What began as a deli at a Rosebank petrol station has grown into a 1000-square-metre food destination, with sushi, freshly prepared meals and a neighbourhood-focused approach to hospitality.
By Bulelwa Hoala
Chef David Higgs and businessman Gary Kyriacou launched Pantry in 2020 at a petrol station in Rosebank.
Four years later, the brand has stores in several locations, including Bassonia, Hazelwood and a Sandton pop-up at The Marc. Now, the brand has officially unveiled its largest store yet: Pantry Fourways.
Spanning 1000 square metres, the new store attracted over 10 000 visitors during its opening weekend alone.
Kaya 959 caught up with co-founder David Higgs to talk about the evolution of the brand, community hospitality and how local ingredients shape South Africa’s changing food culture.
A food emporium built for evolution
What started as a boutique deli selling high-end pregos, smash burgers and artisanal ice cream has evolved into a full-scale food hall. Pantry Fourways has introduced new features, including a dedicated sushi counter, a rotisserie chicken corner, handmade focaccia open sandwiches and an interactive kids’ play area designed specifically for family-centred dining in the northern suburbs.
“The thinking behind Pantry is always evolving.”
“We started off with the little deli, the takeaways, the burgers and the pregos. Then we added smoothies on top of the ice creams. Step by step, as we open new stores, we are adding and adapting,” Higgs says.
For Higgs, the vision for Fourways was about creating a space that feels like a neighbourhood food hub rather than a traditional grocery store.
“It really has evolved into a place where people can get a wider variety of faster, easier-type foods,” Higgs adds.
“At Pantry Fourways, we have pizzas, open and closed sandwiches, toasties, sushi, roast chickens, deli items, and soon a pasta section. It is like a little food emporium where you can grab something to sit outside with or take home.”
Watch the video below:
More hospitality than retail
Pantry Fourways attracted over 10 000 visitors during its opening weekend, reflecting the excitement surrounding the latest addition to the Marble group. But keeping that momentum going requires a hospitality-first mindset.
“Opening weekends with all the Pantrys are a massive hit, people are hyped up, we are hyped up, and everybody wants to see what is new.”
“What we have to do next is make sure we settle quickly, the staff settle quickly, and any operational issues are dealt with immediately,” Higgs says.
Unlike standard supermarkets, Higgs says that Pantry operates with the soul of a restaurant group.
“We keep emphasising that we are more hospitality-based than retail-based. We need to always listen to what people are saying and then adapt. It is an ongoing process. As the months go by, you will see new additions and subtle changes based on customer feedback.”
Local roots with a touch of global curiosity
At the core of the Pantry philosophy is a commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and local sourcing. Fresh produce arrives daily from farms located just a few kilometres away in the Cradle of Humankind, alongside local olive oils, artisanal cheeses, handmade butter and freshly baked breads.
Higgs notes that part of the brand’s charm lies in balancing locally sourced ingredients with nostalgic favourites and trendy international imports.
“Our vegetables come from a few kilometres down the road in the Cradle, which is amazing, and our olive oils are local.”
“But just like we do at Marble, we also bring in a little bit of American meat or unique treats that people cannot easily get elsewhere, like Dr Pepper colas, Ben & Jerry’s, or viral Asian ice creams. These are trends that the kids and families really enjoy.”
Ultimately, Pantry aims to be an accessible, unpretentious space for the local community.
“A big thing for Pantry is to be a place where you can come and grab an inexpensive meal.”
“There are no waiting staff and no alcohol. You can just grab something, sit with your family, and enjoy an early dinner or lunch. Supporting local and creating this sense of community is everything to us,” Higgs concludes.
See the pictures in the photo gallery below:
Visit Pantry Fourways
Location: The View at Fourways Mall, corner of Cedar Road and Witkoppen Road
Trading hours: Weekdays from 6 AM to 10 PM and weekends from 6 AM to midnight
Highlights include: Artisanal bakery, sushi counter, rotisserie chicken, interactive kids’ play space, gourmet grocery essentials and freshly cut flowers.
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