Spanning 1,000m² and open between 6AM and 10PM on weekdays and 6AM and midnight over weekends, the latest addition to the Pantry by Mable stable is proof that the well-known hospitality brand is moving from strength to strength. The new high-end food and retail store opened its doors at The View, Fourways Mall recently, welcoming over 10,000 visitors on opening weekend. Ultimately, it’s safe to say that Pantry by Marble at The View is set to bring joy to early dinner seekers, late night party goers on the hunt for a midnight snack and little foodies craving gourmet ice cream alike.

Launched by Chef David Higgs and businessman Gary Kyriacou in 2020, Pantry by Marble – which combines food retail with a chef-inspired eatery – has been rapidly expanding. From the instantly famous Rosebank-based petrol station store to locations in Bassonia, Hazelwood (Pretoria), a pop-up at The Marc in Sandton and now, The View, it’s clear that the Pantry recipe is working. Apart from its size, the latest store is unique in many ways, offering a sushi counter, delicious rotisserie chicken, handmade focaccia open sandwiches and an interactive kids’ play area.

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A Fancy, But Easy Approach

Those who know Pantry will be familiar with its ‘fancy, but easy’ approach. Pantry at The View brings with it all the things that make an everyday meal feel like a treat. From freshly baked bread and handmade butters to cheese, cold meat, dips and spreads, the shelves bring together various products from a range of small suppliers. In addition, it offers some unique imported favourites which Pantry customers have come to know and love.

Of course, the fresh produce is always a treat at Pantry – be it the fruit and vegetables, or the freshly cut flowers. They also offer top quality meat and prepared meals. In addition, the delicious pastries have proved to be a winner over the opening weekend, with 1200 pieces of pastry sold on the Saturday alone.

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Insider’s Tip: Pantry’s Lamingtons are on steroids! Be sure to get some and pair it with a cup of coffee while you’re at it.

Pantry by Marble – Come for a Snack, Stay for Selfies and Shopping

Pantry at The View, Fourways Mall is the ideal all-day quick stop. Still, it might see you linger for longer thanks to isles filled with beautiful home and lifestyle goodies. In fact, the LEGO® corner could see you linger for much longer than planned, especially if the kids are tagging along. Luckily, you might be able to lure them away from the toys by mentioning ice cream…

The dedicated ice cream counter at Pantry, The View is worth writing home about, with various flavours and toppings at an affordable price. And, what is an ice cream spot without some pretty corners for family photos and selfies?

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The Business of an Expanded Pantry

According to Chef David Higgs, Pantry by Marble has been offering restaurant-quality fast food from the start – something that has aided its popularity and fueled its organic growth. In fact, the luxury convenience and food retailer’s growth has brought about some major leaps recently, including the appointment of Greg Solomon, former CEO of McDonald’s South Africa, as CEO of Pantry.

“Pantry is known for its exceptional products, a premium everyday experience and a strong sense of community,” Solomon says. “Fourways has been on the radar for a while, and we’re thrilled to bring our offering to this friendly neighbourhood in Gauteng.”  

Chef David Higgs says that since Covid – which initially sparked the Pantry concept – there has been a definite trend of people not eating out as often as they used to. Still, customers want that something small, whether it’s an early dinner salad or a coffee and croissant. That’s where Pantry comes in.  

Whilst there is a lot of talk around Pantry’s rapid expansion, Chef David Higgs says they “want to stay niche.” According to him, it’s all been an incredible learning curve and they will continue to figure it out along the way as they work on their plan of adding another 20 to 30 stores to the stable over the next couple of years. As a matter of fact, according to Business Tech Pantry fans can look forward to a standalone store opening at Mall of Africa this side of the year still.

In the meantime, pop in at Pantry by Marble at The View, Fourways Mall and treat yourself to an ice cream, grab a gift for a friend, explore the unique imported goods and leave with a takeaway coffee and some Saturday morning pastries for the family!

• Now Open: Pantry by Marble at The View, Fourways Mall
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