{"id":33016,"date":"2024-04-29T09:14:31","date_gmt":"2024-04-29T07:14:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/ballito-umhlanga\/?p=33016"},"modified":"2024-05-28T11:36:59","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T09:36:59","slug":"double-the-passion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/ballito-umhlanga\/blog\/2024\/04\/29\/double-the-passion\/","title":{"rendered":"Double the passion"},"content":{"rendered":"

For most people, opening a restaurant is a daunting prospect. Twin brothers Andile and Ayanda Ngidi have taken ambition to the next level, having recently launched three brand-new spaces in Salt Rock.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Many North Coast foodies will remember The Dant\u00e9 Experience in Umhlanga, a triple-story space that housed a restaurant, five bars and a rooftop. The venue was co-founded by Andile and Ayanda Ngidi and was the first of its kind in KZN. In 2022, the brothers sold the business and took some time to travel and recharge. Now, back home and feeling inspired, they have opened three new spots \u2013 Donna Modern Italian, Butcher & Wine, and St Yves Bar \u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u2013 all of which are located in Salt Rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"Born and raised in Durban, the Ngidi brothers discovered a passion for hospitality soon after school when they worked as waitrons and bartenders while they were studying for their business degrees. During this time, they realised that it was the industry for them. \u201cWe just knew it was the space we wanted to throw ourselves into,\u201d says Andile. Together they started an events company in their early 20s, where they learnt a lot about managing people, coordination and running a business, and after a short stint in the corporate world, found themselves drawn back into hospitality.<\/p>\n

Andile and Ayanda are similar in many ways and have shared many experiences, but they each have attributes that contribute something different to the business. Ayanda is all about numbers and administration, while Andile is the people person in the duo. \u201cWe sometimes pull in different directions, but we\u2019re on the same page when it comes to what we want to achieve,\u201d says Andile. \u201cThe twin relationship is very unique. We always say to people that we are among the closest twins because we\u2019ve done everything together for so long. It\u2019s been my brother and me through thick and thin, always. We look out for each other, we support each other. It\u2019s motivating to be on the same team.\u201d<\/p>\n