TAVERN REVIEWS
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RIA STAR TAVERN re
Owner: Maria Ditla
How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry? I was unemployed for too long and I decided to make things happen for myself. It was in 2007 when I opened up a spaza shop. I started selling food from my spaza shop and this attracted many customers. It was my customers who convinced me to start selling beer because the other taverns and liquor stores were too far and my location was more convenient for them. I listened to them, started my tavern and haven’t looked back since! Regarding challenges in this industry, my main challenge right now is that I am running out of space for all the patrons that I serve. I wish to extend but because I am in a residential area, there is just no space. What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business? Club 10 has done a lot for me! They have helped me with branding and signage.
BHEKI’S TAVERziN
Club 10 allows me to hold monthly specials that are affordable to my patrons. I am the only Club 10 tavern in my immediate area so I am able to offer my patrons the best prices that other taverns cannot compete with. What are your top-selling liquor brands? My patrons love their beer! They come to me for cold Black Label, Hansa, Castle Lite and I have noticed that the Hunters Gold and Savannah are becoming very popular as well. As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community? The councillor in my area knows me very well so I am often called upon to help members of my community. I assist by supporting the old-age homes and the children in my community if they are in need of food, clothing or donations. We have volunteers who patrol our community every night to keep us safe and they stop by my tavern on their patrols to get a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Maria Ditlare, Ria Star Tavern
Location: 1803 Mafora, Block B, Bloemfontein
coboka
Owner: Bheksisa M
How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry? I ran a car wash previously and wanted to do something different. I opened my first tavern 11 years ago and am in the process of launching another tavern. I am lucky that I don’t face any challenges. This industry has been lucrative for me and my tavern is very successful. What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?
Bheki's Tavern
What sets your tavern apart from the rest?
I stock everything so you are guaranteed to always have your favourite drink They have definitely played a big role in available. I have entertainment in the my success. I have benefited from their form of TVs for my patrons to catch up on promotions which my patrons love. I am their soapies or to watch their favourite also able to stock a wider variety of all soccer team and pool tables. My tavern liquor brands and the prices are good. I also has its very own winning soccer team have Club 10 branding everywhere in my – Bheksisa FC – and my patrons are proud tavern and my employees wear the Club supporters of my team. I also have WiFi, 10 T-shirts as part of their work uniform which keeps everyone connected while to promote this great partnership. they are having fun at Bheki’s Tavern. 44
www.spotongmag.co.za
As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community? I am often called to assist with funerals and I open my tavern doors if anyone needs the space for prayer meetings. I also use my vehicles to transport people to the graveyard. We all have to do our bit to help each other out. Location: Acornhoek, Ka-Sitha, Mpumalanga
