A dream turned into reality

For many years, Route 38 co-owner Jennie van Rensburg dreamt about starting a road stall where you can buy anything handmade, home-made, baked or bottled. “Where you can find old-fashioned products such as grandma&#039;s condensed milk fudge, chocolate fudge, biscuit fudge, Turkish delight, coconut rice, date balls – you name it. You should be able to buy them at the road stall.”At the end of 2021, Van Rensburg and her husband Johnnie were approached and asked whether they would be interested in renting a building in Outjo that was absolutely ideal for this dream Jennie had. The building had everything they wanted – a kitchen, a large indoor area as well as a large garden at the back and a bonus of guest rooms.The pair then started working on their big dream. “Coming up with a name that fits your ideas is not that easy,” Jennie said. “Route 38 depicts exactly who we are. It is located on the C38, in the middle of Outjo. The ideal stop on the way to any destination in the west,” she said.Situated in the town’s main streeet, Route 38 is a shop and a restaurant, and also features guest accommodation. They are located right next to Weimann’s Garage, opposite SWA Gemstones and the Outjo Bakery as well. Route 38 has officially been open for about two weeks and they have provided jobs for about 10 staff members, who provide assistance with all spheres of the business. When asked about some of their future plans, Johnnie and Jennie said “we dream big! We plan to create a regular market in Outjo - a market where local creative people can come and sell their products, a market where farmers can sell their products, a market where everyone can just come and have fun together and relax”.While the business is new, the owners have faced some challenges. They said their biggest challenge was with administrative responsibilities. “To register Route 38 and to obtain an alcohol licence was a challenge that required a lot of patience.”Despite these challenges, the owners said since this business seed was sown until today, “every day has been an incredible journey”. “The Lord has opened doors for us and just made things happen. He closed clear doors with things that just didn’t work out,” Jennie added.The existing building had to undergo many changes and that was one of the biggest highlights for the owners because this meant that they were able to start a brand-new restaurant which is the perfect place for a shop and the most comfortable rooms, each boasting a hint of ‘farm style’ – something classic and different, they said.

A dream turned into reality

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Republikein 2025-12-16

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A dream turned into reality

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Republikein 2025-12-16

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