David Higgs and Gary Kyriacou have launched a new Pantry food store in Hazelwood, Pretoria, set to open on November 1. The outlet doubles the size of the original Rosebank location and offers high-end groceries, ready-made meals, and bakery items at reasonable prices. Food writer Hillary Biller praised its quality and variety during the pre-opening event.
The new Pantry store in Hazelwood represents an expansion for the upscale food retailer co-owned by celebrity chef David Higgs and businessman Gary Kyriacou. Unlike the original in Rosebank, which sits on a petrol station forecourt but features a serene jazz ambiance and spacious interior, the Pretoria branch is significantly larger—described as double the size. It stocks a wide array of premium products, including groceries, ready-made meals of restaurant quality, fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery goods, and a coffee and juice station.
Hillary Biller, a prominent South African food journalist, attended the launch and shared her impressions: “Packed to the rafters with the most delectable food... it’s an eye opener with reasonable pricing and you would absolutely love it. The quality of the products is incredible and the pricing impressive.” She highlighted the pepperoni pizza as a standout, noting its “thin, crispy crust, not overloaded with cheese and topped with the tastiest rounds of thin slivers of pepperoni.” Biller suggested that Cape Town could be next for the brand.
Pantry emphasizes convenience for busy consumers, allowing shoppers to assemble cheat dinner parties with high-quality, prepared items. The Rosebank store sets the tone with its uncrowded layout, enabling easy browsing of high-end foods. The Hazelwood opening on November 1 builds on this model, catering to Pretoria's discerning palates amid South Africa's vibrant culinary scene.
This expansion comes as the country gears up for summer, with Higgs' ventures continuing to blend accessibility and gourmet appeal.