Khayelitsha is rebuilding itself as the Cape’s tourism and entertainment hub!
Western Cape, South Africa (23 February 2022) – There’s an amazing entrepreneurial pursuit, get up and do it yourself spirit by young people in Khayelitsha, which is changing the narrative on what a township could be… and the first of its kind 3-storey Champagne Bar is taking this township to new heights!
Khayelitsha has recently seen a rise in new establishments, redefining the township as the Cape’s next tourism and entertainment hub with the recent development of The Spade Boutique Hotel & Spa, Rands Cape Town, Spine Road Lifestyle, Ocean Canda and Seek Lounge. These establishments join a list of long-standing, well-known eateries such as Kwa Ace and Kefu’s Jazz Bar.
And now the Western Cape township has launched a first of its kind 3-storey Champagne Bar!
“The Milk Restaurant and Bar, which was first launched in 2018 as a premium lifestyle entertainment boutique and the first 3-storey upmarket restaurant and bar in a township, is now relaunching to The Milk Restaurant & Champagne Bar after taking a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.”
Khayelitsha is one of the largest townships in South Africa, located just outside Cape Town, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, friendly people and diverse culture. The Milk Restaurant & Champagne bar is one of the few places where you can wine and dine and lounge within the same property or establishment yet on different floors.
In 2018, Jalivane took the risk of opening the restaurant out of his own pocket and was met with overwhelming success; however, the business immediately faced challenges that caused a strain on its operations.
“I opened the business too soon. I was in a rush and wanted to get it off the ground, not knowing the challenges I would face with infrastructure. I took the kitchen equipment required for granted, which resulted badly in service delivery. Additionally, I was in financial woes. I had invested every cent in construction, borrowed money from here and there, and collectors were chasing me. I was in financial distress. I had to face the music and own up to my mistakes which caught up with me at a later stage. Lockdown saved me because I was drowning; I was going on because I had to and had no intentions of giving up. Now that I look at it, that wasn’t healthy. Lockdown forced me to sit and simmer in my reality. It saved me because, through it, I developed a healthy working business relationship with the two successful brothers and outdoor Mecca Kings,” says Jalivane.
Spelo has partnered up with the Mbeki brothers, Mfundo and Mshayi, who are co-owners of popular eatery Rands Cape Town. The brothers are now part owner of The Milk Restaurant & Champagne bar. Jalivane says he’s very excited and looking forward to this new partnership. Though the three businessmen have collaborated on other projects before, this one signifies the importance of unity to develop the community and the township economy.
“This is a great opportunity to show what we can do when we work together as brothers, helping each other grow in business. We will learn a lot from Spelo and the same from us. This partnership means a lot for the township; it signifies owning the spaces we occupy and where we live. It’s important to do whatever it takes to protect Kasi businesses, ikasi for ikasi” Mfundo and Mshayi Mbeki.
The relaunch of the Restaurant & Champagne Bar sees the resurrection of 35 employment opportunities, with the majority of employees being from Khayelitsha.
Check out some of the foodie pics below:
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