COVID-designed dining opens in Cape Town’s Kloof Street

The Kloof Street Village has been specifically designed to accommodate the current COVID-19 pandemic protocols. It features self-order kiosks, mobile apps, and large fold-stack windows for good ventilation and air circulation. 

The innovative concept was designed and launched by Real Foods Group, a leader in natural foods with fast-casual dining brands such as Kauai and Nü Health Food Café in its portfolio.

Safe, fast dining under one roof

The Kloof Street Village houses Nü Health Food Café, Schoon Bread Café, and newcomers Free Bird and Kofi.

New dining concepts at Kloof Street Village

Free Bird offers free-range, crispy chicken burgers and hand-cut fries, and Kofi serves small-batch roasted African coffee, as well as a selection of beer, wine and spirits list curated by Publik Wine. 

Real Foods CEO Dean Kowarski said COVID-19 had changed the face of casual dining, so new requirements for a safe dining experience were needed.

The restaurant was redesigned during lockdown for maximum health and safety. It now features Perspex screens to cordon off certain areas, socially distanced tables, and a large outdoor seating area for fresh-air and summer socialising. 

High-tech approach for better safety 

The latest technology was used to facilitate contactless transactions using self-order kiosks. And a mobile app uses QR codes for ordering from any of the four restaurants for take-away or sit down. 

Customers can order ahead using the Mobi app and takeaway orders can be picked up in a dedicated contactless area.

There is a counter service option for ordering with protective Perspex screens to protect customers and staff. There is also a separate entrance for Uber Eats and Mr D Food delivery drivers. 

The space was designed with additional measures to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19, including sanitisation stations and handwashing facilities. Buzzers go off every 30 minutes to remind staff to sanitise or wash their hands. 

Warm, village-like local hub

The Kloof Street Village was a collaborative effort from four award-winning South African architects and designers who worked together to create a clean, modern space with good flow and COVID-safe functions.  

Glenda Philp, head of strategic projects at Real Foods, said the challenge was to ensure each brand retained its own identity while complementing the overall design. 

“We wanted to create a warm, inviting village-like local hub. A welcoming space with exceptional food, great coffee, and a superb drinks list.” 

COVID-19 has elevated the importance of wholesome eating to keep communities healthy. 

“It’s been a challenging few months, but we are excited to innovate and introduce more new products and brands.

“Kloof Street Village is a comfortable, safe space where friends can socialise over coffee, breakfast or lunch, or meet up for an after-work drink and casual dinner.”

Kloof Street Village is at the corner of Kloof and Rheede Streets in Cape Town, and is open Monday to Sunday, 07:00 to 10:00 daily.