The Western Cape food scene has taken another hit, with Root44 Restaurant in Stellenbosch closing permanently and One Park in Cape Town preparing to shut down at the end of June.
Both venues built loyal followings over the years. For many locals and visitors, they were more than places to eat. They were weekend stops, social spaces and memory-makers.
Root44 Restaurant announced its closure on its official social media pages. The team thanked customers for their support and said it was closing with “a heavy heart”.
The restaurant said it was grateful for the love it had received over the years. It also reflected on the meals, celebrations and friendships shared inside the venue.
Root44 Market Remains Open
While the restaurant has closed, the broader Root44 Market is still operating.
Management reassured visitors that the market remains open and will continue welcoming guests. The market is known for food stalls, shopping, entertainment and family-friendly attractions.
Root44 has long been a familiar stop in the Stellenbosch wine region. It attracted locals, tourists and families looking for a relaxed outing in the Winelands.
No specific reason was given for the restaurant’s closure.
One Park to Close at the End of June
One Park, located in Gardens in Cape Town, has also confirmed that it will close at the end of June.
The venue was founded in 2022 by Mishka Mahomed and Matt Hichens. It became known as a multi-purpose space where people could eat, drink, listen to vinyl records and view artwork.
In its closure announcement, One Park said the decision came “after much consideration”. The team thanked everyone who visited, shared meals, hosted events or spent time in the space.
One Park said it still has final events and dance sessions planned for the rest of the month. It invited supporters to join those last gatherings and celebrate what the venue represented.
Patrons React to the Closures
The announcements sparked disappointment online, with patrons sharing memories of meals, events and time spent at both venues.
For regular visitors, the closures mark the end of two well-known Western Cape spaces that helped bring people together.
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