G N O T O P S F O E L P O E P E H T T E E M TAVERN REVIEWS
e tavern owners Spotong talks to th
who are making a
difference
NHLANHLA’S PLACE oloi Owner: Nhlanhla M
How long have you been running your business? I have been running my business for eight years now from my home. Over the years I have managed to renovate the house to accommodate the business. I started selling a few cases a week and now I have a full catalogue of products on offer. We now have a full kitchen as well and sell food like pap and stews and fast foods. Do you run your business alone? I am the sole owner of the business, but I also have a manager, Desmond Moleko, who runs my business. My son is also hands on.
How do you handle difficult clients? I generally just talk calmly to them and get them to understand the situation they are putting me in. Luckily I have never had a situation spiral out of control. I also have cameras on site, just in case.
How do you give back to the community? We donate money to church, and also help with burial costs for poor people who can’t bury their families. We help them out with cooking equipment and transportation. Wattsville, Benoni
How do you keep business booming? I sometimes host promotions for brands. We often bring in DJs and have real party nights for the patrons. The patrons enjoy this and it makes my stock sell quicker. Recently we launched one of Savannah’s new flavours, with artists and DJs. That was great. What are your top-selling brands? Gordon’s gin and J&B are my top selling brands. From the beers, it is Hansa and Castle Lite.
Nhlanhla’s Place
N PIETERSBURG TAVER How long have you been running your business? I started the business in 1997 with my husband. To start the business, we had to get a little financial assistance from the family. That debt has long been settled. I used to be very poor, but my life changed drastically when I got my business. I took all my children to good schools with the money I made from this business. My son is now a manager at Limpopo Treasury. I got a permit in 2003, and in 2006 SAB called me in, and gave me advice on how to run the business. I took the advice, and today I am still grateful to SAB for their support. How do you handle difficult clients? The police in our community are very supportive and helpful, so when I feel intimated by drunk patrons, I just call the police.
What are your top-selling brands? My patrons are generally between the ages of 18 and 35. They buy SAB brands mostly, especially Flying Fish and Castle Larger. The ladies drink a lot of Amarula. As for ciders, I sell Hunter’s Dry mostly. When it comes to spirits, I sell Johnnie Walker Red and Three Ships. What do you do to keep business booming? I host a lot of promotions where I also invite music artists and DJs. We also sell great food like bunny chow, fast food and full meals. What advice would you give to up-andcoming entrepreneurs?
Firstly, do everything legally and get all the necessary licences. Starting a liquor business is tough, but it really is a lucrative business. If you do it right, the How do you give back to the community? benefits are great.
Ms Miriam Mogafe
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www.spotongmag.co.za
We often give money to help with the burials of the less fortunate in the community.
Tsakane, Benoni
Images: Tavern Owners
afe
Owner: Miriam Mog
