Ocean Basket signs two new international deals, targets Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia

GLOBAL – Ocean Basket has signed two new international license agreements, expanding its global footprint as the South African seafood sensation pushes beyond 200 locations across 16 countries.

Chief Marketing Officer John Camacho revealed the chain is eyeing strategic growth in Eastern Europe, including Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, and Croatia, while exploring opportunities in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines as part of a deliciously ambitious long-term strategy.

From Mom’s Greek Kitchen to Global Seafood Empire

Picture this: two brothers, a mother’s cherished Greek recipes, and a dream to share their heritage with the world.

That’s how Ocean Basket was born in Pretoria in 1995. Peter and George Lazarides took their mom’s culinary magic and built a seafood empire that launched its first international outpost in Cyprus in 2008.

Today, the brand spans 16 countries including the UK, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, and Malta, each location serving up generous portions, Mediterranean warmth, and that unmistakable Ocean Basket soul.

Camacho insists expansion never happens “for the sake of footprint,” every new territory demands the perfect local partner and bulletproof supply chains.

The Secret Recipe for Choosing New Homes

Finding the right partner is like finding the perfect fishing spot, it takes patience and instinct.

Ocean Basket seeks in-country collaborators who live and breathe hospitality, have successfully run multi-site operations, and share the brand’s long-term vision.

Next comes supply chain confidence, because Ocean Basket’s magic lies in its seafood and those secret flavor profiles.

“Without this supply chain confidence, we do not proceed,” Camacho says firmly. Smart, right?

Same Heart, Local Flavor

The brand’s DNA stays gloriously intact, generous portions, Mediterranean soul, but menus dance to local rhythms.

GCC countries enjoy full halal compliance. Kazakhstan guests find comforting soup and tea options.

Cyprus diners feast on lobster, baby crabs, scallops, and octopus. European and Central Asian markets sip refined beverages at just the right pace. It’s the same warm hug, tailored perfectly for each new friend.

Home-Grown Innovation Heats Up

Back in South Africa, Ocean Basket isn’t resting on its laurels.

The chain has evolved beyond simply adding restaurants, now crafting new format strategies that sneak into locations where its traditional model never fit before.

Camacho says this shift has already driven meaningful revenue growth, proof that thinking outside the seafood platter pays off.

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