• Handwritten
  • Handwritten
  • Handwritten

Handwritten

The founding story of Yuppiechef

by

Andrew Smith

Publicly, as cofounder of Yuppiechef, I smiled for the cameras and spoke of exponential growth. Privately, in my handwritten journals, I wrestled with the fear of failure. This is the story of both.

Paperback • 356 pages • Ships from South Africa

Pre-Order Now Launch Events

About the Book

Since the age of 18, Andrew Smith has written a journal entry almost every day. As Yuppiechef grew from an idea born in his lounge to one of South Africa’s best-loved brands, he recorded it all: the uncertainty, the pressure, the moments of good fortune, and the big and small decisions that changed everything.

In Handwritten, Andrew’s private journal entries reveal unfiltered moments of self-doubt, jubilation, despair and perseverance. Here, for the first time, he tells the hidden story of this remarkable South African start-up.

'Wisdom, insight and heart on every page'

Marina Pape

Yuppiechef community manager 2010-2014

'A way truer story than you're expecting'

Dale Swanson

Yuppiechef team member no. 3

'A thrilling, harrowing ride'

Adrian Dommisse

Lawyer to Yuppiechef 2019-2021

Meet the Author

Book Launch Events

Johannesburg

In partnership with Suits & Sneakers

Tuesday 23 June 2026

6pm at The Tryst, 20 Archimedes Street, Sandton

Doors open at 5pm. Drinks and snacks available for purchase.
6:30pm start. Done by 8pm.

20+ tickets still available

R350

Includes a signed copy of the book

Cape Town

In partnership with The Non-fiction Book Club

Friday 12 June 2026

8pm at Kelvin Grove

R350
Sold Out

Includes a signed copy of the book

Cape Town

Wednesday 10 June 2026

6pm at Werkhuis, Newlands

R350
Sold Out

Includes a signed copy of the book

Cape Town

In partnership with Heavy Chef

Monday 8 June 2026

6pm at Workshop 17, V&A Waterfront

R350
Sold Out

Includes a signed copy of the book

For event enquiries, email hello@handwrittenbook.com

About the Author

Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith co-founded Yuppiechef in 2006 alongside his business partner Shane Dryden, starting with no capital, no formal business plan, and operating out of a lounge in Cape Town. Over the next 16 years, Andrew steered the technical and operational engine of one of South Africa’s most beloved brands - pioneering everything from custom chaos warehousing systems to navigating high-stakes venture capital investments from New York’s Tiger Global Management. Despite sweeping industry awards, Andrew privately recorded his intense battles with leadership fatigue and anxiety in daily notebooks. After leading Yuppiechef through a successful omnichannel evolution into brick-and-mortar retail and sustained profitability, he exited the business in 2022. He still lives in Cape Town, where he turned 20 years of daily journal entries into his debut book, Handwritten.

Handwritten: The founding story of Yuppiechef by Andrew Smith
Get your copy

Handwritten: The founding story of Yuppiechef by Andrew Smith

R 390.00 incl. VAT

Plus delivery

  • Paperback, 356 pages
  • Signed copies available at launch events
  • Bulk discounts on 5+ copies
Bulk pricing

Buying for Your Team?

1

Book

List price
R390 per book
5+

Books

10% saved
R351 per book
Discount applied automatically at checkout — no code needed.

Are you a book store or need 20+ copies? Get in touch for a custom quote.