Cape foodie businesses lead the charge
CRAVING a burger with a bun-twist or a fish braai with a bit of kasi flavour? A duo who recently graduated from the Maker’s Landing food incubator programme believe they have what it takes to satisfy taste buds.
With Cape Town positioning itself as a leading food and wine destination, many business owners are sharpening their skills to set themselves apart from the throng of cooks hoping to make it big in the scene.
Recently, seven small business owners graduated from the Maker’s Landing programme including Sameer Omer founder of The Wynburger and Nandipha Budaza of Kasi Oceans.
Omer founded his business in 2019 which offers a burger served on pumpkin-fritter type bun.
The 28-year-old discovered his now signature offering while working as a chef at the Arabella Hotel in Hermanus.
“It was my first Ramadaan away from home, and I wanted to break my fast with a pumpkin fritter, as is tradition,” he said.
“At the same time, I was craving a burger and chose to replace the burger bun with two pumpkin fritters.
“After two years of working there, I chose to leave my job as a chef and on November 1, 2019, and The Wynburger was born.”
Omer also loves skating and is passionate about working within his community, Wynberg, the place that the burger is named after.
“I would like to help other entrepreneurs in their journey and help them reach their goals,” he said.
The Wynburger is located at 51 Park Road in Wynberg and operates on Fridays and Saturdays. To order, you can contact them on their Instagram @wynburger. While menu prices may vary, his standard menu options are priced between R35 and R90.
Omer who started his journey as part of the Maker’s Landing cohort in August, said the programme helped him execute his goals.
“I have since learned how to efficiently do my recipe costings, prioritise my time and build relationships with other entrepreneurs who feel like family,” he said.
“I have learned the importance of showing up for myself and my brand and taking risks.”
Budaza, whose business is based in Langa, said she was determined to include sea food into the kasi lifestyle.
She offers a variety of fast (sea) food at a reasonable price.
The single mother of two daughters, Aaliyah and Sithenkosi, began the business as a means to provide for her family.
“We specialise in a variety of snoek braai roasted on coals and other flavourful dishes that we are bringing to the Kasi lifestyle,” she said.
“At every corner of the dusty streets of Langa, you will find a braai master and that is what inspired my business.”
Budaza said she had noticed a gap in the market and that the food offerings lacked nutritional balance.
“That is how we created Kasi Oceans. It is in essence, a fish braai. The journey has not been easy but we have moved from a home kitchen to its own kitchen,” she said.
“Thankfully, we have managed to create employment opportunities which provide income to a few households.
Budaza wanted her business to be sustainable, accountable and responsible.
“We want to grow and create more employment opportunities for our community. We have a shared commitment to excellence,” she said.
Kasi Ocean is based at number 43, Zone 17 in Langa, and is operational seven days a week. To order, you can check out their Facebook page, Kasi Ocean by Snandz.
For seafood options, her prices ranges from R20 to R170 with platters for multiple people being priced on the higher end.
The Langa entrepreneur said Maker’s Landing helped her to become more business orientated.
“I learned how to do costing and understand the significance of a supplier. Now I do not need to run from one wholesaler to another,” she said.
“This has taught me to save time just by having everything delivered to my doorstep. I learned a lot about the strategies of conducting a sustainable and profitable business.
“I now know how to conduct a detailed financial report and learned how to break even, which was a big milestone for me.”
In future, she would like to apply a stronger marketing strategy in the digital space and expand her menu within her product range.
Budaza said she was on the hunt for investors in her business.
“This will enable me to open a sit-down restaurant, host events and tourists and maintain the heritage of the braai business in our community,” she said.