just a few words
Kralj Matjaž was born from a deep desire for wellness.
Where an active, fulfilling lifestyle is nourished by wholesome food and a drive to push beyond personal boundaries. For founders and long-time friends, Matjaž Smodiš and Matevž Slokar, the heart of Kralj Matjaž has always been simple: for everyone to truly feel good.
Kralj Matjaž is an invitation to invest in yourself, a celebration of self-care. It’s about replenishing and revitalising with food and drink that’s crafted from the finest ingredients, sourced with intention. Because true wellbeing isn’t just about outward appearances, but about nurturing the very core of who we are, from within.
Matjaž Smodiš and Matevž Slokar, Founders
where it all began…
Pri Kralju Matjažu najdeš dobro voljo, mal’ drugačne dolenjske pice in pogače z italijanskim pridihom, burgerje, solate ter razne mesne in veganske dobrote, mrzla craft piva, tradicionalen točen sladoled, izbrane tortice, odlično kavico, ves čas pa svojo ponudbo širimo in izpopolnjujemo.
2018
Driven by a passion for quality craft beer, we opened the doors of Pivnica Kralj Matjaž (King Matjaž Pub) in October 2018 at Glavni trg 11, in the historical town of Novo Mesto. It was here where our own King’s craft beer was born, underpinned by our commitment to wellbeing and uncompromising excellence.
The natural next step was to create a menu that celebrated exceptional food to complement our handcrafted brews. Dolenjska-style pizzas and flatbreads thoughtfully infused with Italian influences, hearty burgers, vibrant salads, savoury meat and delicate vegan dishes, traditional soft-serve ice cream, decadent cakes and excellent coffee.
We opened Mestna Kavarna (City Café) at the same address, harnessing our same core values, with a carefully curated interior to reflect the historical importance of Novo Mesto’s main square.
With Pizzeria Kralj Matjaž opening soon after, also at the same location, all three became collectively known as Kralj Matjaž.
2021
Our fourth location – our cafe at Supernova Qlandia Novo Mesto – opened in September 2021, serving our signature flatbreads, pizzas, craft beers and other specialities to hungry shoppers seeking sustenance.
Two months later, in November, we welcomed Križ Kraž to the Kralj Matjaž family – Novo Mesto’s first organic bakery. Here, we produce all our baked goods, which are also served at both cafes, and we are proud to supply a number of select partners, too.
2024
Further expanding our offerings, in spring 2024, we welcomed Mama’s Bowls into the family. These fresh, flavoursome bowls of nourishment provide a lighter alternative to our pizzas and baked goods, ensuring there’s something to suit everyone.
What’s next?
In Straža, near Novo Mesto, we have created a dedicated space for our food craftsmanship, a state-of-the-art production facility designed to develop, refine and evolve our pizza products using traditional methods and new baking technologies.
Our manufactory also houses our offices and Križ Kraž bakery, bringing all aspects of our creation under one roof. Here, we’re constantly exploring new culinary techniques to create nutritious food packed with flavour.
Find out more about our production and range at www.bassmanufactory.com.
Where do we go from here?
To be seen! But we’ll have a great time doing it for sure!
Looking for an events venue?
Hire the King’s Pub!
Whatever your celebration, our spacious pub is warm, comfortable and perfect for hosting special occasions. We can provide catering too, so that’s your food and drinks sorted.
Need a place to host your team building event? Our team will create a programme to your requirements. Bake delicious pizzas, discover unique beer and wine pairings, and try new flavours… we promise it’ll be a team experience to remember.