Introducing Mariska and Jaco Roux, the dynamic duo behind a charming little gem of a coffee shop in the heart of Krugersdorp.
This isn’t just any coffee shop, though. It’s a tribute to Mariska and Jaco Roux’s late niece, Alexis-Rose, who passed away from leukaemia at only three years old. The shop’s logo, marked with the date of little Lexi’s passing and a delicate rose, a constant reminder of her strength and the beauty she brought to the world. And it’s like you can literally feel that warmth in the shop.
From the moment you walk into Lexi’s Coffee Shop, you’ll be hit by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Then comes the atmosphere. Calming, tranquil, and bursting with a sense of community. And let’s not even get started on their famous layered cake … just one slice and it will quickly become your new go-to spot (breakfast, lunch and dinner!). The best part? Mariska and Jaco are always up for a heartfelt chat or a good laugh.
‘My favourite part of running the shop is getting to know people. Everyone has a story, and every person can add something to your life if you just take the time to listen.’
In fact, many visitors go to the shop just to chat … finding it a safe, encouraging space to share their highs, lows, and everything in between. The Roux’s always ready with a listening ear and a prayer if needed. Mariska’s warmth and sense of humour, paired with Jaco’s genuine care and kindness, mean you’ll walk out with an empty coffee cup, but a full heart.
Speaking of a full heart … this couple’s own story is like something straight out of a rom-com. They met at a wedding in Dubai as best man and maid of honour, linking arms for the first time as if they’d known each other forever. A whirlwind of laughs, late-night chats and life planning followed, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Their path to opening the shop, though, was anything but straightforward. After a few career twists and turns, Jaco was on his way to becoming a commercial pilot, with plans to relocate to America. Then came Covid. Which completely threw their lives off course and led them back to South Africa. They started a real estate business to get by, but when Lexi’s current spot opened up, Jaco looked at his wife, asking why not. And with that, Lexi’s Coffee was born.
Their hearts are rooted in the community, which is why they’ve transformed the shop into somewhat of an art gallery – Mariska’s idea. They currently showcase the work of three brilliant local artists … Liezel Spangenberg, Lumain van Vuuren, and Shaun Judge. All of which are up for sale without a cent of commission … a gesture of pure community support.
And that’s not all. ‘We are also privileged to be a home base for various community-driven organisations. Some, we just love hosting and others we are actively involved in, such as Genesis Calling.’ A program designed to help men rediscover their identity and work through life’s hurdles. Now, they’re excited to be expanding with a new Young Adults division, offering even more support to those who need it.
Now, as parents of two beautiful daughters, ages nine and six, Mariska and Jaco are savouring every moment together as a family. And though Jaco may have learned that plans don’t always go as expected, he’s determined to make the most of the present, stewarding the shop with care and keeping an eye out for future opportunities … maybe even multiple branches someday.
But for now? They’re content to drink the coffee, smell the roses, and enjoy the here and now. So, if you’re in the area and craving a cosy, heartwarming escape this festive season, you know where to go. They will be waiting, ready to fill your cup.
Details: Follow @Lexi’s on Facebook and visit genesiscalling.org
How do you spend your free time?
Mariska: We enjoy the outdoors and adventure. And we love going away with our girls and just soaking each other up. For me, the only way to unwind is to be in nature. It helps you to reset. I do however love to read a good book. It’s something that lets me escape for a bit.
Jaco: Being in the outdoors. Being in nature does it for me and it doesn’t matter where that may be. It used to be adventures like scuba diving, skydiving or anything that got the blood pumping but now it’s more of where it is quiet.
Who cooks and who cleans?
Mariska: Jaco is 100 percent the one who loves to cook. I don’t mind cleaning after eating his food. The problem is that he likes to experiment which means that EVERYTHING gets used, haha.
Jaco: I’ve always loved trying new things in the kitchen. The baking I probably got from my mother’s side as she is an excellent baker and the cooking in a way from my father’s side. I don’t like cooking boring things and rather opt for a different or exotic direction. Which is why I also developing the menu. It’s like a combination of different cuisines, with a hint of local. She might not admit it, but Mariska is a great cook as well, although I enjoy it more. And, I beg to differ. Both of us clean up afterwards.
How do you know it’s Christmas time at Lexi’s?
Jaco: When I start walking around, irritating my staff by whistling Christmas carols all the time. Shame, I really should stop that. I guess the main way to know is when the decorations go up and the staff (especially the kitchen staff) swap out their mop caps for Christmas hats.
Your fave holiday menu pick?
Mariska: Nothing beats the bacon, avo and feta tramezzini paired with a cappuccino. The phyllo parcels is a delicious snack if you love halloumi. But I would always recommend the Lexi’s layered cake.
Jaco: Our cherry, bacon and cheese tramezzini. And it’s because of the cherries. I remember my mother always baking Christmas cakes when I was little and I would always steal the cherries from the batter. So weirdly, for me, cherries mean festive season. Then without any doubt, our speciality layered cake.
Jaco’s fave one-pot fajita chicken mac n cheese recipe
You’ll need: 500g chicken breast; 1 Tbsp chicken seasoning of your choice; 2 Tbsp fajita seasoning (any store bought brand or mix your own); 1 onion (finely diced); 3 bell peppers (finely diced); 3 tsp garlic purée (or 3 cloves); 300g pasta (uncooked weight); 400ml hot chicken stock; 600ml milk, warmed; 1 tsp mustard (any kind, optional); 120g cheese (I used a mix of extra mature cheddar, and mozzarella); salt and pepper to taste; parsley and chilli flakes to garnish (optional)
To make: Start by seasoning the chicken. Fry the chicken until it’s cooked through and browned, then remove from the pan and set aside. Add the onions and peppers into the same pan and cook until soft, then add in the garlic and cook for a minute or so.
Add in the uncooked pasta and give it a good mix, then add in the stock and milk. Cook this until the pasta has cooked and you’re left with a creamy sauce.
Add in the mustard (optional) and the cheese and mix until the cheese has melted, then season to taste. Add the chicken back in. Garnish, Serve and enjoy.
Compiled by: ALANICKA LOTRIET.
