Peli Peli focuses on delivering a fine dining experience that fuses South African cuisine with Southern comfort food. Although a portion of the menu is 100% authentic South African, Peli Peli is the first South African restaurant to incorporate American cuisine.
Peli Peli serves lunch and dinner throughout the week, and its recently launched weekend brunch menu has been well received. Event catering has consistently played a role in expanding the team’s reach, and outside delivery service has recently picked up through its partnerships with third-party service providers (e.g., Uber Eats, Favor).
Company culture is a key component of Peli Peli’s strategic focus and advantage. The team dedicates significant resources towards employee development and satisfaction, believing its employees to be key contributors to Peli Peli’s success in delivering an outstanding customer experience. Wages and salaries are set above industry averages, and training and recreational perks for the staff help to bolster loyalty, morale, and overall enthusiasm.
Peli Peli is also resolute in its mission to serve the community. In June 2015, Peli Peli launched an event called “Table Service Day,” closing its Galleria location for an evening to host a dinner for 150 homeless clients and volunteers with the Star of Hope Foundation. The team hopes to inspire other restaurateurs to do the same. In April 2016, the Peli Peli team will host a prom for 125 teens receiving care at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Numerous restaurants, community leaders, musical acts, and dozens of volunteers have joined in, dedicating their time and resources to create an unforgettable evening for the children and their families. These initiatives are woven into the fabric of what Peli Peli is looking to accomplish with its business, serving the community.
The Peli Peli team regularly pushes the envelope with marketing and PR initiatives to further generate awareness for its unique category. The team recently appeared on the nationally syndicated reality show “Restaurant Startup” (CNBC), where the trio pitched a new quick service concept called Peli Peli Kitchen (“PPK”) and negotiated the largest investment in the show’s history – a $1.25 million commitment from successful restaurateur Elizabeth Blau. Although the investment was not consummated, the show highlighted Peli Peli’s culinary appeal and ability to develop fantastic experiences for its customers. Chef Paul has also made appearances on “Cutthroat Kitchen” (Food Network) and numerous local and regional shows to promote Peli Peli and South African cuisine.
![]()
![]()