TAVERN REVIEWS
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MMOP'S TAVERncN alves Vincente ho Go
Owner: Jose Agostin
How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry? I own and operate the shop next door to the tavern. I purchased the double-storey property where the tavern is situated. The bottom half of the property was empty and I wanted to put it to good use. I am very close to the community that I operate in and they actually gave me the nickname “Mmops” because of my big Portuguese nose and that’s what I decided to name my tavern! Opening a tavern on the property was the best option for me and I knew it would be a success. I applied for a license, which took me two years to get. I don’t really have challenges because we have only been operating the tavern for 16 months. It has been smooth sailing so far and gets VERY busy over weekends.
What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business? I haven’t been with Club 10 for very long but I do see exciting things in the future with our partnership. I can say that the specials at Liquorland and Jumbo are very good. I make my purchases with cash only. I never use credit so I know that the stock is mine immediately and I don’t owe anyone. What are your top-selling liquor brands? I mainly sell quarts and beers and ciders. Mmop's Tavern I don’t really sell the hot stuff but my top sellers are definitely Castle Lite, Castle, My community knows that I am more than Black Label and Heineken. willing to assist in any way that I can. As a tavern owner, how do you give Location: ERF 1175, First Floor, back to your community? No 75, St George’s Street, Bloemfontein, Free State I donate a lot of money for many different causes within my community.
GE N U O L T N E M IN A T R E MAKHATHINI ENT Owner: Qibin Yan
How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry? This used to be my uncle’s tavern. I used to operate a bottle store but took over the running of Makhathini in 2014. I don’t have challenges operating a tavern in my area. I have a big tavern and many regulars so my place is always full. A tavern is a vey lucrative business to operate in Jozini so I have no complaints! What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business? They have definitely assisted me in bringing more patrons though my doors. It helps that I am the only Club 10 tavern in this area and Club 10 is known for bringing famous DJs into taverns to play and having big promotions. I have only been with Club 10 for six months but my patrons are excited for me to start hosting big Club 10 events.
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Makhathini Entertainment Lounge
What are your top-selling liquor brands? My top sellers are Hennessey, Johnnie Walker, Heineken, Savannah and Castle Lite. As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community? I would say that I give back by having an open-door policy at my tavern. I let everyone come in and I prefer that no-one
is hanging around on the street. Even if the patrons purchase their liquor somewhere else, they are still free to come inside and enjoy their drinks and my music. I keep everyone safe that way and entry is always free! Location: Shop 4, Makhathini Entertainment Centre, Jozini, KZN
