We are proud to celebrate a few milestones achieved by our local businesses this year. Learn more about what the decades have taught them and continue to shape them to serve our community.
The Beginning
The inspiration behind Coffeeberry was born when I applied to the then-Cascades landlords, Old Mutual, to take over the premises of Icy Cool, a longstanding ice cream parlour and coffee shop that had closed down. Old Mutual required a business plan, which proved challenging until I discovered the first Coffeeberry in Uvongo on the South Coast in 2004. It was there that I met the founder, Deon Mastenbroek, who helped me develop the concept that ultimately won the approval of Old Mutual. Deon moved on from the brand a few years later and gave us his blessing to register Coffeeberry in our name, marking the beginning of our journey with the brand. This was my first real “passion project,” which, with my wife Sue, I’ve worked really hard on. We proudly celebrated our 20th birthday recently—a milestone for this local family restaurant brand.
Core Values
It has always been about engaging with people, staff, customers, and service providers—from within the community and further afield, to create spaces where people can meet in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Overcoming Challenges
We’ve experienced extreme highs and lows over the years, but luckily, many more highs than lows. Some of the challenges have come during slow economic times, where we’ve had to literally “throw some cargo overboard” to keep the ships afloat. This took the form of offloading a few slow property investments and cashing in some of our retirement annuity policies to get us through the pandemic!
Lessons Learned
Definitely to STAY FOCUSED. I had a sign up in my office for many years telling me this. The biggest lesson of them all came in November 2020, when I received a life-changing diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer). Thanks to my credibility, family, staff, community support, and medical team, I was able to focus on overcoming the disease. After a stem cell transplant in May 2023, I’ve been blessed with good health, and I am grateful for being given a second chance to enjoy the fruits of my labour.
Memorable Experiences
We were the closest coffee shop to the first Mountain Bike World Championships in Africa. Hosting many notable people for True Story Tuesdays, like Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers, Phil Liggett, the legendary Tour de France commentator, Gregg Minnaar, a multiple world champion downhill athlete, and Martin Dreyer, Dusi legend.
Staying Ahead in the Ever-Changing Industry
We engage with the local community often, listen to our customers, change the menu from time to time, and are open to change.
A Signature Dish
Our pancakes, both savoury and sweet. Something that differentiates us from the rest is our legendary giant gourmet pancakes.
The Next Chapter
My vision for the next few years is to see Coffeeberry thrive under the leadership of my son, Mark, and operations manager, Bradley Meyer, and see us celebrate the next 20-year milestone in 2045. Meanwhile, Sue and I will focus on expanding our unique Coffeebox DriveThru concept, and then travel.
http://www.coffeeberry.co.za
Photos: Moeketsi Mamane