Owner / Director

Meet Jacques Muller, the heart and soul of De Oude Fabreeck, serving as our Owner/Director. His courage led him to take a leap of faith, moving from Nieu Bethesda to Bedford, where he wholeheartedly commits to our shared vision for De Oude Fabreeck and the town as a whole.

Jacques generously shares his creative energy and passion with the vibrant locals of Bedford, transforming our space into a haven of inspiration. His warm smile is more than a logo; it's a trademark. Jay Danzi would proudly agree that Jacques' kind and humble personality serves as his business card.

We all marvel as Jacques turns our dreams into reality, and we are incredibly grateful that he decided to "come to the Edge" and embark on this transformative journey with us.

Owner / Director

Meet Benita, the driving force behind our business. As the daughter of the original owners, Ben and Lana, she has dedicated many years to the family business. Benita shares a profound passion for Bedford and its people, ensuring that the love for this town is continuously cultivated.

Although based in Port Elizabeth, Benita's influence is palpable, allowing us to sustain our passion and channel our love for the town back into the community. If you happen to catch a glimpse of her at our establishment, consider yourself very fortunate to meet the woman whose dedication propels our shared mission.

Admin & General Maintenance

Meet Magrietta Nel, the quiet force behind most of our admin and general maintenance at de Oude. Magrietta has been working on the premises for many years, running her own framing business and also managing the workshop, tools and materials for the woodwork factory. Whenever something needs fixing, Magrietta is always on board, ready with a screwdriver or electric drill in hand. She is a vital part of our de Oude family, ensuring that product orders are accurate and staff timesheets and other important things that pop up, are always up to date.

Junior Manager

Meet Ronel Vitealingum - The Newest Addition to our de Oude Family. We're thrilled to introduce Ronel Vitealingum, who joined us in August 2024 as our junior manager. Ronel is dedicated to ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of de Oude. Her responsibilities are diverse, encompassing a significant portion of administrative tasks, staff management, and the procurement of products for our shop and materials for our kitchen.

Ronel is also in charge of hosting, overseeing maintenance, and implementing effective systems and procedures. If you spot a quiet lady with a clipboard in hand, welcoming guests with a friendly smile, that's Ronel. She's the "go-to" person if you need anything or have suggestions for the shop or menu. Welcome to the team, Ronel! We're excited to have you with us.

Front of House

Meet Diane, our exceptional lady who needs no introduction. Always ready with a friendly "Good morning" and a warm smile, Diane is the embodiment of a welcoming spirit. Her contributions to our business are immeasurable, ensuring that every customer who walks into our establishment leaves with a smile. With a heart full of care, Diane is ready to package and finalize your purchase, infusing it with love and meticulous attention.

Head Waitress & Florist

Meet Grenethea, the radiant anchor lady at our establishment. With a passion for creating beautiful flower arrangements, she adds a touch of nature's elegance to our space. As a friendly waitress, Grenethea serves our guests with genuine enthusiasm, ensuring each visit is a delightful experience. Beyond her role, she contributes to the ambiance by decorating our showroom and venue, keeping it perpetually fresh. Grenethea is always ready with a warm smile, embodying a spirit of helpfulness that brightens every corner she graces.

Waitress

Meet Lihle, the heartwarming presence at our establishment. Her friendly and warm smile welcomes all guests, creating an atmosphere that feels just like home. Lihle is not just hardworking but also passionate about her community and serving others. In our business, she stands as an invaluable asset, consistently giving more than expected. With dedication and a genuine commitment to hospitality, Lihle brings a touch of warmth that makes every experience memorable.

Chef & Baker

Meet Amanda, our culinary magician and master baker, enchanting the kitchen with her culinary prowess. As the mastermind behind our delicious sourdough breads, she continuously conjures up new signature meals, adding a touch of creativity to every dish. Amanda's infectious smile mirrors her passion for creating amazing food and beautiful platters teeming with scrumptious snacks for functions. The creator of our delectable, sweet chocolate cakes and baked cheesecakes, Amanda's presence in the kitchen is irreplaceable. Our culinary haven truly comes alive with her touch, and we eagerly await the magic she brings to every meal.

