There’s a place in the heart of Northcliff where the vibrant colours and fragrant aromas of fresh produce greet you with a warm embrace.
Impala Fruit & Veg, a family-run store, has been a cornerstone of this community for four decades now, offering more than just your usual fresh produce. It’s a hub of friendly faces, nourishing choices, and a deep-rooted commitment to quality. Peel back the layers of this beloved store, and you’ll find years of dedication, passion and a sincere connection to the people it serves.
Francisco De Agrela – better known as Frank – is the heart and soul behind Impala Fruit & Veg. His journey into this world began in the butchery business, but when his uncle offered him a role in his fresh produce shop, Frank leaped at the opportunity. Little did he know that this shift would ignite a lifelong passion for fresh produce.
Frank’s joy stems from converting simple ingredients into attractively packaged goods. He often says it’s about positive transformation and this is precisely what he’s achieved with Impala. From a humble corner shop, he’s created a bright, vibrant space where freshness reigns supreme.
It comes as no surprise that Frank’s presence in the store is a constant. Seven days a week, he immerses himself in the daily operations – from transporting the produce to connecting with staff and customers who have become like family. In fact, Impala has been a witness to children growing up and now bringing their own families to the store.
Frank’s connection to the world of fruits and veggies runs deep. Since his father was a farmer and involved in a fruit and veg store himself, Frank would help out on weekends. As a result, his early life experiences have instilled a passion for fresh, healthy choices into his DNA.
At Impala they don’t just stop at fruits and vegetables; they have their own range of nuts and dried fruits – Frankly Nuts. Their fridge holds a selection of dairy products, and their shelves boast a variety of spices and sauces too.
The secret behind Impala’s success? Without a doubt, Frank. His boundless enthusiasm, hands-on approach, and commitment to quality create an atmosphere where customers feel not only valued, but cherished. But, Impala’s commitment to the community goes beyond just fresh produce. They also support local farmers and various charities, orphanages, retirement homes, and religious institutions in the area.
This year, Impala is celebrating 40 years of serving the Northcliff community. And so they would like to thank their loyal customers for their support, especially in today’s challenging times.
While the Northcliff area has changed tremendously over the years, Impala has remained a constant in this ever-evolving landscape. Still offering the same fresh produce and unwavering quality as when the store first opened its doors.
They pledge to continue serving their customers with a smile, ensuring that every visit is a delightful experience filled with quality and a dash of love. Impala isn’t just a store; it’s a testament to the love, dedication, and passion of the De Agrela family. Go for the fruits and veggies, stay for the warm embrace of this beloved community hub.
Impala’s fave Summer fruit salad
The grilled mango and avo salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the sweet flavour of ripe mango with the creamy richness of avocado. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes that makes for a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
You’ll need: 4 medium firm mangoes (peeled); 1 Tbsp canola oil; 1/4 cup lime juice; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 Tbsp black sesame seeds; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro (optional); 1 Tbsp minced fresh mint (optional); 2 medium cucumbers (peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped); 2 medium ripe avocados (peeled and coarsely chopped)
To make: Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each mango. Standing mango upright, slice off a large section of flesh, cutting close to the pit. Rotate and repeat until all flesh is removed.
Brush mangoes with canola oil; place on greased grill rack. Cook, covered, over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Cut into 2×2 cm cubes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, sesame seeds, salt and, if desired, cilantro and mint. Add mangoes, cucumbers and avocados; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.
Open Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6pm, Saturday from 7am to 5pm, Sunday and public holidays from 7am to 2pm. Impala Centre, 177 Beyers Naudé Dr, Northcliff. www.impalafruit.co.za, 011-888-4211.
