From humble beginnings at the Bruma Flea Market to the central food court in Sandton City, Anat has been an adventure. Our founder, Anat, was a housewife in 1991 with three young children when her family struck financial difficulties. She then recalled her mother’s words: ‘if you ever need cash, fast, sell falafel.’ And so the story of Anat began.
Anats grandfather, 1945 selling Falafel,
her Father – aged 9 at the time can be seen behind the counter
This story didn’t start in the nineties however, the real story of hard work and wholesome food started a few generations prior. Anat’s grandfather worked in a falafel shop in Egyptas a teenager. It is here that he learned the craft and ingredients of the food from its native country, Yemen. Then as an adult, he married Anat’s grandmother and had twelve children he needed to support. Anat’s father eventually took over her grandfather’s business and although once upon a time she swore she would never pursue the same path, life had other plans for her.
And so, back to 1991. Anat branded a trailer with her name, got a small loan for the equipment and with help from a Ghanaian assistant, Tony, she opened up for her first day of business in 1992 at the Bruma Flea Market selling falafel for R5 a portion. Tahina, salads and pita flowed from her stall to hungry customers, and a business was born. She realized she had a product that people genuinely loved and wanted.
Anats grandmother seen here preparing Falafel
Anat’s husband then saw a need for meat in their customer base. After much experimenting, she managed to master the art of shwarma and this was incorporated into the menu. Anat then secured a position in the Sandton City food court in 1994 and worked around the clock with her staff to build the shop. Within a year Anat acquired another shop in Eastgate (1995), and from there the Anat brand grew and grew. It grew to the extent that it started making more sense for the brand to bake its own pita bread, and so the bakery was established in 2002. Anat imported an oven, used recipes from an old family cookbook, and Anat Bakery took off.
From the first day of business, Anat has sworn to only provide the best. That’s why Anat has an uncompromising high standard of only the freshest ingredients, served by the most welcoming hands. By naming her business after herself, Anat has ensured that each step in the process of making great food is faultless; after all, her name is on the line.
Whether you’re enjoying Anat at home having Made It Your Way with our great flat bread products, grabbing a quick lunch at one of our stores or biting into our food at one of our catered events – you will taste great food in every bite.