Food and friendship with artistic flair

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The art of business met the business of art on what was a magical night of festive food, artists and friendship.

The George business fraternity gathered on Thursday 29 September for the opening of the stunning new venue of the François Ferreira Academy during the monthly network evening of the George Business Chamber.

Guests got to finally satisfy their curiosity and experience what was happening behind the big barn doors.

The property, previously known as "the building with the cars", was acquired in 2021 by the UXI Artisan Development Group and turned into the new home of this world-class chef and hospitality training institution.

Chef François Ferreira explained that the opening of the new venue was a dream come true. The François Ferreira Academy has been offering international (Highfield) culinary and hospitality training in George since 2007.

In addition to being a world-class training destination, preparations are on track for the opening of a restaurant and other amenities, turning this into a world-class tourist destination.

The students prepared delectable international cuisine. insert: One of the students adds some finishing touches to a dish.

Elsie Harmse, director of the UXI Group, emphasised that each of the role players in George and the Garden Route - business, local government and training institutions - contributes to the success of this region in their own way.

"With the development of world-class businesses like the François Ferreira Academy, we are contributing to the development of George by the people of George for the people of George."

She also thanked the many businesses and hospitality institutions in the Garden Route who partner with the François Ferreira Academy as host employers, helping learners gain critical experience in the workplace.

"Together we are raising the bar for culinary art and hospitality in the Garden Route."

Dr Willie Cilliers of the George Business Chamber thanked the members of the chamber for their continuous contribution to the economy of George.

Manager of the George Business Chamber Bernadette Schaap (centre back), together with PSG, awarded six affiliates for their long-standing membership and loyalty. From left: 5 Years: Diskonto Stationery (owner Stella Visicale); Carpe Diem School (principal Elzeth Grobler); 10 Years: Commerce Edge (Dave Moss); 15 Years: Avis van Rental (Elna Schwartz), sponsor PSG Wealth (Johan Lochner) and Ricoh Garden Route (Arno Koegelenberg).

One of the students adds some finishing touches to a dish.

From left are George Councillor Dirk Wessels, UXI Group CEO Ronald Meeske, chef François Ferreira, UXI Group Director Elsie Harmse and George Mayor Leon van Wyk.