A new restaurant is preparing to open its doors in the south of the city, but STOK’D Charcoal Chicken is aiming to offer far more than another place to eat. Opening soon at Omni Square in Bassonia, the restaurant promises a dining experience built around charcoal cooking, generous hospitality and the simple joy of bringing people together.
Behind the concept are two hospitality leaders whose combined experience has helped shape some of the world’s most recognised restaurant brands: Bradley Michael and Ernesto Ferreira.
A Homecoming Inspired by Family and Food
For Bradley Michael, launching STOK’D is deeply personal.
Born in South Africa to a Lebanese family, Michael grew up believing that food was never just about the meal itself. Around the family table, meals became celebrations where stories were shared, laughter echoed through the room and everyone was welcomed with generosity.
Those early experiences laid the foundation for a hospitality career spanning more than four decades.
After leaving South Africa, Michael established himself across Australia and the Middle East, helping build internationally recognised restaurant brands including The Meat & Wine Co, Hunter & Barrel, 6HEAD, Ribs & Burgers, Isabella’s and Italian Street Kitchen.
Despite achieving global success, he says the inspiration behind STOK’D comes from something much closer to home.
“The best memories of my life happened around a table,” says Michael. “In Lebanese culture, food brings people together. There is always enough for everyone. Meals are shared. Family and friends gather for hours. Hospitality isn’t something you do. It’s who you are.”
A Partnership Built on Three Decades of Trust
Joining Michael is longtime friend and business partner Ernesto Ferreira, another respected name in international hospitality.
Ferreira previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Nando’s International, where he played a significant role in expanding one of South Africa’s most recognised restaurant brands into multiple global markets.
During his tenure, more than 250 restaurants were opened across 25 countries. Throughout his career, Ferreira has built a reputation for successfully introducing multi-unit restaurant brands into international markets while developing high-performing teams, strengthening customer experiences and creating lasting brand cultures.
His extensive operational expertise now forms a key part of the vision behind STOK’D.
The partnership between Michael and Ferreira is built on more than 30 years of friendship, professional respect and shared success within the hospitality industry.
More Than a Restaurant
STOK’D has been designed as a destination where people gather, connect and create memories.
The concept centres on charcoal cooking, bold flavours, generous portions, shared dining, music and an energetic atmosphere.
Drawing inspiration from Lebanese hospitality, South African warmth and Australian attitude, the restaurant aims to create an experience where every visit feels welcoming, authentic and memorable.
Rather than simply serving food, the founders believe diners are searching for something more meaningful.
They want genuine connection.
They want vibrant spaces.
They want experiences that bring people together.
Bringing New Energy to Johannesburg
When STOK’D opens at Omni Square in Bassonia, it will introduce a fresh charcoal dining concept to Johannesburg while also creating employment opportunities and contributing to the local community.
For Michael and Ferreira, success will not be measured only by the meals served, but by the conversations shared around every table.
Their vision is simple: build a place where exceptional food, warm hospitality and meaningful human connection come together.
As Johannesburg prepares to welcome its newest dining destination, one message sits at the heart of the brand:
This is more than a restaurant. This is Charcoal Culture.
