The team behind one of South Africa’s most stylish forecourt stores is taking its signature concept to the next level. Following the success of The Pantry at the Rosebank petrol station — launched in 2022 — the brand will open its first standalone outlet in Hazelwood, Pretoria, on 1 November 2025.

This new branch will be larger, feature an expanded selection, and retain the signature favourites that made the Rosebank location an instant hit. A second new Pantry store is also scheduled for Bassonia, Johannesburg, later in November 2025, marking the start of a major growth phase for the group.

From fine dining to “fancy convenience”

The Pantry concept was born from the creative minds of chef David Higgs and entrepreneur Gary Kyriacou, co-founders of the Marble Hospitality Group. Since 2016, the duo has built some of South Africa’s most acclaimed dining destinations, including Marble, Saint, and Zioux.

When the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry, Higgs and Kyriacou began rethinking their business model. Their solution: bringing the quality and experience of hospitality into a retail space. The result was Pantry by Marble — a premium convenience destination offering everything from artisanal coffee and baked goods to ready-made restaurant-quality meals and local groceries.

The Rosebank forecourt, open 24 hours a day, quickly stood out as a “luxury meets everyday convenience” experience. Every detail — from curated music to interior design — was designed to elevate a routine stop into something special.

From risk to runaway success

Despite initial uncertainty, the store became an overnight success. For the first two months after launch, the team held back on selling fuel, unsure if the concept could stand on its own. Their fears were short-lived — shelves emptied faster than they could be restocked, proving that South Africans were eager for a new kind of retail experience.

Today, The Pantry has become one of the country’s most talked-about forecourts, celebrated for its premium selection, fresh design, and community following. The group continues to refine its offering, regularly introducing new products, rearranging displays to optimise flow, and focusing on continuous improvement.

Next chapter: standalone and sophisticated

The upcoming Hazelwood Pantry will retain many of the original’s best-loved items — including wood-fired pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and grab-and-go bowls — while expanding its grocery range.

“There’s no petrol station attached to this one, so we’ve got a lot more room,” Kyriacou shared on the brand’s social media. “We’re really looking to push the boundaries with what we can offer.”

Unlike the Rosebank outlet, however, the new Hazelwood store won’t operate 24/7, according to News24.

Pantry has also launched a mobile app and delivery service, currently serving Rosebank and nearby areas. This service will extend to Hazelwood once the store opens.

New locations and pop-up experience

Alongside Hazelwood and Bassonia, Pantry is rolling out a temporary pop-up store inside Mall of Africa’s Crystal Court. Running from 16 October 2025 to February 2026, the space — designed by Irene Kyriacou, the group’s resident interior designer — will highlight Pantry’s lighter fare, including smoothies, open sandwiches, coffee, and ready-made meals.

Unlike the larger outlets, the pop-up will not serve hot meals such as pizzas or burgers but aims to bring a taste of Pantry’s signature “fancy but easy” concept to mall-goers.

Redefining convenience for a new generation

From a pandemic pivot to a luxury lifestyle brand, Pantry by Marble continues to blur the line between fine dining and everyday shopping. With multiple new openings ahead, the group is cementing its reputation as one of South Africa’s most innovative players in the modern retail and hospitality space.

Whatsapp