Gary Kyriacou transforms South African hospitality with plans for one hundred ultra luxury convenience forecourts

Marble Group founder Gary Kyriacou reveals plans for 100 ultra-luxury forecourts and a new Sandton hotel, bringing high-end hospitality to SA's fuel sector.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 2, 2026, 9:06 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Investor

From Retail Director to Hospitality Visionary

Gary Kyriacou began his career in the family business as a Director of Retail and Commercial Development for SPAR Supermarkets. Born to Greek immigrant parents, Kyriacou transitioned from traditional retail to the hospitality sector after identifying a lack of experiential dining options in Johannesburg. His early career also included managing hospitality for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which provided the foundational experience for large-scale service implementation.

The Birth of the Marble Group

In partnership with renowned chef David Higgs, Kyriacou founded Marble a decade ago. The restaurant introduced a large-format, open-flame cooking concept that challenged the existing South African restaurant landscape. Despite initial difficulties securing bank loans and operational hurdles, the brand's success led to the subsequent launches of Saint in Sandton in 2018 and Zioux in 2021. The group has recently expanded into Cape Town with a 220-seat location at the V&A Waterfront.

Reinventing the Petrol Station Forecourt

The COVID-19 pandemic served as the catalyst for the group's entry into the fuel and convenience sector. Facing restrictions on traditional dining, Kyriacou developed "The Pantry by Marble" in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The philosophy behind the venture was to open a luxury convenience store that incidentally sells petrol, rather than a standard fuel station with a basic shop. The store features in-store chefs, baristas, a wine section, and specialty deli items.