After successfully opening his first “green” bakery in Khayelitsha in 2014, Lufefe Nomjana, popularly known as the Spinach King, opened his second bakery four months ago and plans to franchise his concept.

Situated at the busy Khayelitsha mall, the green-painted bakery catches the eye. It is made out of two large shipping containers. Spinach grows on wooden shelves along the outside wall.

“The first branch is an express bakery where we only bake and sell. At this one we bake, sell, and, as you can see, we have a cafe set up so people can sit,” says Nomjana.

There are three tables outside, with space for several more.

Nomjana, 28, says it was hard getting the spaces for his businesses, first at the Violence Prevention Through Urban Upgrading business hub in Harare Square, and then at Khayelitsha mall, which is managed by the Khayelitsha Community Trust.

“This is the perfect spot for us. The business is good this side. We have many people coming in and out,” says Nomjana.

The new branch specialises in fresh juices and smoothies made with spinach.

Muffins are R7 each, sandwiches and smoothies cost around R15; and the “Popeye Wrap” R30.

The most expensive dish is pasta with seaweed, baby spinach, and baby tomatoes.

The house speciality is a meatless green burger, which includes a spinach bun.

The Richard Branson Virgin Group has been the major sponsor of the business. Spinach King will officially be launched on 25 November. There will be samples and food to buy.

People will be able to make their own smoothies using exercise bicycles. Blenders are attached to the bikes and powered by pedalling.

“We are very proud of this business. It is a franchise.”

Nomjana has already sold a licence to a business in Washington DC in the US and locally to someone in Kokstad.

“I knew from the beginning that I was building a global business,” says Nomjana. 

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