supports over 300,000 jobs nationwide, per The South African—Scooter’s revival promises not just culinary delight but also economic ripples through franchising and local operations. As Engelbrecht envisions, this second chapter positions the brand to deliver smarter, faster, and more equitably for owners and customers alike.