Few Cape Town brands have travelled as far as vida e caffè. From a single Kloof Street café in 2001, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading coffee and lifestyle brands.
This month, the company celebrated another major milestone with the opening of its 400th store at The Exchange on Lower Long Street in Cape Town. Located just minutes from where the first vida e caffè opened its doors nearly 25 years ago, the new store represents both a homecoming and a celebration of the brand’s remarkable growth across the African continent.
A Cape Town Success Story
When vida e caffè first opened on Kloof Street, few could have predicted the scale of the journey that lay ahead. Inspired by Portuguese café culture, the brand was built around quality coffee, warm hospitality and creating spaces where people could connect.
Over the years, that formula proved successful. What started as a single neighbourhood café steadily expanded beyond Cape Town, establishing a presence in cities, shopping centres, office precincts and transport hubs across Southern Africa.
Today, vida e caffè operates 400 stores across South Africa, Ghana, Mauritius, Zambia, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia and Angola, making it one of the continent’s most recognisable coffee brands.
More Than a Coffee Shop
Coffee has become an important part of modern lifestyles. Whether it is the first stop on the morning commute, a catch-up with friends, a business meeting or a quick break during a busy day, coffee shops have become gathering spaces where people connect and recharge.
Over the past two decades, vida e caffè has positioned itself at the centre of many of these everyday moments. Its distinctive red cup has become a familiar sight in cities across the continent, reflecting the growing role coffee culture plays in daily life.
While trends, technology and consumer habits have evolved over the years, the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional coffee and a memorable customer experience has remained consistent.
Celebrating the People Behind the Brand
According to CEO Darren Levy, the milestone is about much more than store numbers.
“Reaching 400 stores is a proud moment for us, but what makes it truly special is the opportunity to recognise the people who made it possible,” he said.
Levy credits the achievement to the thousands of franchise partners, team members, suppliers, strategic partners and loyal customers who have contributed to the brand’s success over the past 25 years.
He also reflected on his own connection to the business, recalling his first visit to the original Kloof Street store as a customer in 2001. Today, he leads a company that has grown from a local coffee shop into a major African brand.
Looking Ahead
While opening a 400th store is a significant milestone, the company sees it as one step in a continuing journey. Future plans include further investment in people, coffee excellence, innovation, sustainability and expanding its presence across Africa.
For Cape Town, however, the achievement carries a special significance. It is a reminder that some of Africa’s most successful brands began as local ideas, built through consistency, entrepreneurship and strong customer relationships.
From one café on Kloof Street to 400 stores across eight African countries, vida e caffè’s story is a celebration of growth, community and the enduring appeal of sharing a good cup of coffee.
