Tavern Reviews: At your Service

TAVERN REVIEWS

AT YOUR SERVICE Spotong chats to leading liquor traders MOFOKENG TAVERN Owner: Teboho Thelma Mofokeng – Organisation: GLF

How do you handle difficult customers?

How did you get into the tavern trade?

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. 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.

What are your top-selling brands?

I sell beer, mostly. My customers love Hansa, Castle Lite and Windhoek.

Location: 1125 Mogashoa Street, Ext. 1, Basothong Section, Vosloorus

Ms Teboho Thelma Mofokeng

JIMMY’S INN Owner: Nonkululeko Amelia Moss – Organisation: GLF

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 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

BUGS INN Owner: Rose Peterson – Organisation: NTHA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

The company that I worked at for many years closed down. I had just bought my house two years prior to that and I was stressed about how to pay my bond, as my husband was also unemployed. I asked around for advice, and that is where I got the idea to open my tavern. I started in 1998, very small at first with only two cases of beer. I now employ seven people who help me to run my tavern.

What sets your tavern apart from the rest?

I am right next door to the police station, so I am by far the safest place to be. No one takes chances, knowing that the police are next door. Also, on weekends, we braai in a big way and that is a hit with my patrons. My daughter prepares all the delicious food.

What challenges do you face in this industry?

I have a problem with stock for certain brands. I always struggle with replenishing my Lion and Brutal Fruit stock. We also have a massive problem with cable theft in my area. We are often without electricity because of this.

How do you handle difficult customers?

My customers know me very well. With me, you get a red card immediately! I also ban them completely.

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

I would like to get a piece of land to start a car wash.

Location: 25 New Road, Kliptown

Ms Rose Peterson

MONDE’S PLACE Owner: Monde Dlhadlha – Organisation: NTHA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

I got retrenched in 1996. It happened all of a sudden. I had a bunch of friends who would visit me often, and we would drink about three cases of beers each time. That is how the idea came to me to start a tavern. I told them that they would now pay to drink at my place. I also had a portable snooker table that was popular. I applied for my licence, which took very long, but it was worth it.

What sets your tavern apart from the other taverns in your area?

My tavern is very big and spacious. I also have separate bathrooms for males and females and a smoking area. We also serve fish, Russians, chips, and stew and pap, which is a favourite.

What challenges do you face in this industry?

There are just too many laws, which change constantly. Every year they want me to renew my licence, which is very expensive.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a tavern?

First, it is not easy. You must know how to work with people and you must be compliant. Always adhere to the rules, such as the opening and closing times, and respect your neighbours.

In which ways do you give back to your community?

I open up my tavern doors for prayer meetings when we have a community member who has passed on. My door is always open to assist my community members.

Location: 4220, Khomo Street, Pimville, Zone 4, Soweto

ZIZI’S PLACE Owner: Nomazizi Dlamini – Organisation: SALTA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

relax, and we never have problems with drunk people like the other taverns do.

I started in 2006 with three cases. I was looking for a way to provide for myself, and starting a tavern was the best option for me. I can now look after myself and I still run my tavern alone.

What are your top-selling brands?

My top sellers are Black Label, Hansa, Milk Stout and Castle Lite.

What sets your tavern apart from the other taverns operating in your area?

I make the best head of sheep and my customers love it. I also sell lots of other food and my customers never go hungry. I think the fact that I attract the older crowd makes my tavern safe. I have regular customers who know how to

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

Yes. I would like to renovate to make it bigger to accept more people, and give it a complete upgrade.

In which ways do you give back to your community?

I always try to help wherever I can. My tavern is not very big, so I don’t make a big profit, but if someone in my community is in need, I will definitely assist them if I am asked.

Location: 16598, Zone 3, Sebokeng, Vereeniging

Ms Nomazizi Dlamini

BTC TAVERN Owner: Eric Bambisa – Organisation: SALTA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

My dad had a tavern when I was growing up. I remember my dad making traditional beer and selling it when I was young. I started my own tavern at the age of 27 with the proper licensing, but my first tavern was bulldozed to the ground. It was tough in the beginning stages.

What sets your tavern apart from other taverns in your area?

I look after my patrons like no other. I make sure that there is water on each table and food available to everyone, so that they can enjoy themselves responsibly.

How do you handle difficult customers?

I never put them out, they will just continue to fight outside. I take them into my home and sit them down. I warn them and then make sure they are kept separate once we are back inside the tavern. I am the peacemaker!

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

I would like to put in Wi-Fi for everyone to use. I can picture everyone sitting with their laptops and having a bite to eat.

In which ways do you give back to your community?

I do a lot for the old-age homes in my area. I cook for them in winter and donate blankets, and in summer, we do raffles to raise money for them. We have even done a walking competition for the residents.

Location: 590005, Zone 3, Sebokeng, Vereeniging