Steak & Cake! Ox Nche launches The Braai Republic fast-food chain
Springbok rugby player Ox Nche (picture) has partnered with The Braai Republic to launch a fast-food franchise in Johannesburg, offering flame-grilled meat and aiming to bring the traditional South African shisanyama experience to a mainstream audience. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
Springboks rugby player Ox Nche helped launch a new fast-food braai-inspired franchise on Thursday, with the opening of The Braai Republic in Northgate, Johannesburg.
Nche, who picked up a knee and ankle injury during the Springboks’ Test match against Japan on November 1, took a break from his rehabilitation to attend the launch of the ‘Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) concept’,
The Braai Republic promises to provide “A-grade, flame-grilled meat on the bone, hand-cut chips and a variety of sides, sauces and relishes made fresh in-store every day.”
The partnership with Nche, who is known for his love of meat and cake, was an easy decision to make for the Bok prop.
Bringing Shisanyamas Mainstream: The Braai Republic’s Vision
“The Braai Republic, I think the name says it all, we’re trying to take Shisanyamas mainstream and make it convenient and also like a place where everyone can just go and pretty much have a braai in your backyard, but in a mall,” Nche told IOL in an exclusive interview.
“So, I think that’s pretty much it, and what brought me to it is that it doesn’t matter where you’re from, as a South African, you know you enjoy a good braai.”
The 30-year-old will be more than just a brand ambassador as he will fill more of a partner role as he also aims to open his own branch in the next few months.
“No, definitely I’m looking forward to that. I have a few ideas of where I want to open it, but haven’t decided yet. But it is something exciting as well for me, because I enjoy food in general.
“So steaks and cakes, that’s the way to go.”