A new restaurant will bring a rare taste of South Africa to Keller: Called Umzi Wine & Vibe, it will open at 444 Keller Pkwy. in the former Manny G's Sports Bar & Grill, where it will serve South African-fusion cuisine in a warm, sophisticated setting.
The restaurant comes from hospitality veteran Johann Redelinghuys, a South Africa native, who has spent decades in the industry working on cruise ships and, most recently, at Dallas-Fort Worth spots like Thailicious, Social Oak, and Patrizio — a Highland Park Village classic that also once had a location in Fort Worth's West 7th.
With Umzi, Redelinghuys is pursuing his dream of owning a restaurant and sharing his culture through food, paired with his passion for warm hospitality.
The name reflects that spirit: Umzi is the Xhosa word for "homestead." Redelinghuys envisions it as a "homey and warm space where diners can enjoy a meal and create memories."
He says the cuisine will be a blend of South African, American, Asian, and European influences - a first for the Fort Worth area.
To helm the kitchen, he's brought in Mensah Thompson, a local chef with years of experience at Table 13, Bob’s Steak & Chop House, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit corporate.
Together, they have designed a menu that hits on South African classics — like "Chow Down" Bunny Chow, Boerewors sausage, and cherry bacon "oopsies" — as well as global favorites like flatbreads, lamb chops, filet mignon, fried rice, and chicken tenderloin cordon bleu.
“There will be something for everybody, with prices starting at $15,” Redelinghuys says.
As both Redelinghuys and Thompson are sommeliers, the wine list will be thoughtfully curated, they say, featuring a strong selection of South African bottles alongside other international varieties.
Umzi Wine & Vibe will serve elevated cuisine and wine.Photo courtesy of Umzi Wine & Vibe
Guided by the South African philosophy of ubuntu - “I am because we are” - Umzi Wine & Vibe is designed to celebrate connection and community, the owner says. The 3,000-square-foot space will accommodate roughly 95 guests between the bar and main dining room with booths and different-size tables, with seating for 20 more on the outdoor patio.
“It’s about family, and that’s my motto; Umzi is the place where you’ll always be home,” Redelinghuys says. “Hospitality is what we are all about — everybody will be a VIP as they go through our doors.”
While an exact opening date isn't set yet (they’re even hosting a prediction sweepstakes on their website), Umzi Wine & Vibe plans to open its doors some time by early October.
It will operate daily for lunch and dinner from 11 am-10 pm, extending to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Pitmasters at Feels Like Home have plenty of space to spread out.Photo by Levi Thompson