Impala Fruit & Veg has a reputation for quality that goes far beyond the borders of Northcliff, and for good reason.
Frank De Agrela has been at the helm for 40 years and has lost none of the passion for excellence that drove him when he was younger.
His father owned a flower shop that had a fruit and veg section which Frank ran when he was growing up in Krugersdorp. He eventually branched out on his own and opened Impala Fruit & Veg as a young 21-year-old. From humble beginnings in a tiny shop nearby, he has been at the current location for over 20 years.
“The secret to my success comes from remaining a family-run business, which over the years has turned customers into family too,” says Frank.
His daughter Candice agrees. “Our staff and customers are our family, absolutely. We pride ourselves in offering superior fresh fruit and vegetables in an environment that is relaxed and where you always see a familiar face.”
That, she says, gives them an advantage over other purely corporate stores or franchises.
The shelves are packed with everything one imagines a greengrocer-type shop would have, but also has carefully curated eats and treats, which are difficult to find elsewhere. Again, they have the edge others don’t.
Candice, like her dad before her, grew up in the shop and now runs the behind-the-scenes engine that keeps the business going. She recounts helping on weekends and eventually graduating to being allowed to operate a tills.
“Wonderful memories that we all have. I’m so proud of my dad who is in the shop seven days a week without fail. He is the life force of Impala.”
They laughed and said he (Frank) has the most amazing wife who understands and supports her husband who has ‘slogged’ for decades to provide for the family.
Frank owns the small strip mall where his shop is located and has carefully chosen his tenants to expand on the ethos of small, local and family-orientated businesses. There is a butcher, flower shop, coffee bar and more for visitors to enjoy while ticking things off their shopping list.
Frank, at several times in our conversation, kept repeating variations of the following phrase, “I literally cannot thank our customers enough, without them I’d have nothing.”
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