Ten years after opening its doors, Jackson’s Real Food Market & Eatery has become a trusted destination for fresh, nutrient-rich food, delicious meals and expert guidance to embrace a healthier lifestyle
Healthy living has become more than just a trend. For many, it is a journey towards feeling better, living longer and enjoying life to the fullest. At Jackson’s Real Food Market & Eatery, that journey starts with something simple: real food.
What began as a small venture in a garage has grown into one of South Africa’s most loved healthy food destinations. Today, with stores in Bryanston, Kyalami and the newly opened Bedfordview branch, Jackson’s continues to make wholesome food more accessible while staying true to the values it was built on.
For founder Gary Jackson, the business is much more than a supermarket or restaurant. It is a personal mission
From fast food to real food
Gary’s career started in a very different world. Having owned four busy fast-food drive-thrus and later a Woolworths Food store, he gained years of experience in both the restaurant and retail industries.
However, it was his own health struggles that completely changed the direction of his life. I was going to emergency rooms because I felt terrible, but nobody could really find anything wrong with me.
Determined to find answers, Gary spent an entire year studying food, nutrition and the way the body works.
Everything changed when his girlfriend at the time, who would become his wife, took charge of his diet. She insisted he follow a strict Mediterraneanstyle way of eating. ‘She cooked one healthy meal for me every day and made me promise I wouldn’t eat anything else.
She said, ‘I’ll fix you.’ Within three weeks I felt the difference, and within three months I was a new person.’ Her commitment to his health proved transformative.
The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on clean eating and heart-healthy oils, not only helped him regain his energy and wellbeing but also laid the foundation for a lifelong partnership
A different kind of food store
Jackson’s Real Food Market & Eatery combines a welcoming eatery with a carefully selected market, encouraging customers to enjoy a coffee or meal before browsing the shelves for wholesome groceries.
The stores have been designed to create the atmosphere of a modern farm store where customers are encouraged to slow down, explore and ask questions.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff are another important part of the experience. The Jackson’s team aims to make every visitor feel welcome and part of a growing community.
Real food starts with healthy soil
The business works closely with farmers who follow regenerative farming practices, focusing on rebuilding healthy soil without relying on synthetic fertilisers or pesticides.
‘Our principle is to only buy from farmers who farm in a regenerative way. They regenerate their soils and don’t use fertilisers or pesticides. This approach produces food that is not only cleaner but also richer in flavour and nutrients.
‘Our milk has thick cream on the top like the old days. Our grass-fed beef has yellow fat and incredible flavour. Our sourdough bread is fermented for five days. We don’t take shortcuts. We are a slow food business.
‘The soil needs to be alive because that’s where the nutrients come from.
‘Your gut is very similar. If you don’t feed it properly, it can’t do its job. ‘Healthy soil grows healthy food, and healthy food helps build healthy people.
Food for every lifestyle
Whether customers follow a low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, diabetic-friendly or even carnivore eating plan, Jackson’s aims to provide suitable options for every lifestyle.
‘We’re not about diets. We want to help people find out what they need to eat more of and what they should eat less of.’
More than a shop
‘If you’re curious or you want to improve your health, come and have a coffee. Walk around the store, ask questions and just enjoy the experience. You don’t have to buy anything. Our showroom is our education.’
At Jackson’s Real Food Market & Eatery, every visit is about more than shopping. It is an opportunity to discover how real food, grown with care and served with purpose, can help people reconnect with their health, their families and themselves.
You’ll find them at Bedford Crossing
Text and photographs: DESNAY PETERSON
