SOUTHERN CAPE BUSINESS NEWS - The well-known Featherbed Company in Knysna is proud to announce that Sonja Smit, the daughter of the owner, Kobus Smit has joined the company to bring her own expertise from an extensive human resources background to the table.

And they mean that literally! As the new general manager, Sonja has set herself certain challenges in the company, but also specifically regarding Cruise Café. Firstly, to make the restaurant more family-orientated and to create a new menu which is not only child-friendly but affordable.

"As a mum I know how fussy kids can be when eating out and if a menu is too complicated or upmarket, it can be a nightmare for the parents," she smiles knowingly. "That’s why we have now made sure to include good, basic meals which I know to be favourites," says Sonja.

Inspired by the new vision, chef Singazi Masinga explains: "My thought process behind the design of the new menu was the need to accommodate all age groups with a strong emphasis on children. In saying this, our focus has also certainly incorporated all cultural groups as my team and I prepare the dishes not only with Asian spices but with the addition of the true African feel, serving Cumin Samp Croquettes and polenta which is flavoured with tastes from Morocco.

Bearing in mind that not all folks can sit down to a long meal during a quick lunch break, Cruise Café has especially created a new light lunch menu. This menu is served between 11:00 and 18:00 and offers folks on the run and on a tight budget, meal options ranging between R35 and R58.

Says Chef Masinga: "For the young ones we cater for with the likes of mac and cheese, Mini Me burgers, and let’s not forget, the Hot Diggedy Dogs!"

Chef Masinga has also given the ‘old’ style Cruise Burger a serious makeover by listening to the ideas and comments of patrons over many years.

"The designer burger is created from start to finish in our kitchen, from the beef patty to our new vegan burger patty," he gives the proud assurance. "This is a first for Cruise Café but already popular with the health conscious, the sporting enthusiasts and vegetarian patrons."

As for The Featherbed Company’s other endeavours, Sonja’s corporate background also motivates her to have a larger vision for the company as a whole. (Apart from Cruise Café the company also operates the Paddle Cruiser, the John Benn, the Heads Explorer and the two ferries, as well as the Featherbed Nature Reserve.)

"I believe in leading by example - one of the known secrets of a successful company is to ensure the happiness of your employees. Staff who enjoy their work spontaneously generate the type of advertising you cannot buy - it is a proven fact they will be more productive, more friendly and treat customers better, going the extra mile because they themselves feel good."

This translates to a hands-on approach and treating her staff with respect, whether it means helping to waiter or getting involved with the baking in the kitchen.

"We are a team and to get maximum output, the team needs to be content and happy and feel a part of what we are achieving together - in this way we create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both local and overseas guests," says Sonja, who is enthusiastic about their future.

Cruise Café’s motto remains: "We love to cook! -The passion we put into every dish created determines the outcome we serve at the table. We are proud to serve Knysna - come and allow us to indulge you."

Cruise Café is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 08:00 till late (kitchen closes at 22:00) and on Sundays from 08:00 to 16:00. To make a booking, telephone 044 382 1693 or visit the website at www.knysnafeatherbed.co.za.


Cruise Café’s chef, Singazi Masinga serving one of his scrumptious light lunches!