Spur bosses fight boycott

With Spur eateries still feeling the effects of a national boycott, apologetic executives have embarked on a nationwide tour to do damage control.

Franchise operators said customer numbers were still down after the now-notorious altercation between two patrons in Gauteng.

The incident, in which a man berated a woman in front of children, happened at Texamo Spur at The Glen Shopping Centre in Johannesburg on March 19.

One of the patrons was subsequently banned, sparking a backlash against the restaurant chain.

Spur Corporation boss Pierre van Tonder said: "We have realised we have not been listening to our customers. The altercation.and the reaction that followed drove home a powerful message. We urgently need to give attention to the needs and frustrations of our customers.

"We have to accept and recognise the sentiments of the public and our franchisees with regard to our handling of such situations.

"We unconditionally apologise to any person or community who has taken exception to our actions."

Van Tonder oversees 326 Spur Steak Ranches.