Chef

Meet Danielle, the culinary maestro always at the heart of our kitchen. Responsible for crafting and preparing the scrumptious meals that our customers love and enjoy every day, Danielle brings a fresh perspective to each dish.

Her culinary creativity knows no bounds, evident in the variety of delectable recipes she introduces regularly. One can taste her passion for making food in every bite, showcasing her commitment to culinary excellence. Danielle is also the mastermind behind our delicious pizzas, adding her special touch to make each slice a culinary delight.

If you can't find Danielle in the kitchen, chances are she's in the garden, sourcing fresh ingredients to elevate her dishes or add a touch of nature's beauty to her meticulously decorated plates. Her dedication and love for creating delightful dining experiences shine through in every aspect of her culinary journey.

Housekeeper & Baker

Meet Julie, the silent powerhouse behind the scenes, contributing to the overall well-being of our establishment. With a quiet demeanour and a whole lot of dynamism packed into one person, Julie's commitment to perfection is evident in everything she touches.

Julie takes care of the cleanliness and orderliness of our space, ensuring that every nook and cranny receives her meticulous attention. From cleaning and dusting to sweeping, each task is approached with love and carried out to the greatest perfection.

In addition to her role in maintaining our establishment, Julie is the creative force behind the beautiful and delicious “vetkoek” and “rooster brood” sold in our deli.

Despite her unassuming presence, Julie's warmth shines through when she greets our guests with her beautiful smile. No task is ever too big for her, and her dedication is a vital part of the heartbeat of our establishment.

Housekeeper

Meet Julian - The lively and friendly new face at de Oude, we're delighted to introduce Julian, a vibrant and welcoming addition to our team at de Oude. With many years of experience in the hospitality industry, Julian brings immense value to our establishment. As the general housekeeper at the Greendoor, our private residence on the de Oude premises, Julian ensures that all daily cleaning and domestic duties are carried out with precision. This includes maintaining our private cottage, a favourite among guests visiting our establishment.

Beyond her housekeeping responsibilities, Julian lends a helping hand in the restaurant and shop once her duties at the Greendoor are complete. If you see a friendly face picking flowers in the garden, it's likely Julian, preparing the cottage for another special guest. We're thrilled to have Julian as part of our team!

Gardener

Meet Muti, our dedicated caretaker of the lush greenery in our nursery. If you’re searching for him, you’re likely to find him tending to the beautiful flowers and plants, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve. Muti’s passion for gardening shines through in the vibrant and healthy plants that surround our establishment. His commitment to the well-being of our green companions makes him an integral part of our team, contributing to the inviting and vibrant atmosphere that defines our establishment

Gardener

Meet Pieter, our diligent and creative gardener who brings life and vibrancy to our outdoor spaces. With a strong work ethic and a passion for creative gardening techniques, Piet is an invaluable member of our team. Piet’s reliability shines through in his commitment to maintaining a neat and tidy environment. From weeding and pruning the trees and roses to using a weed-eater to ensure perfectly manicured lawns, Piet goes the extra mile to keep our outdoor spaces looking their best. Beyond his green thumb, Piet is known for his friendly demeanour and is always ready with a joke or two to brighten the day. His dedication and willingness to go above and beyond make him an essential part of our team, contributing to the overall beauty and charm of our establishment.

Gardener

Meet Kelvin, the friendly and dedicated individual behind the scenes, responsible for the meticulous maintenance of our beautiful gardens and lawns. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating natural beauty, Kelvin transforms our property into a welcoming and enchanting space. His green fingers work magic as he takes pride in ensuring that our outdoor spaces are a visual delight for all our guests. Kelvin’s dedication extends beyond landscaping; he plays a vital role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits our establishment. Kelvin’s friendly approach to life and his commitment to excellence make him an invaluable part of our team. We appreciate the positive energy he brings to every task, making our environment a place of beauty and tranquillity.