CELEBRATING its first birthday this week, the Cookhouse Freshstop 24/7 convenience store is increasingly favoured by travellers from all over the country.
This success means job security for the large staff of 35 local folk in the shop and on the forecourt.
“We’re putting Cookhouse back on the national map,” said owner Sylvia Gaiser, who described the first year as “an incredible journey.”
She and her husband, Wolfgang, signed up for the Freshstop franchise when they took over the Cookhouse service station last year, after eyeing the business ever since they arrived in the district 20 years ago. This little platteland dorp got its name in the early 1800s because a local cook fed travellers who congregated because they could cross the Fish River here.
“Now, once again, travellers are choosing us,” said Sylvia. “Freshstop is open 24/7 to serve drivers who stop to refuel. Heavy trucks travel up and down the N10 past Cookhouse the whole time and we’re on the main taxi route from Cape Town to Komani. It has been fun getting to know the taxi and truck drivers and understand their needs.
“Then there are the tourist coaches, headed from PE to the Mountain Zebra National Park and the Zuurberg entrance to the Addo Elephant Park.”
The Gaisers both speak German and she said, “We’re using it a lot.”
Running a round-the-clock business means Sylvia’s phone is never switched off so she has signed up as a Google Guide – her knowledge of the district and its history is awesome.
Fine coffee and fresh fast food
The Freshstop service begins with spotlessly clean toilets. The shop door opens automatically. Cool air and the fragrance of fine coffee served by a smiling barista welcomes you inside.
There’s a choice of Crispy Chicken and chips, pies, other savouries and a range of pastries, all fresh baked daily. (They won a national award for record Crispy Chicken sales and go through up to 200 pies a day.)
There’s a basic range of groceries and produce (fresh fruit and veg arrives twice a week, much appreciated by locals). “For the tourists, we keep the personal necessities like toothbrushes that people often forget to pack,” said Sylvia.
This convenience is backed up by help with info and directions.
The Gaisers live in Bedford, where Sylvia is renowned for her talent with fine food and entertaining, but she says. “We can’t all have a deli and I know I can touch more lives – staff and customers – through Freshstop.” – CATHERINE KNOX
