The restauranteur sisters Emmarentia Klaasen and Joey Stiglingh, of Good Food & Co, have hung up their aprons and handed the keys to their successful restaurant and deli to Nico Vorster and Kelly Pilkington.
Good Food & Co recently celebrated its fifth birthday and looking back the sisters say that they’ve had a wonderful and successful adventure together, but now want to do other things. “We’ve had a great time getting to know the Franschhoekers and meeting both their day-to-day convenience and specialized dietary needs. Now it’s time to put ourselves first! We are immensely grateful for all of the support we’ve received from both locals and visitors and are sure that Nico and Kelly will continue to take the best care of them.”
Emmarentia is finally retiring. “Only five years late,” she laughs “as my sister talked me into a ‘nice, easy little venture’. If only I knew the truth back then!” Joey is heading for the United States, as soon as Covid restrictions allow, to join her son and daughter in law. “I’m going to be the au pair for my grandchild while my children work on the yachts,” she explains.
Nico and Kelly say they are not planning any dramatic changes – other than opening in the evenings from December – but do want to put their own touch on the offering. “We definitely want to continue offering great food at great prices and over time we’ll add some new offerings to make sure we keep meeting the evolving needs of our clientele. Our main focus will still be locals, and the gluten-free, vegan and low carb customers that are a mainstay of the business. We will continue with heat & eat meals, platters and functions.”
Nico, who trained as a chef at Northlink College, will be running the kitchen while Kelly will focus on the front of house. Nico’s last position before embarking on this venture was as head chef at La Paris Bistro. Prior to that he (amongst other places) worked in Tanzania (Beho Beho), the Caribbean (Castaway Cay private island), Lesotho, the USA (Disney Dream Cruises and Disney World Resort) and Anthonij Rupert Wines. Kelly is experienced in administration, accounting and restaurant management. She is also a formidable baker whose cakes will grace Good Food & Co.’s plates. They met while both working at La Paris Bistro.
www.goodfoodfranschhoek.com | 021 876 3556
