The dishes that give Ribs & Burgers its name. Photo supplied.

Ribs & Burgers, a casual-dining brand aimed squarely at meat lovers, will launch its first eatery in South Africa this spring in Menlyn, Pretoria, with more to follow.

The big names who will power the rollout on our shores are the siblings who founded the popular tashas franchise, Natasha and Savva Sideris, plus restaurant consultant Nic Marot.

One of the beautiful burgers at Ribs & Burgers. Photo supplied.

Ribs & Burgers will serve South African free-range grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, with sides and salads. We haven’t seen a menu yet, but the team promises a modern sensibility with a healthy twist added to the usual burger offering, with dish modifications based on location, so we’re hoping for some braai-related touches like peri-peri, chutney and chakalaka.

The interior at one of the existing Ribs & Burgers eateries in Australia. Photo supplied.

Proving the universal appeal of great patties and tasty meat on the bone, the Ribs & Burgers concept was launched in 2011 in Australia by a South African, and already has a presence in the USA and the UK.

The new Menlyn Maine shopping centre in Pretoria will see the first branch open in late September, with a further 20 to 30 locations planned throughout the country over the next three years.