Our Story
A Café with an Aardvark Attitude...
At Keystone Café, we believe that food is not just fuel for the body - it's a way to connect with the earth and the people who grow and prepare it, therefore we are more than just a place to grab a bite to eat.
Our conscious-based eatery is dedicated to serving fresh, healthy and delicious food, sourced locally to nourish both body and soul. Our unique concept centers around education and communication, sharing the stories of the people who grow, raise, and make our food and is deeply rooted in community.
Established in Hoedspruit in 2023, we have evolved to become the heart of the new Hoedspruit Private Hospital and Medical Centre.
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By definition, a keystone is the central building block at the top of an arch; a source of support and stability, therefore it is the most important stone, and that's why this word is also used figuratively to mean "the one thing upon which everything else depends."
Similarly in nature, keystone species are those whose presence and role in an ecosystem is paramount and impacts all other organisms within the system. They have a lasting effect on the ecosystem, keeping it in balance, which makes their presence highly significant. Removal of these species decreases the biodiversity of the ecosystem.
We believe that agriculture, especially in Southern Africa, is a pivotal keystone for society and its food security for the future. “Most of the food you’ll find on your plate can be traced back to carefully cultivated plants. Even the meat you eat probably comes from the animals that feed the crops, pushing energy from the sun, up the food chain”. By paying attention to current environmental problems and encouraging all people to commit to regenerative agriculture, we can all assist in solving these global challenges.
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We invite you to join us in this journey of discovery and connection.
An Aardvark Attitude
An Aardvark Attitude requires paying attention to how you are impacting everything and everyone around you and working together to regenerate possibility!
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Nature always provides a way of reminding us to think and act in an integrative way. Being mindful of how you creatively construct your life to ensure the integration with the larger ecosystem, together with diverse thinking and teamwork your impact can be magnificent! By recognizing and being mindful of your thoughtfulness, kindness, and your own/others well-being, YOU become a keystone individual in your ecosystem.
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The Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is the only species of its kind in the taxonomic order Tubulidentata. Aardvark are considered a keystone species, meaning, those whose presence and role in an ecosystem is paramount and impacts the survival and abundance of all other species. They have a lasting effect on the ecosystem, keeping it in balance, which makes their presence highly significant. Removal of these species decreases the diversity of the ecosystem.
Aardvarks are Africa’s ecosystem engineers, with abandoned aardvark burrows being an important refuge place, providing shelter and breeding sites for several species ranging from den sites for African Wild Dogs, to shelter for Hyena, Honey Badgers, Jackals, Mongoose, Scrub Hares, rodents and even some bird species.
The Aardvark regenerates possibility!
Owners
Shannon Tucker & Jackie Tucker
Our philosophy goes beyond food. We believe in the power of sustainable food production and community development. By adopting an “Aardvark Attitude” we strive to make a positive impact on our ecosystem and support local farmers. We also advocate for the “Sustainavore” movement, which promotes eating for health, the planet, and personal values.
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By definition, a keystone is the central building block at the top of an arch; a source of support and stability. Similarly in nature, keystone species, like the Aardvark are those whose presence and role impact all other organisms within the system. They have a lasting effect on the ecosystem, keeping it in balance, which makes their presence highly significant. Removal of these species decreases biodiversity.
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We believe that agriculture is a pivotal keystone for society and its food security for the future, and so, by paying attention to what's on your plate and encouraging all people to commit to regenerative agriculture, we can all assist in creating a sustainable future for all.
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At Keystone Café, we're passionate about creating a welcoming space where people can connect and enjoy wholesome food. Our commitment to quality, service and sustainability are a top priority.
We are also very proud of supporting our local community and the wonderful produce from the Limpopo region - from "Farm to plate” is our ultimate goal so we try and source as much as we can straight from the earth!
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Our motto: "For Togetherness"...We are all on this journey together
DONT FORGET TO VISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL RETAIL AREA FOR OUR RANGE OF
LOCALLY SOURCED GIFTING OPTIONS
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“Having an agricultural background and spending 16 years working in livestock production systems (dairy, poultry, swine, and beef), I have always dreamt of having a place where together with nutritious based food, we tell the stories about where that food comes from and what it means.” Jackie Tucker.
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“Having been in the hospitality industry for over 10 years, this space gives me the opportunity to share my love and passion.” Shannon Tucker.