The CCID takes a look at what Central City businesses are doing as the economy reopens.
We also chatted to the manager of one of them in our winter issue of City Views to find out what they have been up to since Lockdown.
LEARN
Clarke’s Bookshop and The Book Lounge The CBD’s iconic bookstores, The Book Lounge and Clarke’s Bookshop, are waiting for your much-needed patronage. While their doors are open, they are also encouraging online orders.
71 Roeland St
021 462 2425
www.booklounge.co.za
199 Long St
021 423 5739
www.clarkesbooks.co.za
PLAY
Ignite Fitness
Ignite Fitness which describes itself as “more than a gym” is conducting live daily workouts on Instagram (@ignitefitnessglobal) and Facebook (@ignitefitnessSA). Classes range from Pilates, high-intensity training, yoga, conditioning exercises as well as talks and Q&A sessions with professional trainers.
122 St Georges Mall
021 422 1670
www.ignitefitness.com
Q&A WITH RANDOLF JORBERG, OWNER OF BEERHOUSE ON LONG
Randolf Jorberg (Owner of Beerhouse)
How has Beerhouse been affected by the lockdown?
Initially, we experienced an 80 % drop in turnover as we were forced to limit the number of customers in our restaurant. When the hard lockdown was instituted and alcohol sales were banned, we stopped trading and temporarily laid off all our staff.
How have you adapted to the changing regulations?
When we couldn’t trade, we started a soup kitchen and have been providing meals three times a week to vulnerable communities, producing over 5 000 litres of soup and over 10 000 meals. We got staff to work in our soup kitchen so that we could pay them and send them home with food. This project is still ongoing, and we welcome donations of money and vegetables. We have reverted back to welcoming customers to our venue, selling food and non-alcoholic beers. We trade as a pizza- and burgerhouse on Uber Eats and Mr D Food, and have an in-house delivery service.
How do you feel about the liquor ban and curfew imposed on the sector? It has been disastrous. My business has been diminished to 10 % of what it used to be and these kinds of regulations will keep it there until tourists are back in Cape Town.
223 Long St | www.beerhouse.co.za
IMAGES: Devon Krige