Quick answer: Ocean Basket is a South African seafood restaurant franchise that launched digital ordering and a loyalty programme called OB Rewards in June 2026. We could not verify a fixed national weekday special from public sources, so check the Ocean Basket app, website and your local restaurant for the current deal.

Last updated: October 2026. Facts come from Wikipedia (Ocean Basket).

About Ocean Basket

Ocean Basket was founded in 1995 in Pretoria by brothers Peter and George Lazarides. Headquarters are in Midrand, Gauteng, and the parent is Ocean Basket Holdings, with Grace Harding as CEO. Wikipedia lists over 200 locations in 2026, including 125 in South Africa, and a presence in 16 countries. Its first international restaurant opened in Cyprus in 2008 and Greece followed in 2014. The model is a mix of franchised and corporate-owned stores, and it began rebranding its logo, decor and menu in May 2016.

FactDetail
Founded1995, Pretoria
FoundersPeter and George Lazarides
Locations (2026)200+, with 125 in South Africa
Countries16 (2026)
DigitalDigital ordering and OB Rewards launched June 2026

OB Rewards and ordering

Because OB Rewards is new, details can change, so read the programme terms in the app. As a rule of thumb for any loyalty scheme: register before you order, check how points are earned and whether they expire, and compare delivery prices with dine-in prices.

How seafood deals usually work

  • Combo platters designed for sharing.
  • Lunch or weekday deals in some restaurants.
  • Seasonal menus around Lent, Easter and school holidays.
  • App offers and vouchers.

These are typical restaurant formats and not confirmed Ocean Basket promotions.

Ocean Basket compared with other seafood options

OptionStyleNotes
Ocean BasketCasual seafood franchise200+ locations, 16 countries
John Dory'sFish and grill, Spur Corporation45 locations (Dec 2025)
Supermarket fish countersCook at homeUsually the cheapest per portion

Ordering seafood sensibly

  1. Share a platter instead of ordering several mains.
  2. Ask the restaurant about the fish it serves; South Africa has a sustainable seafood guide (SASSI) that rates species, which is a useful check on your own.
  3. Order drinks wisely, since they add up.
  4. Eat seafood leftovers within 24 hours and reheat thoroughly.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Established brand with a large footprint.
  • Sharing platters suit groups.
  • Digital ordering and a loyalty scheme since 2026.

Cons

  • Seafood is often pricier than chicken or beef.
  • Prices and menus vary by market and restaurant.
  • Promotions are not clearly documented nationally.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Ocean Basket?

Brothers Peter and George Lazarides in 1995.

Where is Ocean Basket from?

It started in Pretoria and is headquartered in Midrand.

Is there an Ocean Basket loyalty programme?

Yes, OB Rewards launched in June 2026, per Wikipedia.

Is there a Monday or Tuesday special?

We could not verify one.

Dining with kids or a group

  1. Book ahead for weekends and school holidays.
  2. Ask for the kids' menu and compare it with half-portions.
  3. Check for seafood allergies before ordering; shellfish and fish are common allergens.
  4. Share starters and platters to keep the bill down.

Cost-per-person maths

PlanHow to calculate
Sharing platterPlatter price divided by people, plus drinks
Individual mainsEach main plus drink and any starter
DeliveryOrder total plus delivery fee, divided by people

Why Ocean Basket's growth matters for shoppers

Ocean Basket's expansion to more than 200 locations in 16 countries, including Cyprus in 2008 and Greece in 2014, shows a model built on franchising. Wikipedia notes that in 2018, 95% of the 33 restaurants outside South Africa were franchised, and that menus, decor and atmosphere are tailored to each market. In practice this means the experience and menu can differ between restaurants, so a deal you see online or on social media may not apply at your local branch. Always confirm with the restaurant.

Seafood at home versus in a restaurant

FactorRestaurantHome cooking
Cost per portionHigher; includes service and overheadsUsually lower
Skill and timeNone neededNeeds preparation and care with freshness
VarietyWide menu and plattersLimited by what you buy

A simple habit that saves money

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

Check the app for OB Rewards offers before you leave home, and compare the delivery total with the dine-in cost so you choose the cheaper option. 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.

What 2026 sources say about weekly nights and campaigns

One fast-food guide says Ocean Basket has no Monday special, no Tuesday special and no fixed weekly night offer across South Africa, and that its current campaign is The Epic Catch, running from 1 September to 31 October 2026. A Kids Eat Free Monday promotion was available nationwide until 30 April 2026 and has expired. Earlier social posts mention Sunday specials, but we could not verify them. Because Ocean Basket campaigns end on fixed dates, check the Ocean Basket app or your branch for what follows The Epic Catch after 31 October 2026.

ItemDetailStatus
The Epic CatchCampaign running 1 September to 31 October 2026Ends 31 October
Kids Eat Free MondayNationwide until 30 April 2026Expired
Fixed weekly night offerNone reported nationallyAsk your branch

Sources

  • Wikipedia: Ocean Basket
  • Wikipedia: Spur Corporation (comparison)
  • Ocean Basket South Africa: Epic Catch specials page
  • Fast Food Prices ZA: Ocean Basket specials 2026 (unofficial)