The team is headed up by Ben, Shirley, Johan and Des who have all been involved in the hospitality industry throughout their working careers.

Ben started part-time restaurant work whilst doing his military service at Gordon's Bay Naval College in 1974, and has been in the hospitality industry ever since. By 1979, he had became a manager of Seven Spur Seapoint – then owned by Spur originator and chairman, Alan Ambor. In 1980 he opened California Spur in the Helderberg area with Ian Woodall – who later led the first South African expedition to climb Mount Everest.

By 1983, Ben felt it time to branch out on his own and the original Bobby McGee's was opened in Stellenbosch. Two years later he won the inaugural "Best Grillhouse in the Cape" Jaycee Top Restaurant Award.

Over the years he has opened various establishments. Whilst Bobby McGee's Stellenbosch and Somerset West have been his mainstay, he was involved with other projects including Portofino Italian Ice Cream Parlour, Penny Lane Restaurant and Uncle Ben's Sports Café. During this period he was also involved in the meat wholesaling industry, where he gained valuable experience in the arts of meat handling and processing.

Ben considers himself a true student of his craft and passionately continues to read and learn about food preparation.

After completing a three year Diploma in Food Service Management at the Cape Town Hotel School, Shirley worked at various food establishments including Boschendal, then headed by renowned restaurateur and wine fundi Michael Olivier, and also with Johnny Gurtel of Die Ou Pastorie fame. Later she returned to the Hotel School as a Restaurant Manager. She then furthered her studies and obtained a degree in Tertiary Education and was appointed as a lecturer at the Hotel School. After sixteen years service she joined Ben's.

Johan studied at the Johannesburg Hotel School and Culinary Institute. He completed a three year culinary course at Sun International. He has held various positions in both management and executive chef posts and has been in the industry for more than fifteen years.

In his spare time he is also a highly accomplished dance teacher. He has obtained provincial and national colours for both Latin and ballroom dancing.