The Old Mushroom Farm Directory is a series of interviews with the artisans who have set up shop in The Old Mushroom Farm Tunnels.
This week we chatted to Sandy from Home Slice Cafe + Eatery in Tunnel 7 at The Old Mushroom Farm. Sandy tells us about how Home Slice grew from a dream to reality"where people from all walks of life can relax, connect, and enjoy good food". A buzzing foodie hub in the KZN Midlands, Home Slice has a restaurant with cozy seating in the front-half of their tunnel, and a bakery/deli in the back-half. We love that their menu caters for plant based and gluten-free diets, as well as straight-up indulgent treats. The smells of freshly baked bread and ground coffee beans wafting from their doors are irresistible.
Please introduce yourself, introduce your business and describe what it is that you do.
Hi! We are the Home Slice Cafe Team! My name is Sandy Chowles. I was fortunate to grow up in the wonderful town of Howick. After high school, I was eager to spread my wings. My journey began with studying in Durban, followed by a six-month adventure in Italy, and then living and working in the UK for nearly three years.
Missing the warm South African sun and the wonderful people that make up our beautiful country, I decided to move back with the goal of starting my own business in the place I love. Inspired by my countless stays in backpackers and visits to local European markets, I wanted to create a space where people from all walks of life could relax, connect, and enjoy good food.
Home Slice started at The Karkloof Farmers Market and, a year later, expanded to The Old Mushroom Farm. We are a cafe open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, offering catering services and selling freshly baked breads and other goodies.
Our ethos centres around using locally sourced ingredients and serving freshly made, balanced, nutritious meals while providing friendly service to our customers and fostering a business where the team can continue to learn and grow.
Would you describe your business as artisanal and or 'indie' (independent)? Why?
Artisanal. We are not connected to any larger company, we work completely independently. We also hand make all of our meals, breads and other goodies.
How and when did your business start? And how long have you been at The Old Mushroom Farm?
Oops, think I answered this already :)
We started at the Karkloof Farmers Market, and opened at the mushroom farm in 2020- six days before lock down! I still laugh at this.
We have been here for four years ( WOW).
If your business journey up to this point was a movie title, what would it be?
Oooo to choose one is difficult!
Homies for life!
Sugar, spice and everything nice!
Perfectly, Imperfect!
What is your favourite thing about being at The Old Mushroom Farm?
The Dynamic, collaborative, inclusive culture and the people it attracts.
What message would you like to put out there to encourage folks to support small businesses like yours?
Supporting small businesses intentionally fosters entrepreneurship, which creates job opportunities and promotes skill development, uplifting the community. By supporting our small business, you are supporting 8 families—this is a wonderful thing.
One of my favourite sayings by Gandhi is, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Supporting a small business is the simplest and easiest way to do this.
Home Slice is like a hug from an old friend. Their welcoming, cozy atmosphere makes you want to stay for hours to eat delicious food and gaze out over the countryside views. Stop by Home Slice Cafe + Eatery at the Old Mushroom Farm to enjoy a meal with your family, or sit in the garden for a quick coffee and cake with a friend. You can even bring your doggo- Home Slice is a pet friendly restaurant. A little business with big heart!
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