NEW BRICKS & MORTAR STORE CAPE TOWN The revolutionary site that, in 2006, put the “yuppie” into the purchase of cool kitchen gadgets, is again revolutionising the retail space; but this time they seem to be moving backwards... but are they? Twelve years ago, Yuppiechef launched their business selling the quirkiest and best-quality kitchen goods online. No brick and mortar shop with high rental and constant upkeep. Rather, it was simple, online e-commerce which blew the lid off retail in a big way. Then, late last year, Yuppiechef opened its first actual store in Cape Town – the first of a planned many.
Images courtesy of Yuppiechef
YUPPIECHEF
Yuppiechef co-founder Andrew Smith said the new strategy was to create an “omnichannel”, which includes a combination of physical stores and e-commerce. E-commerce enabled Yuppiechef to start a retail business with no stock, staff or expensive rentals and was part of a pioneering industry in South Africa. But over the years, the company has learned that there will always be a need for the old-fashioned shopping experience. Some people don’t want to simplify their shopping experience, they want an authentic experience. “Customers shouldn’t have to see Yuppiechef as either an online retailer or a physical store,” Smith said in a statement. “No channel has to win or lose. Instead, Yuppiechief is a single retail brand [and] customers should have the freedom to interact with us on their terms, whenever and wherever they are.” This move from Yuppiechef followed closely in the footsteps of international online retail giant Amazon, which also opened a number of shops in the USA.
Yuppiechef Store
Willowbridge Centre, northern suburbs, Cape Town; 021 200 5935
THE MIDLANDS KITCHEN Those travelling to and from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal haven’t been spoilt for choice in the way of pitstops and food options, or anything new for that matter, in the last few decades. But now The Midlands Kitchen, just off the N3 exit 132 at Nottingham Road, is encouraging you to “come hungry”. It’s not surprising with its enormous building housing a host of restaurants with extensive big-town menus with ingredients which are “locally sourced, real ingredients”! There’s seating inside or out, on a veranda with a beautiful view beyond the N3. Choose from Artichoke’s authentic vegan food (the Bhimtal Bowl, at R65, had our mouths watering!), 100% pure, madeby-hand Artisan Pies (est. 2017!) served with relish, El Tostada original Mexican, The Chicken Authority (organic and free range, of course), Falafel (a fusion of the Middle East and the Mediterranean), Mama Stellino’s photogenic authentic, artisanal woodfried pizzas (from R105 but with incredible gourmet toppings), Mr Biswa’s Durban Curry restaurant and The Burger & Butcher organic burgers. There’s also the Chef’s Harvest Table and The Earl of Sandwich with “everything between bread”!
NEW FARM-FRESH FOOD PITSTOP N3 EXIT 132, KWAZULU-NATAL
Oysters R Us
And to drink? Exit 132 – Artisans of Coffee offers a variety of brews with interesting cup sizes: A Bull (500ml), A Cow (350ml) and A Calf (250ml), and A Rich One (full-cream milk), A Skinny One; plus Full Charge (caffeinated) and Half a Charge (decaffeinated)! For early birds, there’s the Breakfast Bar, Juice Brew to not wreck your diet on your first day away, and Wild Child Gelato, milkshakes, pancakes and waffles, with awesome flavours. Add to this, rolling lawns for kids and dogs to stretch their legs (and designated “Doggy Poo Parlour” in a faraway corner), spacious clean bathrooms for the humans, and takeaways too for hasty Gautengers who haven’t yet had their holiday. There’s really no reason not to stop! www.themidlandskitechen.co.za; 033 266 7046
www.onroutemag.co.za
BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT
BEST-KEPT SECRETS
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