Early mornings, café chaos, and muffin batter on the ceiling, Brad Parsons shares how food, fatherhood, and fun mix into one delightfully messy, meaningful life.
If there’s one thing Brad Parsons, restaurateur and dad-of-two, has learned since becoming a dad, it’s that balance is everything. Not the kind you perfect plating a poached egg, but the kind that comes from waking up at 5am to two little humans, navigating the school run, running not one but two cafés, and still making time for a muffin bake-off before bedtime.
At 46, Brad is many things – husband to Amy, proud dad to five-year-old, Lola, and Noah, who’s three, café owner, restaurateur and self-declared spaghetti bolognaise master. But above all, he’s a man whose perspective shifted the moment he became Dad.
“It’s the most rewarding role,” he says. “That unconditional love; watching your kids grow… I learn something every day because of them.”
Brad’s days start early in Waterfall, the suburb his family calls home. After he and Amy tag-team the morning chaos, he’s off to one of his two eateries – Brad’s Café in Hillcrest, or the more whimsical Noah’s Café at The Mushroom Farm in Assagay, a space he says is inspired by his kids.
“We wanted a café where parents could enjoy a great coffee while their kids have fun safely. Everything about Noah’s reflects our family – it’s our post-Covid dream come to life.”
That family-first mentality also filters into the menu. Think: healthier, tastier kids’ meals, and smaller portions designed to make little food critics happy. Though at home, it’s his signature spaghetti bolognaise that gets five stars – especially from Lola, who could eat bowls of just the sauce alone!
Still, like many little ones, Lola and Noah are fussy eaters. Noah adores fruit, while Lola’s love for biltong is legendary. But mealtimes are more than what’s on the plate in the Parsons’ home. They’re about shared joy, memories and the occasional splashing of dishwater.
“Lola and Noah love helping bake muffins to add to their school lunchboxes,” Brad laughs. “They also love washing dishes believe it or not – although more water ends up on the floor than anywhere else.”
Running a business in hospitality often means late nights and long weekends, but Brad’s managed to rewrite that narrative. By focusing on daytime cafés and nurturing a solid team, he’s carved out time to be home when it matters.
“Evenings are for family, and time off often means beach days and precious, unplugged time.
The kids cricket, waterslides, a picnic, a sneaky cider – we love to make a big deal out of the small stuff.”
When asked how he stays grounded? “Letting the kids be little,” he says. “And sharing that bottle of wine with Amy.”
As a restaurateur and dad, Brad draws unexpected parallels between the kitchen and parenting. Teamwork, routines, lifting each other up – even when it’s just over school shoes or spilled juice.
“If we can weather whatever comes our way together,” he reflects, “we’ll come out stronger – and more determined.”
And while there have been plenty of proud moments, opening Noah’s Café post-pandemic stands out, it’s the everyday, in-between bits Brad treasures most.
“You blink and they’re older. The morning rush, the nights at home – those are the moments that count.”
So, what’s the one value he hopes Lola and Noah take from watching him live and work?
“To work hard, live well and love life,” he says. “Oh – and enjoy the dishwashing.”
Details: You can follow Brad’s family-friendly foodie journey on IG:@noahscafe2024 or FB: Noah’s café and Brads Cafe on both IG and FB or call 083 524 4175.
