Women In Charge: Meet Kinga Baranowska Founder and Head Chef of Col’Cacchio

Kinga Baranowska, the visionary behind Col’Cacchio, has been shaping South Africa’s Italian-inspired culinary landscape since 1992. With a passion for authentic flavours and a commitment to quality, she transformed a single restaurant into a beloved national brand known for its gourmet pizzas, fresh ingredients, and innovative approach to casual dining.

Originally from Poland, Kinga’s journey into the world of food was fueled by her love for Italian cuisine and a desire to create a dining experience that blended traditional recipes with modern tastes. Her vision for Col’Cacchio was to bring an authentic yet contemporary touch to Italian dining, focusing on creating a space where food lovers could experience the true essence of Italian culture through every dish. Under her leadership, Col’Cacchio became synonymous with handcrafted dishes made from scratch, pioneering the use of fresh, preservative-free ingredients long before it became a trend.

Kinga is known for her ability to anticipate market trends and her innovative approach to menu development. Among her many notable achievements, she pioneered the introduction of gluten-free and plant-based menu options, anticipating the growing demand for healthier and more inclusive dining experiences. These options, which included gluten-free pizzas and plant-based proteins, not only catered to a wider audience but also set a new standard for dining in South Africa. Kinga also played a key role in promoting sustainability within the restaurant industry, ensuring that Col’Cacchio uses locally sourced ingredients where possible, reducing food waste, and maintaining eco-friendly practices in every aspect of the business.

Throughout her career, Kinga has also been a strong advocate for community engagement. She has introduced several initiatives aimed at giving back to the communities Col’Cacchio serves, including partnerships with local charities and social responsibility programs that focus on feeding those in need.

Under her leadership, Col’Cacchio expanded into a household name with multiple locations across South Africa, establishing a loyal customer base and contributing to the country’s culinary diversity. Her innovative ideas and concepts have been crucial in helping Col’Cacchio remain a leader in South Africa’s evolving food culture. Her dedication to excellence has earned her recognition as one of the country’s top restaurateurs, and she continues to inspire the next generation of chefs and entrepreneurs.

Kinga’s ability to blend passion, quality, and innovation has proven to be the perfect recipe forsuccess, allowing Col’Cacchio to remain a standout brand in the competitive South African restaurant scene.