Our Story

An Epic Journey

CRUST began in 2020 when Jamie Tucker, a patisserie student of Capsicum at the time, needed an outlet to practise during lockdown. What started as a fun experiment on social media quickly turned into a thriving home business. 

After a move to Cape Town and a couple ups and downs (any small business owner knows the vibe!), it was time to take a leap of faith. Jamie partnered with her mom Ady, an experienced businesswoman, and together they opened the first CRUST premises. 

Once they found the perfect location in a cosy corner of Rondebosch, they spent the next few months doing most of the bakery set-up themselves, along with some help from family and friends. From painting signage and hanging shelves, to designing new features and restoring furniture, CRUST bakery is the result of loved ones coming together for the ultimate group project.

For The Love Of Low-CarB

Have you ever met a pastry chef who can’t eat carbs? Well, now you have. While she grew up with a love for baking thanks to her mom and grannies, Jamie was inspired to pursue a career in patisserie after being diagnosed with a reflux condition and having to cut carbs from her diet. The lack of quality low-carb baked goods got Jamie thinking that a glow-up was in order. She studied patisserie and started experimenting, learning to apply traditional techniques to low-carb baking, resulting in pastries that look and taste just as good as their traditional counterparts. 

While her love for baking and her pastry skills extend beyond low-carb, it’s still a great passion for Jamie. If you’re looking for something low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free or even vegan, you know who to call.

A Slice of Local History

With its high pressed ceilings and wood finishings, this iconic red building from the 1900s is what drew Jamie to this location. “I think this space could be something,” she told her mom after the first viewing.

And, this space has a colourful history all its own – starting off as a pharmacy dispensary, switching over to a well-loved family-owned hardware and electrical business, followed by a roastery and now CRUST. 

We’re so excited to be part of 1 Duke Road’s
next chapter, and we’re so grateful to all our family, friends and fans for helping us get to this point!

Meet The Women Behind Crust

Jamie

Pastry chef / The boss

After graduating with distinction from Capsicum Culinary School in 2020, Jamie poured her heart and soul into building CRUST. While baking is her passion, what truly makes her day is her incredible female-powered team. CRUST is more than just a bakery, it’s a community that feels like family and she’s so proud of what her and her team have built.

Ady

Co-founder / Dragon Lady

With 30 years in business and 16 in retail, Ady brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and bad-assery to CRUST – not to mention her unwavering support. What excites her most is seeing this creative venture blossom – she’s so proud of Jamie, who’s talent and strength of character has turned the dream of CRUST into a thriving business.

Nokwanda

Barista / The REAL boss

Nokwanda has been part of the bakery since day one, shining her warm light on everyone she meets. Her welcoming smile is only matched in strength by her quick wit and top-notch barista skills, which have been honed over the past 7 years in the industry. When she’s not pulling espressos and making your day with a perfect flat white, she’s helping Jamie shape sourdough.

Gloria

Kitchen assistant / Kitchen therapist

While she keeps the kitchen in order, our resident sage also keeps everyone’s mind in order – if you’ve got something on your mind, Gloria has the wisdom and hilarious one-liners to help you work through it. Hailing from Zim, Gloria’s quiet confidence and thoughtful presence are a huge asset to the team. 

Eva

Part-timer / “Personality hire”

As our self-proclaimed “personality hire”, Eva hurls sunshine and energy into every room she enters. Eva will make your day with her thought-provoking conversation starters, genuine compliments, and willingness to help you with anything. When she’s not at CRUST, she’s busy working on her degree in Economics. P.S. did we mention she also makes insane cookies?

Jemima

Jr Pastry Chef / Kitchen radio

Jemima can usually be found thinking out loud, singing, dancing and just generally vibing out. Currently a student at the International Hotel School, she brings a vibrant energy to the bakery with her fresh ideas and natural talent. While she’s been picking up tips on life, gal-powered business and patisserie, we’ve loved learning from her too. We’re so excited to watch her grow and flourish in the industry!