News Cafe is celebrating 30 years of being at the heart of South Africa’s social and lifestyle scene, a milestone that speaks to its legacy as one of the country’s most recognisable and enduring brands. Since opening its doors in 1995, just a year into South Africa’s democracy, the brand has grown alongside the nation’s own journey of change and possibility.
News Cafe was born during a time of renewed hope, when the country was coming together under Nelson Mandela’s leadership and proudly celebrating its first Rugby World Cup victory. It was more than just a venue.It became a place where people connected, offering something new from morning coffee to a lively night out.
“We weren’t just building a restaurant—we were creating an experience,” says Michael Deftereos, Shareholder and Executive Director of Fournews, the group behind the News Cafe brand.
News Cafe began as a single store in Hatfield, Pretoria, and has grown into a household name. It serves signature cocktails, offers global flavours, and brings vibrant energy, making it a true cultural landmark. Today, it continues to pioneer South African hospitality and is expanding its presence.
News Cafe: Driving the future of hospitality
“We’re not just a venue; we’re a mood that adapts to the moment,” says Deftereos. “Our audience evolves throughout the day, and we’ve grown with them over the past 30 years, remaining culturally relevant while leading in food, drink, music, and experience.”
News Cafe moves smoothly from a relaxed morning café to a lively lunch and vibrant evening spot, and that’s what has made it successful. Funny enough, its own popularity sometimes made things tricky.
News Cafe begins with cosy coffee, serves a lively lunch, and ends the day as a vibrant venue. This is why people keep coming back, even though popularity can sometimes bring challenges.
“We had to rethink systems to handle full-day trading and high guest volumes,” Deftereos explains. “That meant pioneering new approaches to staffing, service, training, and stock control—many of which are now industry standards.”
News Cafe: Driven by innovation
News Cafe stays strong because it isn’t afraid to innovate. Notably, in an industry where trends shift rapidly, News Cafe remains a leader.
“We don’t wait for the market to shift—we create the shift,” says Deftereos. “Whether it’s through design, music, cocktails, or customer engagement, our focus is always on creating what’s next. We’ve never been comfortable being ‘just another venue’—we’re here to elevate the culture.”
Today’s younger generations want more than just a good meal. News Cafe has become a place for meaningful, shareable experiences.
“Gen Z and younger Millennials are looking for brands that reflect their values and offer more than just a night out. They want authenticity, inclusivity, and a vibe that feels like their own,” says Deftereos.
Built on the passion of franchisees
At the core of News Cafe’s journey is a committed network of franchise partners. Their passion, resilience, and belief in the brand have been key to its success.
“Our franchisees are the backbone of this business. Their commitment to operational excellence, delivering unforgettable guest experiences, and upholding the spirit of News Cafe is what keeps us thriving. This 30-year milestone belongs to them just as much as it does to us,” says Deftereos.
News Cafe’s next chapter
With 30 years of experience behind it, News Cafe isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This year, new spots will open in Fourways, Rustenburg, Mthatha and Lesotho, with even more to come.
“We’ll continue to evolve—smarter tech, elevated design, inspired menus—all while staying true to what makes us iconic: versatility, energy, and cultural relevance,” says Deftereos.
“For 30 years, you’ve trusted us with your first dates, birthdays, business lunches, and unforgettable nights out. As we celebrate this milestone, we thank our customers, franchisees, partners, and team for their loyalty and belief in the brand.”
