Klein JAN: a dream realised, and a new adventure ahead.
I’ve just returned to France after a whirlwind few weeks in South Africa celebrating the opening of a new season at JAN Franschhoek, the launch of my very first rosé in the JAN wine collection, JAN Grenache Mourvèdre Cinsault Shiraz, planning some JAN Foundation outreach, and a few more exciting projects that I can’t wait to share with you soon.
In all the excitement of new beginnings, it’s easy to focus only on the next goal, the next dream. But sometimes it’s important to pause and look back at the path behind you to realise how far you’ve already come. Recently I made a big and difficult decision, one that reminded me that little Jan Hendrik could never have imagined achieving what my team and I have, especially in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
After much reflection and with a full heart, the Tswalu team and I have made the decision to bring the unique Restaurant Klein JAN experience to an end.
This chapter has been one of the most fulfilling of my career. Opening Klein JAN, my first restaurant on South African soil after years in France, was not just a professional milestone but also a deeply personal homecoming. Located in the Kalahari, Klein JAN became a place where we honoured our roots, shared important stories and celebrated the resilience of South African cuisine in one of the most remote and breathtaking corners of the world.
When flooding earlier this year forced the closure of the restaurant, it offered an opportunity for reflection. Since opening its doors in 2021 Klein JAN has been honoured with numerous awards, but what matters most is that we were able to offer thousands of guests an experience that they will never forget. We achieved what we set out to do and I couldn’t be prouder.
Thank you to the Tswalu team, our guests and my extraordinary team who made this all possible. This is not the end, and a new adventure is right around the corner. Watch this space.
For the time being, you can continue to enjoy the JAN experience at the Michelin-starred Restaurant JAN and Le Bistrot de JAN in Nice, as well as JAN Franschhoek in the Cape winelands.