Hungry? The Bakehouse may help

Just over two months after opening its doors business at the Bakehouse is booming, thanks to a constant stream of people visiting the snack outlet at the Hoffman Street entrance to the North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus.

“The business is going so well. I am blessed,” said Pierre de Beer, the owner of the small family business, which opened on 6 February to coincide with the start of the academic year. His wife, Valerie, is behind the cash register on most days, and his 11-year-old daughter supplies Bakehouse with fudge.

According to De Beer, who also has a shop in Klerksdorp, the most popular items on the menu are the saucer-sized or ‘big bite’ red velvet, vanilla and chocolate biscuits (R10 each), coffee (R30) and toasted sandwiches (R28). Bakehouse also sells pies, pastries, wraps, and burgers.

De Beer told threestreamsmedia shortly after the business opened in February that the location of the business near the campus’ entrance gate, which was previously occupied by a coffee shop, was chosen because of a huge demand for fresh, quality products.

“We saw a need for convenient and affordable food options for students. [So,] what sets the Bakehouse apart from other food options in the area is the freshness and the quality of the products made and baked daily,” the owner, who previously worked in the corporate baking industry, said.

An added benefit for De Beer is that he enjoys the chatter with the local community and the students.

Akhanani Botha, a first-year BSc student, enjoys the shop’s reasonable prices and rates its service 9.5 out of 10.

“I really like the shop…I came here not so long ago after it opened, and I found the prices to be reasonable. I fell in love with the food, especially the slushies and cookies. I’ve tried most of its offerings and so far I’m particularly fond of the cookies and the burgers.

Keneilwe Segano, a first-year student pursuing a BA history degree, added her voice to that of Botha: “The store is brilliant. I won’t even lie – if I could, I would come here every day. I have tried nearly everything here, including burgers, cookies, and muffins. If I had to rate the service, I would give it a 9.5 because the prices are low and the food tastes delicious. The time it takes to prepare the meal is also great.”

The Bakehouse is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 18:30. – By Lesedi Modisane