Club 10 Taverns

TA TAVERN

Owner: Tshwaela Maine

How did you get into the liquor trade, and what challenges do you face in this industry?

I opened a tuckshop in 1999 and eventually started selling liquor in 2003. I must admit that I was operating illegally until 2007, when I was finally able to secure my tavern licence. My main challenge is definitely all of the illegal shebeens operating on temporary licences. There are too many of them now. My business is greatly affected by them, because they operate outside of trading hours and I lose so many customers to them.

What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?

I am the only Club 10 tavern in my area, so I am glad to be part of a bigger organisation. The promotions and specials that I am able to run with Club 10 make a big difference, as Club 10 makes it affordable for me and I am able to turn over a bigger profit. My tavern is always decorated with the latest Club 10 marketing displays.

Do you have future plans for your business?

I wish to extend, but would need to find the space to extend. My yard is so small, but perhaps I will look into buying bigger premises.

As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community?

Since I sell liquor, I am big on liquor awareness and educating people on the dangers of alcohol and how to drink responsibly. I have lots of marketing material that raise awareness all over the walls in my tavern. My patrons often take leaflets home with them to share with others.

Location: 295 Lesedi Street, Amalia, North West

MONA EATING HOUSE

Owner: Joel Phetole

What are your top-selling liquor brands?

How did you get into the liquor trade, and what challenges do you face in this industry?

I have operated my own spaza shop since 2000. In 2005, I started my tavern and still operate my spaza shop on the side. My challenge with this industry is the lack of sleep. I operate until late every day and have to be up very early in the morning to prepare for the day. There is also very little profit to be made, but I am positive that my business will grow.

What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?

I am the only Club 10 tavern in my immediate area, and Club 10 has assisted me a lot with promotions and specials. The promotions are very cheap and help to attract customers from other areas, which is good for my business. Honestly, I would say everything! During the week, I see 200 customers a day come through my door, and over weekends, 300 people a day. They buy every brand that I stock, and they love the variety. Every customer has their own favourite, and I am glad that I can service their needs.

Do you have future plans for your business?

Yes. I would like to extend and make the tavern bigger to add a few pool tables. I already have five gambling machines, so I would like to add to the entertainment. I also want to retire in five years, and then my tavern will continue to make money for me.

Location: Garakubjana Village, Bolobedu, Modjadji, Limpopo

Mr Tshwaela Maine

LINDELA TAVERN

Owner: Thuthukani Ngobo

How did you get into the liquor trade, and what challenges do you face in this industry?

I started my tavern in 2012, because I wanted to work for myself. My main challenge is that there are too many taverns operating in my area, and we all have to share the same customers. This becomes a problem, as they shop around for the cheapest prices and move from tavern to tavern.

What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?

Club 10 has given me promotional and marketing items to help with branding. I am able to set myself apart from other taverns, as my displays show that I am part of a bigger group. The promotions that I run through Club 10 are the best. It is affordable to customers and the price is always right.

What are your top-selling brands?

My top sellers are Savanna, Heineken, Smirnoff and Russian Bear. I always make sure that I have enough stock of those brands, as I don’t like to disappoint my customers. They know that they can rely on me.

Do you have future plans for your business?

Yes, I could do with some more space. I already have DStv and a few pool tables, but will certainly add more TVs and more pool tables in the future. My immediate plans are to hire more DJs and do more of my own promotions.

Location: D1615 Gwala Road, Kwanyuswa, Hillcrest, KZN

BLUE HOUSE PLACE

Owner: Vumani Komsana

Mr Thuthukani Ngobo

How did you get into the liquor trade, and what challenges do you face in this industry?

I started with my brother in 1998. He passed away in 2008 and I started running the tavern by myself. My main challenge is the crime. It is so bad in my community that I have had to employ extra bouncers and security staff to keep myself, my staff and customers safe at all times.

What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?

I benefit from being part of a bigger brand. I have Club 10 branding everywhere, and my customers feel safer knowing that I am part of a well-known organisation. I am also able to hold special deals and promotions that other taverns cannot.

What are your top-selling brands?

My top sellers are all the beer brands. I also sell a lot of Spiced Gold, Red Heart Rum and Johnnie Walker Red Label.

As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community?

I have a van as well as a truck, so I always help out when our local soccer teams

Mr Vumani Komsana

need transport to and from games. I also help to transport groceries in bulk. I have just bought branded T-shirts for one of our teams. The community supports me, so I will always do everything that I can to support them.

Location: 9123 Njibe Street, Chatty, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape