Uber Eats recently hosted its inaugural Merchant Awards in South Africa, celebrating outstanding restaurants and other non-food merchants on the platform. The ceremony took area at The Roof in Bryanston, Johannesburg, where industry leaders, partners, and esteemed guests gathered to honour these remarkable achievements.
The public had the opportunity to participate by nominating their favourite local merchant from across the country through the app. This event showcased the rich diversity and talent within the local retail and hospitality industry, with 50 nominees competing for recognition across 18 categories. As the ceremony unfolded, the winners emerged, each one acknowledged for their exceptional performance within their respective categories.
The highlight of the event was the prestigious ‘Merchant of the Year’ award, presented to KIMCHI, a small business located in Cape Town. This award, which came with a prize of a R100,000 promotional offer funded by Uber Eats, 10 promotional offers for four staff members to be used on the Uber app, R10,000 worth of ads credits for 2024 and a badge that will appear next to the merchant’s listing on the Uber Eats app. All these prizes acknowledge the restaurant’s overall excellence in all aspects of its business, including food quality, customer service, and innovation. KIMCHI has consistently delivered outstanding Korean cuisine, capturing the hearts and taste buds of South Africans. KIMCHI also took the runner-up position for Best Asian Cuisine.
Additional winners included Recent York Bagels, renowned for their accurate Recent York-style bagels, clinching the ‘Highest Ratings’ award. Meanwhile, AA Sushi, a small business based in Johannesburg, claimed the title in the ‘Best Customer Availability’ category. AA Sushi is recognized for its consistently fresh and delightful sushi offerings and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience.
Blue Bottle Liquors secured the ‘2023 Delivery Choice’ award in Gauteng, spotlighting alcohol which is a growing category for consumers on the Uber Eats platform.
According to Nakampe Molewa, General Manager for Uber Eats, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of merchants who use the Uber Eats platform.
He added: “We are proud to work with such incredible merchants who consistently disappear above and beyond to deliver exceptional food, goods, and services. Their dedication to quality and innovation has played a significant role in the growth and success of Uber Eats in South Africa. Uber Eats remains committed to nurturing and promoting the growth of the South African hospitality and retail industry.”
The Awards not only acclaimed the achievements of local businesses but also underscored the platform’s dedication to supporting and empowering merchants. They serve as a testament to the platform’s commitment to revolutionising the delivery industry, creating a thriving ecosystem where businesses can flourish, and customers can access a diverse range of options.
Chef Naledi, the event’s MC, took the opportunity to congratulate the exceptional merchants, recognising their profound impact on South Africa’s hospitality and retail experience.
As inaugural winners of the Merchant Awards, these merchants serve as an inspiration to other businesses, setting a high industry standard and encouraging others to strive for excellence in providing exceptional service and offerings.
Categories and Winners are as follows:
South Africa Operational
1. 2023 Merchant of the Year – Kimchi
2. 2023 Operational Excellence – Moro Gelato CBD
3. 2023 Best Customer Availability – AA Sushi
4. 2023 Best Handover – Red Chilli Accurate Indian Cuisine, Parkrand
5. 2023 Best Growth Tools Adopter – Lotus Chinese Restaurant
6. Partner Choice – KFC
7. Recent Verticals Choice – YoghurtLand
2023 Highest Ratings
1. Gauteng – Burger Bistro, Pierneef
2. Western Cape – Novel York Bagels
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal – Kebabish, Overport
2023 Best Up & Coming
1. Gauteng – Mizaan’s Halaal Takeaways
2. Western Cape – Active Sushi, Rondebosch
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal – Petisco
2023 Delivery Choice
1. Gauteng – Blue Bottle Liquors, Vinstra
2. Western Cape – Marcel’s Frozen Yoghurt, Plumstead
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal – Hawthorne Liquor Store
2023 Customer Choice
1. Gauteng – McDonald’s®, Parktown
2. Western Cape – Hungry Lion, Cape Gate
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal – Pedros Chicken, Clare Estate
2023 Best Chicken
1. Gauteng – Chicken Licken®, Rivonia
2. Western Cape – KFC, Observatory
3. Kwazulu Natal – Chicken Licken®, Berea
2023 Best Indian
1. Gauteng – Spice Kitchen, Sandton
2. Western Cape – Maharajah, Tamboerskloof
3. Kwazulu Natal – Elachi, Sunford
2023 Best Seafood
1. Gauteng – Ocean Basket, Fourways Mall
2. Western Cape – The Poke Co, Kloof Street
3. Kwazulu Natal – Fishaways, Musgrave
2023 Best African
1. Gauteng – Roots Grill, Randburg
2. Western Cape – Wakanda African Restaurant
3. Kwazulu Natal – Nkonzo’s Kitchen
2023 Best Asian
1. Gauteng – Kung Fu Kitchen, Grayston
2. Western Cape – Kimchi
3. Kwazulu Natal – Simply Asia, Cowie Road
2023 Best Burgers
1. Gauteng – McDonald’s®, Douglas Road
2. Western Cape – McDonald’s®, Tokai
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal – McDonald’s®, Swapo Road
2023 Best Vegan
1. Gauteng – The Maui Poke Co, Rosebank
2. Western Cape – Scheckter’s RAW, Seapoint
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal – The Vegan Chef, Umhlanga
2023 Best Pizza
1. Gauteng – Roman’s Pizza, Wierda Park
2. Western Cape – Roman’s Pizza, Stellenbosch
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal – Pizza Boyz, Umhlanga
2023 Best Sushi
1. Gauteng – Sasaki Sushi Chinese Food, Garsfontein
2. Western Cape – Manufacture Restaurant
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal – Tommy’s Sushi, Umhlanga
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