Joburg's Gourmet Grocer celebrates local artisans

When hard lockdown was first announced, the always-innovating Joburg restaurateur Larry Hodes turned his popular eatery Voodoo Lily into a grocery store. Rather than stock the grocer himself, Hodes and his wife Annie invited struggling small-scale producers, artisans, bakers, and cooks to sell their fare at the store. Hodes says, “Since the start, over 90% of the Gourmet Grocer’s suppliers have been small businesses and supporting [them] will continue to be key in our evolving business model.” There’s an in-store roastery and coffee bar, Coffefe, which focuses on sustainably and ethically sourced coffee products. Hodes has also re-introduced the food offering. Enjoy an all-day breakfast or stop by for lunch on the airy sidewalk and a browse through a continuously refined and refreshed selection of artisanal deli goods.

• Cnr St Andrew St & Wrenrose Ave, Birdhaven, Johannesburg