Spur Corporation has closed five John Dory’s restaurants in South Africa after another difficult year for the seafood chain.

Six John Dory’s outlets were closed during Spur Corporation’s 2026 financial year, with five of those restaurants located in South Africa. The closures come as the brand faces pressure from weaker consumer spending, higher operating costs and changing dining habits.

John Dory’s footprint shrinks

John Dory’s South African restaurant network dropped from 44 franchised outlets to 39 during the financial year.

Including its international operations, the chain’s total footprint fell from 46 restaurants to 40.

It marks the second consecutive year in which the John Dory’s network has become smaller.

The seafood-focused brand was established in 1996. Spur Corporation acquired a 60% stake in the business in 2004, when John Dory’s operated seven restaurants in KwaZulu-Natal.

Spur later increased its stake before taking full ownership of the business in 2012.

Sales take a hit

John Dory’s franchised restaurant sales fell 11.2% from R422.2 million in 2025 to R374.8 million in 2026.

Segment profit before income tax also dropped 23.3%, falling from R10.06 million to about R7.72 million.

Spur Corporation said the wider restaurant industry faced constrained consumer spending, increased costs, stronger competition and growing demand for value and convenience.

The group also pointed to higher sourcing, production and distribution costs linked to agricultural disruption, logistics challenges and global commodity volatility.

Other Spur brands continue to grow

John Dory’s performance contrasts with several other brands in the Spur Corporation portfolio.

Spur Steak Ranches increased its South African footprint from 316 to 326 restaurants, while Panarottis grew from 92 to 102 outlets.

RocoMamas expanded from 88 to 92 restaurants.

Sales also grew across these brands, with Panarottis recording a 16.3% increase, RocoMamas rising 7.6% and Spur Steak Ranches growing 5.8%.

Despite the John Dory’s closures, Spur Corporation’s overall group revenue increased 8.5% to R4.19 billion for the year. The company also declared a total dividend of 326 cents per share, up 9% from 2025.