Where It All Began
The Ekhaya Coffee Roastery Story: An Epic Journey of Discovery
It all started with our coffee dates during the COVID lockdowns. Celine and I would visit our favorite cafés around Jozi whenever we could, and those outings became something we really looked forward to. That’s when our love for coffee truly kicked off, especially after visiting Bean There in 44 Stanley. We became obsessed with finding that elusive “God Cup”—the perfect coffee you just can’t stop thinking about.
At the time, I was working as a sound engineer, putting in long hours for little reward. I felt stuck. After a tough day, I told Celine how unhappy I was, and she suggested I pursue something I was actually passionate about. A joke about becoming a barista soon turned into a real plan.
My coffee obsession grew, and I signed up for a barista course just to explore it more. Marcus, my trainer, taught me how to pull the perfect espresso shot, and that was it—I was hooked. I started practicing at a local coffee shop on weekends, and when they offered me a job, I jumped at the chance, even though it meant less pay. I was all in.
The real turning point came at a coffee shop in Kramerville, where I met Stevo Kühn. He offered me a spot in an SCA course, which led to a job at Bewley’s in Dublin. Even without formal barista experience, I managed to impress them, and that opened the door for us to work in Dublin and Leeds, soaking up all the coffee knowledge we could.
When we came back to South Africa, we knew it was time to open our own place. After lots of brainstorming, we launched Ekhaya Coffee Roasters—a space where we combine a sense of adventure with the warmth of home, all in a cup of coffee.
The heart of ekhaya
At Ekhaya Roasters, we see every cup of coffee as an opportunity to embark on a new adventure while savouring the comforting essence of home. Our vision is to blend these two worlds—adventure and home—into every coffee experience we create, making each sip a journey of discovery and a return to what matters most.
Our Vision
“To craft unique coffee experiences that bring the spirit of adventure and the warmth of home to every cup.”
Our Mission
“We are committed to sourcing and roasting premium coffee beans while offering immersive coffee experiences that reflect our love for adventure and the essence of home.”
Our mission is to go beyond just brewing coffee. We’re dedicated to selecting the finest beans from around the globe and roasting them with care. But we don’t stop there—we invite you to join us in experiencing coffee like never before, where every cup tells a story of exploration, and every visit feels like coming home.
Our Values
- Adventure: we live for the thrill of the journey. Whether it’s venturing to distant lands to source the best beans or experimenting with new roasting techniques, we embrace the spirit of exploration in all we do.
- Community: at Ekhaya, everyone is family. We’re passionate about creating a warm, welcoming space where coffee lovers can come together, share stories, and feel truly at home.
- Connection: coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a bridge that brings people together. We create spaces and experiences that foster deep connections, uniting people through a shared love of coffee and community.
- Quality: excellence is our standard. From the beans we select to the brew in your cup, we’re committed to delivering the highest quality, ensuring that every experience with ekhaya is nothing short of exceptional.
Our Tagline
“Tastes like adventure. Feels like home.”
At Ekhaya Roasters, we believe that every cup of coffee should ignite your spirit of adventure while wrapping you in the warmth and comfort of home. It’s a journey and a return, all in one extraordinary experience.
