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Johannesburg’s burger scene is notoriously competitive, but Sparkys, the retro-cool, burger sensation, is proving that staying power is all about the soul of the patty. Fresh off successful runs in Melrose, Craighall, and Bryanston, Sparkys has officially planted roots in Waterfall, marking the brand's fourth location.
I sat down with co-founder Michael Sparkes to discuss how a humble delivery experiment transformed into a burgeoning retail empire.
The curiosity that built a brand
It’s hard to believe that the Sparkys we know today, with its distinctive retro diner vibe, was never supposed to have a front door.
"The original Sparky's vision was to simply do dark or ghost kitchens," Sparkes reveals. The plan was to live exclusively on delivery apps like Uber Eats and Mr D. However, the residents of Melrose had other ideas. "People just started opening our door at our first Melrose location. Curiosity killed the cat, and the idea for retail was born thereafter."
That pivot from ghost to guest has paid off. The decision to expand into Waterfall wasn't just about following the numbers; it was about waiting for the right moment in a suburb that has seen mind-blowing development over the last five years.
The secret sauce: consistency and real ingredients
As Sparkys scales up, the challenge remains: how do you keep a burger tasting like it came from a passion-led startup when you’re opening your fourth store? For Sparkes, the answer lies in the people and the produce.
"Consistency is key," he says, noting that store and kitchen managers are heavily incentivised to treat every burger with the same care as the very first one. But even the best chef needs top-tier ingredients. Sparky's philosophy is refreshingly simple:
“We've never jeopardised in terms of wanting to give our customers a top quality, healthy product which is organically farmed. Our potatoes are cut fresh every day, so we always give customers fresh fries. And when it comes to milkshakes, our simple, unique selling point is that we use real ice cream, not powdered nonsense,” Sparkes explains.
The soul of the menu
For those who haven't yet experienced Sparkys smash, the co-founder has a very specific recommendation. If you want to understand the soul of the brand in one order, go for the Double Bacon Cheeseburger.
It’s a bold claim in a city filled with gourmet options, but Sparkes believes its edge comes from its price point and influences. Taking inspiration from the global giant Five Guys, Sparky’s aims to offer an American-style twist with locally sourced South African ingredients, all while remaining one of the most competitively priced joints in the fast-food category.
What’s next?
With Waterfall now officially part of the Sparkys family, the brand is solidifying its place as a Joburg staple. In a city where diners are notoriously picky, Sparkys is proving that if you provide real ingredients and a bit of retro flair, the people will keep knocking, whether you have a front door or not.
Also read: The 11 best burger restaurants in Johannesburg
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