After 3 years of physical closure, the beloved Special Knead Café is reopening!
Sandton, South Africa (01 August, 2023) — When Special Knead Café updated its status to ‘permanently closed’ three years ago (largely due to the pandemic) it marked a sad day not just for the loyal supporters who adored their treats, but for the special needs community in South Africa.
However, the determination that kept the Café going virtually has paid off and at long last Special Knead Café will open its doors once again!
For those who don’t know the Café’s story, Special Knead was started by a mother and former remedial teacher Kim McJannet (Rundle), who wanted better opportunities for her neurodivergent daughter.
After her daughter started working at a doggy daycare that gave people on the spectrum work opportunities, the wheels started turning for Kim. Similarly, she thought about how a friend’s son (a talented chef) had been fired for ‘being slow’ and those wheels began turning even faster.
There needed to be more places for the special needs community to be part of society and showcase their talents More places where they could be celebrated instead of pressured into not feeling good enough in a world that unfortunately isn’t designed for neurodivergence.
This space between what should be and what is, is where Special Knead Café was born—a place where neurodivergent employees have opportunities to do what they love while neurotypicals get to become more aware of other life experiences in the sweetest way.
The Café garnered a lot of support during its time on Sangster Road, celebrated for paving a new era of inclusivity in Johannesburg.
But, when the going got tough and the restaurant industry across the world faced challenges no one was prepared for, the Café had to operate virtually…
Until now.
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“I know you have all been waiting for this and it’s happening. I cannot wait for our specials to have a purpose again,” shared the Café’s of its return.
New neurodivergent team members have already been announced, as well as a new location which will be in Sandton.
“Delicious coffees, cakes and light lunches under umbrellas on the lawn will be a reality.”—Special Knead Café.
However, the team behind the dream needs some help to make the new chapter possible as they seek a few treasures like cups and saucers.
If you can help, contact specialkneadcafe@gmail.com and make the dream come true again!
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