Gareth Daubney (39yrs), Chef and co-owner of Bella Casa Trattoria went to St Andrews school in Bloemfontein and matriculated at Bloemfontein college.

After spending most of his working career in wholesale and retail he decided to pursue a career as a chef in Scotland where he spent six years. After returning to Bloemfontein in 2006 he spent two more years working while looking for an opportunity to open a restaurant.

In 2008 Bella Casa was born.

"The decision to own an Italian restaurant was a simple one, says super couple Gareth and Nicola. “Italian food is good, honest ingredients put together in a simple way.” Gareth explains that it is much easier and more approachable than French cooking and they both like the fact that you only need “a good base, tomato, cheese and basil leaves – and there you go!"

Bloem businesswoman Jill Nowers surprised friend and foe when she opened an eatery in the “edgy”, formerly uncool, suburb of Noordhoek. The prophets of doom gave it a month, but those who know Jill knew that if one person could pull it off, it was her. Now,  Jack and Jill Food Co. has become a success story of note. Meet the master brain behind this winning concept.

"I knew exactly what it had to look like; I had Pinterest boards filled with ideas, but a part of me believed that it would be impossible to find the perfect space – until one day in September 2014 when I was literally dragged into the space which now houses Jack and Jill. I immediately knew that this was it – although it was off the beaten track, I liked it because it was different, and all my life I wanted to do something out of the ordinary! André, my husband and partner in crime, also went to have a look at the space and he agreed – if people just came here once, they would come again… and they did!"