Team

Tamar was born in the Jacaranda city of Pretoria and grew up in Johannesburg. She’s a city slicker – and proud of it. She has extensive experience in food and hospitality – but still believes she has a lot to learn. She has a penchant for international gourmet adventures, and often travels overseas.

OPEN Food allows Tamar to express her deepest passion: creating memorable dining experiences with fresh, uncomplicated, nourishing food and exquisite presentation and service. She believes we’re blessed with an abundance of diverse, fresh ingredients in South Africa, so has made it her mission to showcase local produce rather than hide it in complicated recipes and intimidating presentations.

Tamar strives to challenge herself and her team to embrace contrasts and create slow, easy-going, melt-into-the-sofa meals, from sit down plated dinners to funky cocktail parties.

Vania joined the OPEN Food finance department in 2015, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for financial strategy. Over the years, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, driving the department’s growth and efficiency. Her analytical skills and commitment have been instrumental in streamlining processes and ensuring financial stability. Today, as the Finance Director, Vania is the cornerstone of the current accounts department, overseeing all financial operations with a focus on innovation, accuracy, and strategic foresight.

Sfiso’s journey with OPEN Food began over 22 years ago when he first joined as a waiter. Through dedication and hard work, he steadily rose through the ranks, proving his capabilities in various roles. Today, Sfiso is not only our most capable Manager but also serves as the Operations Director. His deep understanding of the industry, coupled with his exceptional positivity, allows him to build and maintain strong relationships with all our clients. Sfiso’s leadership and expertise are invaluable assets to the continued success of OPEN Food.

John joined OPEN Food in 2014, heading up operations at various OPEN sites. John’s background in food retail includes the launching and selling of several Fego and Europa franchises during his career.

Through his years of experience, John has great strength in customer relations and a clear understanding of the operational requirements needed to meet the high standards that OPEN Food promises to its clients. John also oversees the building of new OPEN Food properties.

Christo is one of OPEN Food’s Executive Chefs, overseeing the hot and cold kitchen and helping keep quality and consistency high across every service. He brings a steady, hands-on approach to kitchen management, working closely with the wider culinary team to make sure every dish leaving the kitchen meets OPEN Food’s standard — whether it’s a large-scale corporate function or a plated dinner service.

Ipeleng keeps the OPEN Food office running smoothly, managing the administrative backbone that supports the wider team’s day-to-day operations. Her organisation and attention to detail mean the business side of OPEN Food runs as efficiently as the kitchens do, freeing the rest of the team to focus on delivering great food and service.

Bianca leads event management at OPEN Food, translating a client’s brief into a fully realised experience — from table styling and lighting to plating that ties back to the theme of the event. She works closely with chefs, décor suppliers and event partners to make sure food isn’t just served alongside an event, but built into it as part of the design. Her eye for detail and styling has shaped some of OPEN Food’s most memorable functions.

Njabulo manages inventory across OPEN Food’s kitchens, keeping stock levels, ordering and storeroom operations running tightly so chefs always have what they need, when they need it. His attention to detail and hands-on approach to stock control are a big part of what keeps OPEN Food’s kitchens running without a hitch.