- Real Foods Group has opened an innovative concept in Kloof Street, Cape Town, reconceptualising what is needed to eat out in a time of Covid-19.
- The Covid-friendly design was a collaboration by four South African architects and designers, who worked together to create a clean, modern space which offers Covid-safe functions.
- The technology used further includes self-order kiosks as well as a mobile app using QR codes for ordering from any of the four restaurants for take-away or sit down.
Real Foods Group, which focuses on natural foods and has 170 Kauai stores in its portfolio, has put a new interpretation of healthy food on the menu: Covid-friendly dining.
The group opened a concept restaurant in Kloof Street, Cape Town on Monday, rethinking what it believes is needed for patrons to eat out "stress-free" during the pandemic.
The pandemic-friendly design was a collaboration between four South African architects and designers, who worked together to create a clean, modern space with coronavirus-safe functions. The area houses four of Real Foods' brands, namely Nü Health Food Café, Schoon Bread Café, as well as new brands Free Bird and Kofi. Kofi serves small-batch roasted African coffee in addition to a wine, beer and spirits list curated by Publik Wine, while Free Bird offers free-range crispy chicken burgers and hand-cut fries.
Dean Kowarski, CEO of Real Foods, said Covid-19 changed casual dining, so instead of fighting the trend, the group "embraced" the new requirements for a safe dining experience at the new Kloof Street Village, considering how people want to socialise.
Kowarski admits it has been a challenging few months due to the lockdown.
"Although the Kloof Street site was secured prior to lockdown, we completely redesigned the restaurant during lockdown by conceptualising what it would take for maximum health and safety. The store features perspex screens to cordon off certain areas, while still allowing for a social vibe between socially distanced tables," explains Kowarski. "Technology is used to facilitate contactless transactions and there is a large outdoor seating area for fresh-air and summer socialising."
All staff must wear masks at all times and are trained on strict hygiene protocols, like sanitising and hand-washing. Buzzers go off every 30 minutes to remind staff to sanitise or wash their hands.
The technology used further includes self-order kiosks as well as a mobile app using QR codes for ordering from any of the four restaurants for take-away or sit down. The mobi app can also be used to order ahead, and all take-away orders can be picked up in a dedicated contactless area. Those customers who prefer to place their order in person can make use of the counter service, though all counters will have protective perspex screens to protect customers and staff.
Large fold-stack windows were added to the design to allow for better ventilation and air circulation. The space was designed with additional measures to minimise the risk of spreading Covid-19, including sanitisation stations and handwashing facilities.
Kofi and Nü have outdoor ordering hatches so that customers can order coffees or Nü's juices and smoothies without having to enter the store. There is also a completely separate entrance for UberEats and Mr.D Food delivery drivers, limiting the number of people in the store.