Johannesburg – Former McDonald’s South Africa chief executive Greg Solomon has been appointed CEO of Pantry by Marble, an upmarket food and convenience retailer that is preparing for its next phase of expansion across South Africa.
According to BusinessTech, Solomon spent 15 years as McDonald’s South Africa CEO, helping grow the fast-food chain to more than 400 restaurants and a workforce of about 15,000.
He stepped down from McDonald’s in 2025 after 29 years with the company. McDonald’s said at the time that Solomon had overseen the addition of 230 restaurants during his tenure.
MCDONALD’S SA CEO STEPS DOWN
Greg Solomon, CEO of McDonald’s South Africa, is stepping down in August after 29 years with the company, including 15 years as CEO.
While McDonald’s says the decision was mutual, sources claim he was pushed out due to poor performance, market… pic.twitter.com/CjeX90Pb1w
— Asante Mokhuoa (@AsanteOnBoards) February 16, 2025
Solomon will now lead Pantry, which was launched by chef David Higgs and businessman Gary Kyriacou during the Covid-19 pandemic. The concept combines premium food retail with a chef-led eatery and offers groceries, fresh produce, meat, baked goods, coffee and prepared meals.
The retailer currently has permanent stores in Rosebank, Johannesburg; Bassonia; and Hazelwood, Pretoria, alongside a pop-up location at The Marc in Sandton.
More expansion is planned, including a new Fourways store expected to open in October and a 1,300-square-metre standalone outlet near Mall of Africa in 2027. BusinessTech previously reported that the Mall of Africa development is expected to represent an investment of about R54.3 million.
Solomon said Pantry had reached a point where it could expand beyond its existing Gauteng footprint.
Right stage for growth and expansion
“Pantry is at the right stage for growth and expansion,” he said, adding that rapid expansion would require discipline without compromising the retailer’s identity.
“The brand is established, the offering is consistent, and the experience is distinctive,” Solomon said.
He said his immediate focus would include strengthening systems, staff training, supply chains and standardisation across Pantry’s central kitchen.
“The hardest part will be saying no,” Solomon said. “There is so much demand for the brand that choosing the right locations, products, and people is a big responsibility and a privilege.”
The appointment comes as South Africa’s premium retail market continues to attract investment, with BusinessTech reporting earlier this year that luxury retail trading density had increased significantly at prime shopping centres.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
