For decades South Africans have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and achievements with sparklers, steaks and spare ribs, basted with a secret marinade, at Mike’s Kitchen restaurants around the country. Now, the restaurant chain responsible for making so many occasions special is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
On the 27th of September 1972 Mike Illion’s dream of establishing afun, family orientated restaurant that serves great food finally came truewhen he opened the doors of the very first Mike’s Kitchen in Greenside, Johannesburg. Instead of turning to foreign cooking for inspiration Illion, a true South African who enthusiastically embraced his heritage, decided that local was lekker and compiled a menu packed with the country’s favourite foods. He also inadvertently created South Africa’s first salad bar by draping the concrete fish tank stand in the dining area of the restaurant with a gingham tablecloth and using it to display his salads.Thevision of a warm and inviting restaurant that felt like home had finally become a reality.
Over the next 40 years the business would grow and change hands several times but throughout,the scrumptious South African cuisine, affordable prices anddistinctive red, white and black kitchen-themed colour scheme would remain the same.
Today the salad bar, carvery andmenu(which still includes SA specialities such as pap, samp and boerewors), are key Mike’s Kitchen features. So too are the professional service, friendly staff and commitment to quality.
Judy Corney, Managing Director of Mike’s Kitchen Franchising says, “The continued success and longevity of the brand are due to our staying true to Mike Illion’s concept of a cosy, family restaurant that serves fresh, wholesome food made from scratchand the best ribs in town.We believe in healthy, happy families, having fun in the kitchen, Mike’s Kitchen!”
