TAVERN REVIEWS
®
PHOLA TAVERN eko
Owner: Moses Mas
How did you get into the tavern trade and what challenges do you face in this industry? I started selling liquor informally from my small spaza shop as an additional source of income while I was waiting for my liquor licence. At the time, I was working full-time as a fuel tank truck driver. I resigned from my job as a truck driver to focus on my own business instead. The challenges that I face in this industry is the government regulations on the liquor licence renewal process, where one needs to apply for a renewal permit for each year before you actually renew your liquor licence. Also, a police clearance certificate and SARS clearance is needed, which wasn’t a requirement in previous years. Another challenge is the outlet-to-outlet competition in the neighbourhood which is continuously forcing us to change the game to remain relevant to our customers’ needs.
How has Club 10 assisted you in the running of your tavern? The Club 10 monthly cash and carry discounts helps me to maintain competitive prices. Also, being part of the franchise serves as additional strength to always keep up with the ever-changing business demands and competition against other outlets who don’t benefit as much because they are not part of the Club 10 family. What are your top-selling brands? Heineken, 4th Street, Smirnnoff, Castle and Hansa are my main sellers. Do you have future plans for your tavern? I would like to add a Shisanyama with different meats relevant to the type of customers I’m serving. This addition will be up and running before the winter season starts.
EBUKHOSINI HOUSE nsen
Owner: Francois Ja
How did you get into the tavern trade and what challenges do you face in this industry? The tavern went up for sale and I grabbed the opportunity and purchased it. I don’t really have any challenges but I am grateful to operate in this trade.
Phola Tavern
Location: Lot 2285, Welbedatch West, Chatsworth, Durban, KZN
As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community? I give back to the schoolchildren in the community by sponsoring the best student at the local schools with a trophy. We also give them a prize for being a top achiever. The competitions that we host throughout the year at the tavern is also our way of giving back to the community because the community has so much fun at these events and we also spoil them with giveaways and prizes. Location: 58 Jim Fouche Street, Bethulie, Free State
What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business? The Club 10 liquor promotions are really great and I am able to offer my patrons value for money with these offers. I also run a monthly pool league with the main event in December where the monthly winners compete to be the Club 10 champion and receive a trophy. Club 10 sponsors these events with prizes and we also host regular beauty competitions, which is a hit with the local township community. Do you have future plans for your tavern? Yes, we are going to be selling food very soon. I have built a braai section behind the tavern where the wives of my employees can operate a shisanyama and sell to the customers and also make some money for themselves. Ebukhosini House
40
www.spotongmag.co.za
