Tucked into a once-unlikely corner space on Chartwell Drive stands a chic modular café that has quickly become one of the most talked-about new spots in town. DRNK Matcha Café isn’t just a place to grab a vibrant green latte; it’s the story of a couple who dreamed boldly, worked tirelessly, and poured every ounce of themselves into creating something fresh, modern, and inspiring.
For William Fraser (29), the journey began when he left the corporate world behind and returned to work alongside his father at Umhlanga Medisport Pharmacy. There, he grew passionate about health and fitness through bodybuilding and knew he wanted to follow in his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps.
Cheyenne Gooderson (22) brought her own spark. With experience in the UK hospitality industry and a family legacy of innovation, her grandfather founded Gooderson Leisure—she dreamed of bringing global inspiration home. “I always romanticised the idea of owning a café one day,” she says.
When Chey and Will met two years ago, the connection was instant. Within days, they were inseparable, bonded by faith, ambition, and a shared dream. What started as conversations about life goals quickly grew into sketches and plans. Together, they blended their passions into DRNK Matcha.
Their “pinch-me” moment came when a massive modular container was craned into a tight space in Umhlanga Village. At first, people scoffed, calling it a shack. But with vision, grit, and help from Frans Alexander Interiors, it became a chic, European-inspired café that feels like it’s always belonged. Even their pups, Biscuit and Honey, inspired a mini dog-friendly nook with water bowls and pup cups.
Opening week was exciting, but it was their second Saturday that stunned them; they sold out completely. “It wasn’t just friends and family supporting us anymore,” Chey recalls. “Locals were lining up, and that was both exhilarating and terrifying.”
Matcha itself became their obsession. For a year, they researched its origins, benefits, and preparation, building relationships in South Africa and Japan to bring the best product to Durban. Will loves its slow-release energy and focus, while Chey, dealing with hormonal imbalances, found relief in matcha as a gut-friendly, skin-friendly alternative to coffee.
Even the café’s name was strategic. DRNK plays on Umhlanga’s lively food and bar scene—fun, memorable, and designed to make people smile when they say, “I’m going to DRNK.”
Today, DRNK Matcha is more than a café; it’s a lifestyle. Their menu reflects their personalities: Will’s go-to is the Vanilla Swirl, a protein-inspired matcha and the first of its kind in South Africa, while Chey swears by the OG, an iced Japanese matcha with coconut milk.
As they dream big about the future, one thing is certain: every cup of DRNK Matcha carries their story, a blend of passion, resilience, and the kind of love that makes anything possible.
Instagram: @drnk.matcha
Words: Kai Coates