Cute little Hermanus café run by people with disabilities

Creating job opportunities while serving coffee & croissants

Last updated: Tuesday, 30 July 2024

Only Specials Café, a little coffee shop in Hermanus, is a long-awaited dream come true for owner Joke Gonggrijp. It’s not only loved by locals for its takeaway coffee and freshly baked croissants, but also for the cause behind it: It’s a training ground for youngsters with disabilities. How? They join a two-year programme and receive training from hospitality industry experts.

It’s right next to Daan’s Bakery in Hermanus. Image: Only Specials

CREATING JOBS FOR DISABLED YOUNG PEOPLE

Joke runs two popular restaurants in Hermanus, Ficks and Dutchies. What sets Only Specials apart is its partnership with The Sluyter Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports people with disabilities. 

Only Specials serves as a platform for raising awareness and promoting inclusivity within the community. “The coffee shop serves as a training program for these young individuals, where they can learn and develop skills like customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving,” says Joke. 

Joke was inspired by the inclusive initiatives in her homeland. “In the Netherlands, these types of initiatives are heavily subsidised by the government, but unfortunately, that is not the case here.” Only Specials also organises events, workshops, and discussions to foster understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities.

The managers from Ficks and Dutchies have also played a role in training the staff at Only Specials Café. Image: Only Specials

FRENCH-STYLE CAFÉ IN HERMANUS

The patterned floors and pretty garden setting gives Only Specials the charm of a little French café. 

Inside, plants hang from the ceiling while white French doors open into a courtyard, shaded by trees. There’s a small herb and vegetable garden, cared for by the youngsters and used for daily meals. 

Blue and green eucalyptus leaves are painted on the walls, which according to Joke, symbolise protection. “Just as the eucalyptus leaf shields the tree from harm, we strive to shield and support this exceptional community. They deserve a space where they can flourish and feel secure.”

The café has a lot of vintage-style furniture and decorations. Image: Only Specials

POP IN FOR BREAKFAST OR LUNCH

You’ll see all kinds of people at Only Specials. Families sit in for a lazy Saturday breakfast and friends catch up over coffee, while elderly ladies sip afternoon tea and eat scones.

The menu has classic café fare like sandwiches, salads, soups, and cakes. A favourite is the slow-cooked pulled beef sandwich, topped with caramelised onions, cheese, and homemade BBQ sauce on ciabatta. 

If you stay for dessert, there’s tiramisu, chocolate brownies and cake of the day.

They’re most busy during breakfast for coffee runs and lunch-time for meal service. Image: Only Specials

VISIT ONLY SPECIALS CAFÉ

Only Specials Café is open: Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm

Find them: 16 Dirkie Uys Street, Hermanus

Book: Via 071 520 2044

Contact on: @only_specials_cafe

By Khadeeja Adams

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MORE TO DO IN HERMANUS

Try Dutch foods at the seaside eatery Dutchies. 

Dutchies is the sister restaurant of Fick’s in Hermanus. 

Let the kids build their own waffles at Milk on the Beach. 

Here’s our guide to week(end) plans in and around the city.

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