COVID-19: Spur faces tough road to recovery amid third-wave fears

The Spur Group, a well-known South African restaurant franchise, has been navigating through challenging times due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business operations. The company's headline earnings per share saw a sharp decline of 74.6% for the six months ended in December, which was largely attributed to the trading restrictions imposed across all countries of operation. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Spur CEO Val Nichas discussed the company's current situation and outlined their strategies for recovery. The key theme of the interview revolved around the uncertainties surrounding the road to recovery for Spur, especially in the midst of potential third-wave fears and ongoing economic challenges. Despite facing tough decisions such as deferring dividends and implementing cost-saving measures, Nichas remained optimistic about the future outlook for the company. He highlighted the importance of supporting their network of franchisees and ensuring the continued operation of their restaurants. With over 600 stores in their portfolio, Spur is carefully evaluating the performance of each location and considering potential store openings while also acknowledging the impact of challenging trading conditions in certain sectors like airports and resorts. Nichas revealed plans to open new stores domestically in South Africa and internationally, particularly in the UK market where vaccination efforts are progressing steadily. The company is also exploring digital innovations such as drive-through and click-and-collect services to meet the evolving consumer demands for convenience. Despite the ongoing uncertainties, Spur remains focused on maintaining a streamlined asset portfolio and leveraging their strategic competencies to navigate through the current challenges and emerge stronger in the future. The journey to recovery may still be fraught with obstacles, but Spur's resilience and adaptability are key strengths that will guide them towards a brighter future.