Quick answer: John Dory's Fish and Grill is a seafood, steak and sushi restaurant brand owned by Spur Corporation, with 45 locations as of December 2025. We could not verify a fixed national weekday special, so check the John Dory's website, social pages and your local restaurant for the current deal.

Last updated: October 2026. Facts come from Wikipedia (Spur Corporation), the John Dory's website and Bizcommunity reporting. We do not quote current menu prices.

John Dory's: the background

John Dory's started as a KwaZulu-Natal-based franchise. Spur Corporation bought a 60% stake in November 2004, when the brand had seven outlets, and later bought the rest, owning 100% by January 2012. The group's own list shows 45 John Dory's locations as of December 2025, within a portfolio of 747 locations across 10 chains. The brand describes its food as sustainable seafood and sushi in a family-friendly setting, and a recent Eastgate Mall restaurant offers a dedicated play area, sharing platters and a sushi belt.

FactDetail
OwnerSpur Corporation (JSE: SUR)
Spur's first stake60% in November 2004, with seven outlets at the time
Full ownershipBy January 2012
Locations (Dec 2025)45
CuisineSeafood, steak and sushi

Where specials might appear

  1. The official John Dory's website and social pages.
  2. The menu and staff at your restaurant.
  3. Sushi and platter combos for groups.
  4. Spur Corporation group promotions, where applicable.

Restaurant groups often run kids' offers, lunch deals and seasonal platters. These are common formats and not confirmed John Dory's promotions, so ask at your branch.

John Dory's compared with other seafood options

OptionStylePublic figureGood for
John Dory'sSeafood, grill and sushi, family friendly45 locations (Dec 2025)Family meals and sushi nights
Ocean BasketCasual seafood franchise200+ locations, 125 in SA (2026)Platters for groups
FishawaysFish and chips takeaway, Famous Brands242 outlets (mid-2025)Budget fish and chips
Supermarket fish counterCook at homeThousands of storesLowest cost per portion

Choosing sustainable seafood

South Africa has a sustainable seafood guide called SASSI, which rates species green, orange or red. John Dory's markets its fish as SASSI-approved. When you cook at home, check the SASSI list or app for the species you buy, and ask restaurants where their fish comes from if it matters to you.

Eating out with kids

  • Ask whether the restaurant has a play area and kids' menu.
  • Book ahead on weekends and school holidays.
  • Tell staff about allergies, especially fish and shellfish.
  • Share platters to keep the bill down.

Cost per person: a worked example

The numbers are invented to show the method.

OrderTotalPeoplePer person
Sushi platter plus two grillsR6004R150
Four individual mains plus drinksR7804R195

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Backed by a listed restaurant group.
  • Family-friendly with sushi and grill options.
  • Focus on sustainable fish.

Cons

  • Smaller network than other chains.
  • Seafood costs more than chicken or beef.
  • Specials are not clearly documented nationally.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns John Dory's?

Spur Corporation.

How many restaurants are there?

45 as of December 2025.

Does it serve sushi?

Yes, including a sushi belt at some restaurants.

Is there a weekday special?

We could not verify one. Ask your branch.

Sushi night planning

Checkers - Latest circular - South Africa
CheckersLatest circular, valid until 1 November 2026

Sushi is easy to over-order. A common planning guide is about eight to twelve pieces per person as a main meal, fewer if you add grills or starters. Share a mixed platter, add one hot dish for non-sushi eaters and check for soy, gluten and shellfish allergies. If the restaurant has a sushi belt, plates may be priced by colour, so check the price key before you start picking. If you would rather cook at home this week, compare the latest Checkers catalogue, Pick n Pay catalogue and Take n Pay catalogue to see current supermarket specials in South Africa.

GroupPlanning idea
2 adultsOne mixed platter plus a hot dish
Family of 4One platter, two grills and kids' meals
Group of 8Two platters, sharing starters and a few mains

Booking tips

Phone ahead for Friday nights, Saturday lunches and school holidays. Tell the restaurant your group size, ask for a table near the play area if you have young children and confirm any set-menu or platter minimums for larger groups.

Sources

  • Wikipedia: Spur Corporation
  • John Dory's website: company page
  • Bizcommunity: John Dory's new look at Eastgate Mall