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BUSINESS NEWS - What started as a passion for hot rods, desert racing and adventure in the vast Kalahari Desert has evolved into one of Sedgefield’s most distinctive and popular gathering places.
For Bandits owner Victor Venter, the journey began in 2013 when he founded the Road Bandits Hot Rod Club at Hakskeenpan in the Northern Cape.
Famous for its endless open spaces and internationally recognised desert racing events, Hakskeenpan provided the perfect backdrop for a community united by a love of speed, custom-built vehicles and life on the open road.
“We spent years organising racing events in the desert, building cars and embracing the freedom that comes with the hot rod lifestyle,” Venter recalls.
When Victor and his wife, Janine, decided to relocate their family to Sedgefield, they brought more than just memories of their years in the Kalahari. They arrived with a vision of creating a venue that reflected their lifestyle, values and passion for bringing people together.
That vision became Bandits, a family-owned establishment that has quickly become a favourite destination for locals and visitors.
Unlike many modern hospitality businesses that rely on polished corporate branding, Bandits was built around authenticity and personality.
“We never wanted to create something that felt corporate or manufactured,” says Venter. “We wanted a place with character, personality and soul - somewhere people could walk in and immediately feel at home.”
Visitors are welcomed by one of the venue’s most recognisable attractions: Frikkie, a beautifully restored 1930 Chevrolet that stands proudly outside the establishment.
More than simply a decorative feature, the classic vehicle is a tribute to the owners’ hot rod roots and has become a landmark that many patrons associate with Bandits.
Inside, the décor reflects years of automotive adventures and memories collected along the way. Yet, despite its unique atmosphere, Venter believes the true heart of the business lies in its kitchen.
Bandits has earned a growing reputation for its handcrafted burgers, which have become a firm customer favourite.
Prepared using quality beef smashed onto a hot iron grill, the burgers reflect the business’ straightforward philosophy of keeping things simple while focusing on quality.
“It’s all about doing things properly,” says Venter. “Good ingredients, bold flavours and honest food.”
In just six months, Bandits has grown into far more than a restaurant or pub.
It has become a social hub where families, friends, travellers, motor enthusiasts and community members gather to enjoy good food, conversation and a relaxed atmosphere.
The strong support from the local community has resulted in Bandits being nominated for the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, recognition that Venter says means a great deal to the family-run business.
“We’re not a large franchise.
Every customer matters to us, and every meal that leaves the kitchen represents who we are,” he says.
Looking back on the long road from the Northern Cape to the Garden Route, Venter believes the move has been worth every kilometre.
“When I look around Bandits today and see the people, the friendships and the memories being made here, I know exactly why we made the journey.¨
For Bandits, the road that began in the Kalahari continues to stretch ahead - only now it runs through the heart of Sedgefield, where a love of community, good food and adventure continues to bring people together.
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