Ryder's Deli: A thriving business driven by innovation, passion, and community support.

Straight out of Gqeberha, a small but growing deli is making waves by offering more than just delicious treats - it's already baking a story of passion, resilience, and innovation. At the helm of Ryders Deli is Nkosomzi Damana, a determined entrepreneur whose journey into the culinary world was sparked by necessity and fuelled by ambition.

At 29 years old, Nkosomzi Damana is not only a father to an 8-year-old son but also an NMU Alumni with a National Diploma in Human Resources Management. Despite his academic background, he found his true calling in baking. His entrepreneurial drive earned him recognition as a top finalist in the Standard Bank Ignite Your Hustle competition and a top three contender in the Nexus Programme by the Centre of Entrepreneurship Rapid Accelerator.

“I never thought I’d end up in baking,” he admits. “But sometimes life pushes you in unexpected directions, and you have to embrace it.”

Ryders Deli was born in 2022, fuelled by necessity and opportunity. While working as a Teacher Assistant at Seyisi Primary School, Nkosomzi noticed that many students and staff skipped breakfast. This observation sparked an idea - why not provide them with freshly baked muffins to start their day?

“At the time, I was earning just R1,500 a month, and it wasn’t enough,” he recalls. “So, I thought, let me do something extra. That’s how Ryders Deli started.”

What began as a small operation at the school soon expanded when he realized the potential of selling at local taxi ranks. "I saw an opportunity to reach more people, and that's when I took my muffins to the taxi ranks," he says. Despite facing competition, he remained committed to quality and innovation.

Initially, Nkosomzi relied on muffin mix to prepare his baked goods. However, thanks to a sponsorship from SEDA, he attended a baking school, where he learned to make muffins from scratch. This opened doors to cakes, cupcakes, and more advanced recipes.

Now, Ryders Deli is setting itself apart by introducing a unique twist - alcohol-infused baked goods. “It’s a market that hasn’t been fully tapped into,” he explains. “I want to bring something different to the table, something that combines baking and entertainment.”

With his background in the entertainment industry, Nkosomzi envisions Ryders Deli as more than just a bakery. “I see it becoming a lifestyle brand, where people don’t just come for the food but for the experience.”

Although Nkosomzi currently operates Ryders Deli alone, he acknowledges the crucial role of his family and friends. “Whenever I get a big order, they step in to help,” he says. “They follow my instructions because I have the training, but their support makes all the difference.”

With six local taxi ranks in his vicinity, expansion is the next big step. “My goal is to have a presence in all six taxi ranks,” he shares. "Getting a professional logo will also give the brand a stronger identity and help customers recognize us instantly."

In a highly competitive industry, quality and variety are key. To ensure Ryders Deli stands out, Nkosomzi continuously improves his craft. “I’ve taken additional baking courses and invested in cookbooks from world-renowned chefs,” he says. “I study different techniques and apply them to my work.”

What started as a side hustle has grown into a business with a vision. With creative products, expansion strategies, and a passion for excellence, Ryders Deli is on the rise.

"As long as I keep improving and offering something unique, I know Ryders Deli will continue to grow," Nkosomzi says confidently. "This is only the beginning."

With dedication, innovation, and community support, Ryders Deli is poised for greatness - one delicious bite at a time.

For orders: [email protected]