In the heart of Stellenbosch, a small but ambitious dream began to brew, and it all started with a coffee container. Simone Gerber and Lerine van Wyk were determined to build a coffee shop that offered more than just a cup of coffee. They wanted to create a space that blended community, creativity, and, of course, great coffee. With a little help from Container Conversions, their vision became a reality, and Eerste Kafee was born.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

Every entrepreneur knows that turning a vision into reality is never a smooth ride. For Simone and Lerine, their journey to opening their dream coffee shop was filled with challenges. They faced the typical hurdles: finding the right location, securing permits, and navigating municipal restrictions. But these women didn’t let anything stop them. They found the perfect spot, an underused parking lot near the Eerste River and Markötter Sports Complex. The location, previously a pick-up and drop-off point for parents from local schools, was far from glamorous. But with the school’s blessing, Simone and Lerine saw the potential to turn this blank canvas into a vibrant community hotspot.

A Container Becomes a Coffee Shop

With the location secured, the next step was to find a solution that was as unique as their vision. The answer came in the form of Container Conversions. We provided a 6m steel container, which would serve as the base for their new coffee shop.

Simone and Lerine worked closely with our team to design a functional and welcoming space. The challenge was clear: how to create a fully operational coffee shop in a small container? Every inch had to be optimised. From the coffee machine and refrigeration units to the counter space and storage, no space was wasted. We ensured the design included ample lighting, large windows for an open feel, and sleek sliding doors to make the space feel even larger than it was.

The exterior of the container was transformed with a fresh, modern look, painted in a neutral off-white tone that blended perfectly with the surrounding environment. It wasn’t just a container; it was now an inviting, stylish café ready to welcome its first customers.

From its first day of opening, Eerste Kafee became more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It quickly became a gathering spot for local parents, students, joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers who frequented the area. The friendly, welcoming vibe, combined with the delicious, well-crafted coffee, meant that customers kept returning.

We couldn’t be more excited for their journey. Watching their vision unfold into something tangible, successful, and meaningful has been a true joy. It’s a testament to the power of creativity, persistence, and the right partnerships.

Are You Ready to Create Your Dream Space?

At Container Conversions, we believe that with the right idea and a little ingenuity, anything is possible. Whether you’re dreaming of opening a coffee shop, a pop-up store, an office space, or something unique, our custom container solutions can help bring your vision to life.

Get in touch with us online or call +27 (0)11 975 3800 / +27 (0)31 769 1100 for a quote or to learn more about our container solutions.