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Wimpy

  • South Africa
  • Since 1934
  • $
  • 8 burgers · 4 made at home

An American burger bar named after Popeye’s hamburger-loving friend, now a South African institution.

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About Wimpy

Edward Gold opened the first Wimpy Grills in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1934, naming it after J. Wellington Wimpy, the Popeye character who would gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. In 1954 the British caterer J. Lyons licensed the name, and Wimpy Bars spread across the UK, giving many Britons an early taste of the American hamburger, served at the table.

The American chain quietly died with Gold in 1977, while abroad it peaked at around 1,500 restaurants. In Britain most Wimpy Bars were later converted into Burger Kings, and in 2007 the brand was bought by South Africa’s Famous Brands. Today South Africa is its real home, with hundreds of restaurants and burgers dressed with Famous Wimpy Relish.

More than 450 restaurants in South Africa, around 60 in the United Kingdom, and a few across Africa and the Middle East.

Burger menu

Signature burgers first. Only burgers and sandwiches, no sides.

Where to find Wimpy

335 locations on the map in 14 countries. Tap a pin for directions.

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  • South Africa 243
  • United Kingdom 48
  • Namibia 9
  • Botswana 7
  • Canada 4
  • Greece 1
  • Zambia 1
  • Argentina 1
  • Malawi 1
  • Lesotho 1
  • Ireland 1
  • United States 1
  • Ecuador 1
  • Portugal 1

Locations as mapped by OpenStreetMap volunteers, updated October 2026. The count can trail the chain’s own figures; check the chain’s store finder before you travel. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

If you like Wimpy

Chains whose signature burgers are built the same way.
  • Steers (South Africa). South Africa’s flame-grilled burger chain, home of the King Steer. Also built on beef, bacon and cheese.
  • RocoMamas (South Africa). South Africa’s loud smashburger chain, with ribs, wings and a build-your-own menu. Also built on beef, cooked onions and cheese.
  • Roadster Diner (Lebanon, since 1998). Lebanon’s best-known American diner chain, born in Achrafieh and serving burgers in classic diner booths. Also built on beef, bacon and cheese.
  • Buffalo Burger (Egypt, since 2008). Egypt’s own burger chain, started in 2008 as a delivery-only kitchen in Cairo. Also built on beef, heat and cheese.

Not affiliated with Wimpy. Trademarks and logos belong to their owners. Descriptions are my own; nutrition figures come from the chain’s published information.