JOHANNESBURG – EVER desired gobbling on the best of dishes prepared by world- renowned chef and healthy food campaigner, Jamie Oliver? Worry no more.

The British celebrity chef, restaurateur and a media personality known is expanding his restaurant business to South Africa.

Jamie Oliver and Whisky Creek Brands plan to open Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Melrose Arch, north of Johannesburg later this year. Further locations are being explored across the country.

Justin Divaris, Stephen Gersowsky and Symeon Yiallouris are the executive directors of Whisky Creek, the exclusive operating partner for Jamie’s Italian in South Africa.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to bring Jamie’s Italian to South Africa. Johannesburg is an incredible city with an established food scene, so to be opening a restaurant here is a huge honour for me,” says an elated Oliver says.

The news opening of a restaurant will be more elating to locals who follow his food-focused television shows, cookbooks and more recently his global campaign for better food education.

“Right now we’re in the process of recruiting a brilliant team who will become part of our ever-growing Jamie’s Italian family.

“When we open doors, we’ll be serving up beautiful, simple, great-value Italian food, all made with the very best-quality ingredients we can get our hands on,” Oliver adds.

Stephen Gersowsky, Chief Executive Officer of Whiskey Creek Brands, feels privileged at securing the Jamie’s Italian franchise.

“The concept was created to provide an affordable, accessible experience in a casual, relaxed environment, rather than high-end dining,” says Gersowsky.

He says the aim is to be the most popular restaurant in town for families and a pit-stop for shoppers or friends who want to share a quick bowl of pasta after work, as well as the go-to destination for special occasions.

“We all understand the responsibility that comes along with representing this iconic brand in South Africa, and we believe that our passion, commitment, integrity and dedication to the industry will lay a solid foundation for us to deliver on the expectation that comes with launching Jamie’s Italian,” says Gersowsky.

A partnership between Jamie Oliver and his Italian mentor, Chef Gennaro Contaldo, Jamie’s Italian has won thousands of fans all over the world for its delicious and affordable food, friendly service and buzzing atmosphere.

The menu is full of rustic, Italian-inspired dishes with a Jamie twist, including bowls of beautiful pasta that’s made fresh on the site every day.

Built to showcase Jamie’s belief in good quality, honest, innovative and properly sourced food, all of the produce used will be sustainable with high welfare standards.