8 minute read
Tavern Reviews: At your Service
from Spotong Issue 26
by 3S Media
TAVERN REVIEWS
ALL IN ONE TAVERN Owner: Richard Goosebell | Organisation: NTHA AT YOUR SERVICE Spotong chats to leading liquor traders
Advertisement
How did you get into the tavern trade? I started my tavern almost a decade ago. I wanted to work for myself and that drove me to get into this industry. I haven’t looked back since then. My tavern is big and very popular! What sets your tavern apart from the rest of the taverns in your area? I have competitive alcohol prices, an in-house butchery and a big braai place. Over weekends, my place is packed with hundreds of patrons because this is the place to be and the food is amazing! The parking lot is always full of cars! Do you have future plans for your tavern? Yes, I have big plans for my tavern. My dream is to eventually change my tavern into a fully operating restaurant. I would like the option to choose the type of customer that I serve and not focus on liquor only but offer them a dining experience. How do you give back to your community? I go big on June 16 every year. The youth is very important to me so I give back by cooking for the kids, buying them presents and planning special events for them. I do help those in need throughout the year as well because I am able to. Location: 198 Darius Mhlongo Street, Ext 7, Mohlakeng, Randfontein
LUCKY’S INN Owner: Lucky Dikgole | Organisation: NTHA
How did you get into the tavern trade?
I started my tavern in 2002. I lost my job and needed to do something! I bought two cases of beer and never looked back. I am very lucky to be in an area where there are only five taverns in operation so my business is always thriving. I am also grateful to be able to offer employment to my three employees.
How do you encourage your patrons to drink responsibly?
I only open at 10am. I will never serve anyone before that time and my patrons know that. I encourage my patrons to eat a meal as soon as they enter my doors. I make sure that my menu is affordable and water is available throughout the tavern. I also provide entertainment in the form of TVs and pool tables where we can challenge each other so there is more to do than just drink.
Richard Goosebell, owner, All in One Tavern
What are your thoughts on the Liquor Amendment Bill?
I believe that we should do as much as we can to eradicate underage drinking. I think that the correct drinking age should be from the age of thirty! I have seen what liquor does to underage drinkers so I am all for the new law which will stop these youngsters from drinking too much.
Do you have future plans for your tavern?
I would like to convert my tavern into a bottle store where the patrons and other taverns can buy directly from me. A tavern and shebeen is a very big responsibility because you are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of your patrons. A bottle store will be easier to manage.
Location: 1202 Baloi Street, Sinqobile, Mogale City
NGHALAMONA TAVERN Owner: Evonne Mdaka | Organisation: BVFBA
How did you get into the tavern trade?
It was my late husband’s tavern which I inherited after his passing in August of 2016. My husband started it so we could have a family business but he was killed after he responded to a robbery at our tavern. It is still our family business and I have my son, daughter and nephew who assist me in the day-to-day running of the tavern.
What challenges do you face in this industry?
My main challenge has been the issues that I have to deal with since my husband was a sole trader. I have had problems with the renewal of my liquor licence since everything was in his name. I lost all of the credit agreements that we had with suppliers and have struggled with replenishing stock which, in turn, led to some of my regular customers leaving for other taverns. I am still fighting to get my business back to where it was. Another challenge is the crime in my area. It just never seems to end!
Keeping my family, staff and patrons safe is of utmost importance to me so safety is one of the things that sets my tavern apart from the rest. I have bouncers who search all patrons, CCTV cameras around the tavern and armed response. My patrons can have a good time without ever worrying that something bad may happen.
My tavern hours are strictly from 10am – 12am so we stick to it and don’t operate and sell liquor outside of those hours. I monitor everyone’s drinking and make sure that water is available to everyone. My kitchen is well stocked so everyone eats while they are enjoying their alcohol and my menu encourages them to have a big or small meal.
Location: 26 Nombela Drive, Ext 6, Vosloorus, Boksburg
Evonne Mdaka, owner, Nghalamona Tavern
SELINA’S INN Owner: Selina Tseke | Organisation: BVFBA
How did you get into the tavern trade?
I started 12 years ago and grew from there. I operate one of the biggest taverns in my area with the help of my family members.
How do you handle difficult customers?
We follow strict rules at my tavern. If someone gets out of hand, we put them out immediately. On the odd occasion where someone is too drunk, we put them in one of our vehicles and take them straight to their front door. If we see that someone is already drunk, we just refuse to serve them and they get the message eventually. We are responsible for every single patron at the end of the day.
I am in agreement with changing the legal drinking age to 21. It is better for our youth in the long run.
Do you have future plans for your tavern?
Yes. In three to five years we would like to make our premises bigger and expand and make the tavern much more spacious. I already have an entertainment section with TVs and pool tables that gets absolutely packed over weekends so it would be nice to start with that section.
VIC’S JOINT Owner: Victor Mohobane | Organisation: SALTA
How did you get into the tavern trade?
I decided to open my own tavern in 1994. Times were changing and I wanted to work for myself and my family to ensure a sustainable income. Business has been up and down since then but I am glad that I started all those years ago.
How do you encourage your patrons to drink responsibly?
I have a strict rule that only those over the age of 21 are allowed to drink in my tavern so it minimises any irresponsible drinking. I always make sure that there is water available to sip on in my tavern and I have an affordable menu which encourages my patrons to have a meal while they are drinking. I also have snacks on each table like peanuts to encourage eating.
What are your thoughts on the Liquor
Amendment Bill?
In my opinion, with regards to the drinking age, only those over the age of 25 should be allowed to drink legally! That is the mature age where you can enjoy drinking responsibly and not allow it to overcome you. Regarding the smoking areas, I have made all of those changes in my tavern already so my business is compliant.
How do you give back to your community?
In many ways! I often donate money to schools in my area as kids always need something. When we have a funeral in the township, I allow the families to use my tables and chairs and open my tavern doors if they need the space.
Location: 550039 Zone 3, Sebokeng, Vanderbijlpark
How did you get into the tavern trade?
I started the tavern in November of 1998 with my late husband. I remember starting with only two cases of Hansa! At the time we just took a chance, not knowing that it would grow into what it is today. It is still growing and has become a family business which I can pass onto my own children one day.
What sets your tavern apart from the rest of the taverns in your area?
The entertainment! I have the best music and we are known for being the best spot in the area to chill out and relax. We also treat our patrons with respect and they feel safe in the tavern. The vibe is always happy and I think those are the main reasons why we have so many
Victor Mohobane, owner, Vic's Joint
MAMOKHETHI’S PLACE Owner: Miriam Mokhethi | Organisation: SALTA
regular patrons that we see on a daily basis. It feels like a home away from home.
Do you have future plans for your tavern?
Yes. I would like to expand. I consider my tavern to be medium-sized at the moment but we are growing slowly and seeing more patrons than before. I want to create a bigger space so everyone will be comfortable but that “happy” vibe will always continue.
How do you give back to your community?
My community and my customers know that they can approach me for ANYTHING! If someone is in need, I am there. Whether they need money or just simple advice, I can be counted on.
Location: 1527 Twayi Street, Evaton North, Vereeniging
