Tavern Reviews: At your Service

TAVERN REVIEWS

AT YOUR SERVICE Spotong chats to leading liquor traders How did you get into the tavern trade? STRESS-FREE TAVERN Owner: Dorene Africa | Organisation: NTHAWhat sets your tavern apart from the other taverns in your area?

I lost my job in 1997 and that really depressed me. My mom used to sell liquor when I was a youngster and that was our family business. I clearly remember the day that I saw a delivery van passing me and then it struck me to start selling liquor as well. The idea was perfect at the time, as the area I lived in was still fairly new and no one else was trading in liquor yet. I now employ three people and entertain 50–60 people a day during the week and many more over weekends. I am proud of my tavern. What challenges do you face in this industry? At the moment, I am really struggling with minors who try to drink at my tavern. I have a strict rule that you have to be over the age of 25 to enter. When everyone turns 25, they are more than welcome to come and have a good time, but until then, I will keep on putting Besides the great food and great entertainment, I am the proud owner of the Stress-Free Soccer Team. My team plays against other teams in the surrounding communities, and we are the winning team. My patrons are big supporters of my team and support them from the stands on game days. How do you handle difficult customers? The 25-and-over crowd knows how to drink responsibly. That is why I am so strict with my entry rules. When I do experience a difficult customer, I never send them home, as that will endanger their lives. I make a point to feed them and get them sober. We all have to look out for one another. Location: 11930 Arsenal Street, Ext. 7, Mohlakeng, Randfontein, Gauteng them out.

MAJOVA’S PLACE Owner: Mpho Majova | Organisation: NTHA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

I started with my brother 15 years ago. We started very small by building a shack outside that we then converted into a proper room as we got busier. It is now a family business that employs my younger sister, my partner and three other people.

What challenges do you face in this industry?

My main challenge has been getting the proper licence for my tavern. I have been operating with a shebeen permit for so long and have been sent from pillar to post trying to get assistance. I do want to be compliant and I follow all the rules, but it is so difficult to get a proper tavern licence as the rules change all the time. I joined NTHA so that I can get assistance in growing my business properly, and to be informed at all times.

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

My patrons love my tavern because it is a place where they can wind down after a long day, watch their favourite sport on one of the many televisions and play a game of pool with their friends. I also have Majova’s Dream Team, which is my own soccer team, and we are the team to watch this year!

How do you give back to your community?

I donate money to causes that benefit my community when asked. I have a passion for educating my patrons on the dangers of alcohol abuse. I have posters and marketing material throughout my tavern that they can read to educate themselves. It is my duty to make sure that they know how to drink responsibly.

Ms Dorene Africa

Dorene Africa and the Stress-Free Tavern soccer team

Location: 3042 Hlazana Street, Mohlakeng, Randfontein, Gauteng

ROCKER FELLA PUB AND GRILL Owner: Sibusiso Mogano | Organisation: GLF

How did you get into the tavern trade?

I have always had my own tavern. I used to operate in Daveyton, but when my mom passed on in 2012, I closed my tavern and took over her business. It was definitely worth it, as there are more customers in Katlehong. I entertain more than 100 people a day!

What challenges do you face in this industry?

I struggle to get credit from my suppliers. I have had to operate with cash only, which is sometimes difficult because it affects my stock. I have to purchase stock a few times each month to operate properly. Having a credit option would make things run a bit smoother.

What has been the highlight since taking over the tavern?

The highlight for me was when I redecorated the tavern. I upgraded from plastic chairs to fancy couches and just made everything look better and more modern. I now have Saturday deep house sessions, Sunday soul sessions and Monday old school sessions in complete style!

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

Yes. My wish is to expand and make my space a lot bigger. I am thinking of building a carport and converting that into the smoking area and to protect my customers from the rain. That is the next step for me.

