Words: Kit Heathcock Images: Jessica Stafford
A brand-new healthy-eating concept by celebrity chef Kamini Pather, Füdy delivers nutritionally-balanced gourmet meals to your door. About 95% of the menu is plant-based with the option of free-range chicken or sustainably-sourced trout. Kamini tells us more about their Gardens “dark” kitchen, meaning one cooking purely for delivery, not serving eat-in customers.
How did your business start?
I had been wanting to create a business, one based on my passion or obsession with food. I wanted it to serve people like me – healthy, but time-deprived. I met my business partners through the web of Cape Town’s business circles. The rest is history.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
Cape Town CBD is the second busiest hub in South Africa. We service from the Atlantic Seaboard to Woodstock from a central kitchen in Gardens. It felt like the right location for the audience I was trying to reach.
How did you find your premises?
It’s a new development which we had our eye on for quite some time.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
It’s a decent floor size without any partitioning, so we could create and adapt the space for the needs of the business.
Who are your neighbours?
Deluxe coffee is our favourite neighbour and was part of the seminal process of agreeing to do this business. It’s where we held numerous round-table discussions about the project. Another key neighbour is Wizards, who helped put the business processes into easily understandable structures. Being able to walk across the road to reprint a process document and laminate it for service, has really helped. There are a few fast-food spots and a delightful interior design store. The Gardens Centre has helped out when suppliers have run into issues.
What are the rental/sales prices like in this area?
This area is a combination of retail and residential and tends to be an up-and-coming locale. The prices remain in flux as the political future affects the informal activities that go on in the area.
How many people visit your business each day?
I can’t keep count. The Digital Kitchen is home to three brands serviced by either UberEats or by Order In and Mr D, so the business is always buzzing.
Do you have any expansion plans?
Of course! This hub is the first of many within our national expansion plan.
Do you operate online as well?
We only operate online. The digital kitchen concept is to serve restaurant-quality food that’s delivered. The order is made, and delivery is executed online.
What’s your most popular item?
The cashew nut cream, portobello mushroom, fresh thyme and roasted garlic Alfredo with the nutty couscous, wilted baby spinach, baked butternut and grilled chicken is a veritable crowd pleaser. Chicken is an easy in for the local market and this dish has an intoxicating combination of sweetness, earthiness and creaminess which makes it healthy but decadent.
