TAVERN REVIEWS
E C I V R E S R U O Y T A s ading liquor trader
Spotong chats to le
MOFOKENG TAVERN elma Mofokeng Owner: Teboho Th
F
– Organisation: GL
How do you handle difficult customers?
I lost my job in 1997 and then decided to start selling liquor. I started by selling one case of beer at a time. It took a while, but if I look back, it was worth it. I employ three people to help me run my tavern. What challenges do you face in this industry? The competition is very tough! I have three other taverns, as well as a bottle store, surrounding my business. I buy my stock from either SAB or the local bottle store, but competing with the other local taverns is getting harder. What are your top-selling brands? I sell beer, mostly. My customers love Hansa, Castle Lite and Windhoek.
JIMMY’S INN
I try to talk to them gently and they listen to me. I also ask them to go home and sober up, and then they can return when they are feeling better. I don’t really have difficult customers. I only allow older people into my tavern, and the youngsters know that they aren’t welcome. How do you give back to your community? I belong to the BFBVA, and we are always helping those in need throughout our community. I am currently assisting an orphaned youngster in my community by providing him with the basics he needs to survive, and I am trying to get him back into school. Location: 1125 Mogashoa Street, Ext. 1, Basothong Section, Vosloorus
rganisation: GLF
o Amelia Moss – O Owner: Nonkululek
How did you get into the tavern trade? I started my tavern after my son passed away in 2010. Jimmy’s Inn is named after my late son. I started with very little – one case of Hansa and one case of Castle. My business has really grown, and now I am able to buy many crates at once. What sets your tavern apart from the rest? My customers love my tavern because I have heaters and big screen TVs, and I serve delicious food. I operate seven days a week and I have a full house each night. Everyone comes to watch their favourite soapies in the evening. We watch Isidingo, Rhythm City and Generations and when there is live
Ms Nonkululeko Amelia Moss
50
www.spotongmag.co.za
Ms Teboho Thelma Mofokeng
soccer, my tavern is the place to be. I also stock a big variety of liquor, and sell cigarettes and cooldrinks as well. How do you handle difficult customers? I am very hands-on in every aspect of my tavern and the day-to-day running of it. My customers respect me, so I am lucky to not really have trouble with difficult clients. My tavern is a home away from home for everyone, and we all get along. Do you have future plans for your business? My tavern is doing really well, but I always wanted to open a spaza shop as well. I have a home in Rustenburg that is ideal to operate as a spaza shop. I think that will be my next step. Location: 12634 Thalobodiba Street, Ext 23, Eastfield, Vosloorus
Images: Tavern Owners
How did you get into the tavern trade?