Location: 226 Lefeteka Street, Thadima Section, Katlehong

Mr Sibusiso Mogano

GIGI’S PLACE Owner: Thoko Tshabalala | Organisation: GLF

How did you get into the tavern trade? I started in 1998. My family and I had a serious lack of money, and no one in our household was working. Starting a tavern was the way to financial freedom for us. What are your top-selling liquor brands? All of the SAB brands and Heineken are favourites. My customers also enjoy Gordon’s Gin and Bells. I keep lots of stock of these brands by using the credit facility at SAB and buying stock with cash from other suppliers.

What sets your tavern apart from the rest?

I am very lucky to be the only tavern in my area, so I entertain lots of community members at my place. I serve the best fish and chips and pap and chicken meals, and cook for 100 people every day. My tavern is safe and in a tight-knit community, as most people here are foreigners who have come to work, so we look out for one another.

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

My tavern is very cramped inside, so I would like to expand and build another room for the pool tables. A carport will be ideal to create an outside seating area as well.

Location: 463 Mathanda Section,

Katlehong

TAVERN REVIEWS

WINDMILL PARK SHISANYAMA Owner: Prince Ndlovu | Organisation: SALTA

How did you get into the tavern trade? I started 12 years ago. I was a manager at a logistics company for six years and I wanted a fresh start. Working for a boss was a blessing in disguise, because I was able to study further through the company, which equipped me with the necessary management skills that I needed to make my own tavern a success. When I resigned to start to work for myself, I already had the skills set and the transition was easy.

Describe a typical day at your tavern My day starts when I open up between 10am and 11am. I then start preparing my braai meat for the day – that is the biggest attraction. People start coming in for a bite to eat, a drink and to watch TV and dance. I would say that I see between 400 and 500 customers a day, who are in and out throughout the day. On week nights I close at midnight, and on weekends I close at 1:30am.

What sets your tavern apart from the rest? I would say that my tavern is safe, and the food and alcohol is affordable. I employ bouncers and security guards. I have the cheapest prices in town. I don’t add a big mark-up to my prices and I run a lot of promotions. I take pride in my tavern and have recently serviced my generators, painted the tavern and invested in a new braai stand. My next big purchase will be a spit braai, which will be a hit with my customers. How do you give back to your community? I started Ebandleni soccer team to keep the youngsters off the streets. We currently play at Boksburg Stadium. My sister and I approached Totalsports recently and we were blessed with donations of soccer balls, soccer boots and tracksuits for the team. Besides my team, I supply food for funerals and assist with burials – I helped to bury a gentleman from Lesotho who had no family, and our community was able to give him a beautiful final send-off. I also assist four families financially. I believe in supporting my community, and will continue to do that in any way that I can.

Location: 3608 East Central Street, Windmill Park, Boksburg

How did you get into the tavern trade?

Starting a tavern was actually my husband and his friend’s idea. They started in 2004, but they weren’t equipped to run a tavern. I took the initiative and decided to make it work for all of us. I got my permit in 2007 after operating under the radar, and built my tavern slowly.

Who are your customers?

My customers are the older crowd, who know how to enjoy their liquor and have a good time without fighting, etc. I don’t allow any youngsters into my tavern. I often have youngsters bringing me their birth certificates to prove that they are 18, but my tavern is strictly for the older people. We open at 10am, drink, eat, watch TV, play a game of pool and close at 11pm every night. My customers know how to drink responsibly.

Mr Price Ndlovu

DEPORA’S INN

Owner: Dalene Azevedo | Organisation: SALTA

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

Yes! My dream is to operate as a wholesaler. I want to turn my tavern into a bottle store. I recently decided to stop using the credit option at SAB and now purchase stock with cash only, as a way to save and manage my money better to realise this dream. It will take a while, but I will get there.

How do you give back to your community?

I have a junior pool club that I started. They practise and compete at my tavern, using my pool tables. I trained them myself! I also assist when a member of the community needs assistance with school, money to go to an interview and even baking for funerals. My door is always open.

Location: 33 Gelderblom Street, Windmill Park, Boksburg