The new man in charge of South Africa’s luxury petrol station brand

The former CEO of McDonald’s South Africa, Greg Solomon, has been put in charge of the luxury petrol station forecourt brand, Pantry by Marble.

Solomons was appointed to his new role on 1 October 2026. In previous years, he served as the chief executive who helped to grow McDonald’s to the local fast food giant it is today.

He joined McDonald’s South Africa when it had only four restaurants in the country. Nearly 30 years later, and the company now has over 400 locations nationwide.

Solomon was born in Johannesburg and went on to train as a civil engineer, following in his father’s footsteps in the construction industry, according to Daily Investor.

He worked in heavy construction building roads before later joining McDonald’s as a project manager in 1996.

His career quickly expanded beyond construction, involving kitchen and facility design, real estate, supply chain, treasury, and imports and exports for the fast-food company.

A few years into the job, Solomon was approached by Terry Reece, the then managing director of McDonald’s South Africa, who asked him to join the operating side of the business.

While he initially declined the job, saying he wasn’t interested, he eventually agreed to run the Auckland Park McDonald’s.

A year later, he moved into senior management, and by 2009, Solomon became managing director of McDonald’s South Africa.

Under his management, the company expanded its network, increased sales, and modernized its customer experience.

Solomon oversaw several major changes at the franchise, including the expansion of the McCafe, breakfast and 24-hour locations, the implementation of the self-service machines, and the growing adoption of the McDonald’s app.

By the time Solomons stepped down from his position at the company, McDonald’s South Africa had grown to 400 restaurants with a combined workforce of 15,000.

He had spent 29 years at McDonald’s, including 15 years as its CEO.

A new chapter for South Africa’s luxury forecourt brand

The Pantry by Marble began as a single forecourt convenience store attached to a Sasol petrol station in Rosebank, Gauteng.

First opened in 2022, the Pantry was created by chef David Higgs and businessman Gary Kyriacou, the same individuals who have opened multiple high-end restaurants in South Africa, including Marble, Saint, and Zioux.

The concept was to create a forecourt that offered goods not found in your typical fuel stop, including restaurant-quality meals and imported foods.

The original location proved a massive hit, leading to the creation of two more Pantry stores in Gauteng, one in Bassonia and another in Hazelwood.

Now, the company plans to grow its network to at least 30 locations nationwide, with Solomon at the helm.

“Pantry is at the right stage for growth and expansion,” Solomon said. “Fast change and scale need discipline, and it has to be added without compromising the brand’s character and culture. That is what I have done for almost 30 years.”

“I have always been a customer of Pantry,” he said. “It is a marketplace of good food, smiles, connections and friends.”

“A chef-inspired, easy experience with a fancy and extraordinary product that is truly unique in South Africa. Now that flagship stores are settled, there’s opportunity to expand beyond Gauteng.”

Solomon said that the initial groundwork of establishing the Pantry as a brand is complete, and that the next step will look at building the infrastructure and systems needed to expand the franchise while maintaining its quality.

He said one of the challenges will be ensuring that the Pantry keeps its identity as a high-end forecourt-style convenience store.

“The hardest part will be saying no. There is so much demand for the brand that choosing the right locations, products, and people is a big responsibility and a privilege.”

“Our immediate priorities are strong systems, training programmes, supply chain, and standardisation across our central kitchen. Above all, the Pantry service, hospitality and quality must be delivered every day, in every location.”

Pantry by Marble