Uber Eats, the popular online food delivery platform, has become a major player in South Africa’s food service industry since its launch in 2016. But it’s not only about convenience for consumers; Uber Eats is also dedicated to celebrating the hard work and success of the merchants who use the platform. This was evident at the second annual Uber Eats Merchant Awards, held at The Roof in Bryanston this past Tuesday.
The intimate event, hosted by radio DJ Nick Hamman and content creator Zola Rapoone, recognized achievements across 47 categories, including operational excellence, eater choice, and Merchant of the Year. Notable guests, including businesswomen Lerato Modise and Thandiwe Gama, and content creator Bheki Ndamase, were spotted at the ceremony, which also highlighted excellence in various retail and grocery businesses.
In Gauteng, KFC’s Grayston Drive location won the award for best chicken, with Nando’s and Chicken Licken taking second and third place. Roman’s Pizza, Auckland Park, was named the best pizza in Gauteng. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Merchant of the Year, awarded to The Poke Co from Stellenbosch. Ribs & Burgers Menlyn Maine and Kimchi Restaurant in Woodstock were named first and second runners-up, respectively.
Andrew Flanagan, the founder and CEO of The Poke Co, shared his excitement about the win, reflecting on the hard work and dedication of his team since the store’s opening in 2017, around the same time Uber Eats launched in Cape Town. Flanagan expressed pride in his brand’s growth, which now includes six franchises, and noted that the restaurant has the highest rating on the platform, along with excellent online availability. As part of their win, The Poke Co also earned a grand prize of up to R100,000 in promotional offers for 2025.
Ribs & Burgers, with locations in both Pretoria and Sandton, took home three awards, including the highest rating in Gauteng for its Menlyn store. The Sandton location also received second place for best growth. General managers Sbusiso Njwenga and Thapedi TP Ngwatwana attributed their success to the team’s constant effort to ensure customer satisfaction, noting that being recognized felt rewarding for their smaller group of just seven stores.
During the event, Uber Eats’ General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Nakampe Molewa, spoke about the platform’s commitment to supporting local businesses. She emphasized that these businesses are vital to South Africa’s economy, driving job creation and innovation. Molewa expressed Uber’s ongoing commitment to connecting communities and unlocking growth for its merchants.
The awards also celebrated other category winners, such as Chateau Gateaux, which won best dessert in both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, and Spice Kitchen in Sandton, which earned the best Indian restaurant title. In the seafood category, Fish in Randburg and Jacks Grill Co in Florida Road, KZN, were recognized. Additionally, Pizza Boyz in Durban North won the best pizza category in KZN, while McDonald’s Sandton took home the best burger award.
The success of the Uber Eats Merchant Awards shows the platform’s dedication to uplifting local businesses while also offering consumers a wide variety of high-quality food choices. The night not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted the growth of the South African food delivery market, with Uber Eats playing a key role in empowering both established and up-and-coming merchants across the country.
