Spur Steak Ranches is one of South Africa’s most loved family restaurant chains, with more than 600 outlets in malls and towns across the country. Because every Spur is busiest on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, restaurants are constantly taking on waitrons, kitchen staff and hosts — and most positions need no previous experience. This guide explains the jobs available, what you need, and the right way to apply, because Spur’s application process works differently from most big companies.

The most important thing to know first

Every Spur restaurant is individually owned. Spur is a franchise, which means each branch is its own business and does its own hiring. There is no central portal where you apply for a waiter job at all Spurs at once — you apply directly at the specific restaurant where you want to work. Spur’s own advice to job seekers is to visit your nearest branch and speak to the manager on duty about vacancies.

Corporate roles (head office, marketing, finance, IT) are the exception — those are advertised on the Spur Corporation careers page at spurcorporation.com/careers.

Jobs available at Spur restaurants

• Waitron (waiter/waitress) – taking orders, serving food with the famous Spur smile, and looking after tables. Earnings rely heavily on tips, so great service pays directly.
• Host/Hostess – greeting families at the door, managing the seating plan and waiting list.
• Griller / kitchen staff – preparing burgers, steaks and ribs to Spur’s brand standards in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Scullery / cleaner – keeping the kitchen and restaurant spotless.
• Bartender – drinks and milkshakes at branches with a bar.
• Play area attendant – supervising the kids’ play area at family-focused branches.
• Cashier and front-of-house staff
• Supervisors and restaurant managers – usually promoted from within, but experienced candidates can apply directly.

Part-time and weekend-only positions are common, which makes Spur one of the best options for students and school leavers.

Requirements

• Age 16 or older (under-18s may have restricted hours)
• Grade 10 or higher — students and matriculants are welcome
• South African ID or valid work permit
• Good communication skills and a friendly, outgoing personality
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, public holidays and school holidays — this is when Spur needs you most
• Physically able to stay on your feet through long, busy shifts
• No experience needed for waitron and entry-level kitchen roles — training is given, usually with a short probation period

Documents to prepare

1. CV – maximum two pages, with your contact details, education, availability and contactable references
2. Copy of your ID
3. Latest school results or Matric certificate
4. A smile and neat appearance when you deliver it — at Spur, the drop-off often doubles as a first impression

How to apply for Spur jobs: step by step

Step 1: Find your nearest Spur

Use the store locator on the Spur website or Google Maps to list the branches you can realistically travel to for early and late shifts. Being close by is a real advantage — managers know that transport problems are the number one reason staff miss shifts.

Step 2: Visit or call and ask for the manager

Go to the branch during a quiet time — mid-morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday, never during lunch or dinner rush. Ask politely for the manager on duty and say you would like to apply for a position. If you can’t get there, phone the branch and ask whether they are hiring and how they want to receive CVs.

Step 3: Hand over your CV (or email it)

If the manager is available, introduce yourself confidently, say which role you want, and hand over your CV. Some branches will ask you to email your CV instead — ask for that branch’s specific email address, since every Spur manages its own recruitment. Managers sometimes interview promising walk-ins on the spot, so dress neatly and be ready to answer questions.

Step 4: Apply at several branches

Because each Spur hires independently, applying at one branch doesn’t put you in line at any other. Repeat the process at every Spur within reach — three applications triple your chances.

Step 5: Follow up

If you haven’t heard anything after a week or two, pop in or call again. Restaurants have high staff turnover, and the CV that’s top of mind when a waitron resigns is the one that gets the call.

Corporate and management careers

For head-office positions at Spur Corporation (which also owns brands like Panarottis, John Dory’s, RocoMamas and The Hussar Grill), apply online through the careers section at spurcorporation.com. Restaurant vacancies also appear on Indeed and Gumtree from time to time — but always confirm directly with the branch.

What to expect after applying

Shortlisted candidates are usually called for a short, informal interview with the manager. If you’re hired as a waitron, expect about two weeks of training/probation where you learn the menu, the till system and Spur’s service standards before getting your own section. Kitchen staff train on the grill and prep stations under supervision.

Interview tips

• Smile — Spur literally sells friendliness, and managers hire personality over experience.
• Know the menu basics: burgers, ribs, schnitzels, the kids’ focus.
• Emphasise your availability for weekends, holidays and evenings.
• Mention any customer-facing experience, even informal.
• Be honest about your transport arrangements for late shifts.

Never pay to apply

Spur states clearly that it never requires anyone to pay for possible employment. If someone on WhatsApp or Facebook asks for money to “secure” you a Spur job or sells application forms, it’s a scam. The only application that counts is the one you make directly with the branch — and it’s free.

Summary

Spur restaurants hire directly at branch level, so the way to get a Spur job is old-school and effective: prepare a two-page CV, visit your nearest branches during quiet hours, ask for the manager, hand over your CV in person, and follow up. No experience is needed for waitron and kitchen roles, students and 16-year-olds can apply, and weekend availability is your biggest selling point. For head-office careers, use the Spur Corporation website.

Good luck with your application.