5 minute read
Club 10 Taverns
from Spotong Issue 26
by 3S Media
MMOP'S TAVERN Owner: Jose Agostinho Goncalves Vincente
How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry?
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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. I don’t really sell the hot stuff but my top sellers are definitely Castle Lite, Castle, Black Label and Heineken.
As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community?
I donate a lot of money for many different causes within my community.
Mmop's Tavern
My community knows that I am more than willing to assist in any way that I can.
Location: ERF 1175, First Floor, No 75, St George’s Street, Bloemfontein, Free State
MAKHATHINI ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE
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.
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
Makhathini Entertainment Lounge
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
KWA COKE TAVERN
Owner: Nowandile Magunjana
How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry?
I started operating as a shebeen in the nineties because I wanted to be self-sufficient. I grew so big that I applied for my tavern license in 2010 and finally received it in 2012. My challenges before I received my license was the constant raids by the police which thankfully stopped as soon as I got my papers. My main challenge right now is the big number of shebeens and taverns which are in operation in Philippi.
What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?
I am lucky that I am one of only two Club 10 taverns in my area which makes my place stand out. Club 10 has assisted me with displays for my tavern and I am able to run cheaper promotions because of them. My prices are always cheaper than the average prices and I am grateful to them for that.
What are your top-selling liquor brands?
My top-sellers in spirits are Viceroy, Spiced Gold, Johnnie Walker Red and Black Label, Black & White and VAT 69. My top-selling beers are Heineken, Budweiser, Amstel, Black Label, Hansa and Castle Lite.
Kwa Coke Tavern
As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community?
I organise soccer tournaments and pool tournaments for the kids in my community where I use my own pool tables. I also feed the street children often and that is something that I will continue doing for many years.
Location: 19181 Ndibela Crescent, Philippi, Western Cape
D.J. TAVERN
Owner: Joseph A Mkhonto
How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry?
I have been renting DJ Tavern for five years. The owners refuse to sell the tavern! My challenges right now is getting ownership of a tavern so that I can call it my own. I also struggle to obtain credit and I have a problem with the breweries who don’t deliver on time sometimes.
What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?
The Club 10 liquor prices are reasonable so I can compete with the other seven taverns that operate around me. Luckily, I am the only Club 10 tavern in the area
DJ Tavern
and I am situated on a busy road so the Club 10 partnership definitely attracts more patrons than I had before.
What are your top-selling liquor brands?
My top sellers are mostly the quarts in the beer brands. Each time I run a promotion on the quarts, it does really well.
As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community?
I give back to my community by hosting soccer and pool tournaments for them which is a lot of fun for all of us. I donate money when asked and buy food for the mentally challenged.
