Innovative Hotels to Enjoy long-term World Cup benefits
The biggest impact of hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup on the hotel industry will only be seen in the long term when guests choose whether or not to return to these establishments, said CEO of the Pepper Club Hotel & Spa on Tuesday....Read more
Conciliation session fails to end dispute The South Africa Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) said on Wednesday that the conciliation session held under the auspices of the CCMA on Tuesday had failed to resolve its dispute with 27 major companies in the wholesale and retail sector... Read more
Burger chain launches halal restaurants in France
PARIS, A popular fast-food brand said Tuesday it would extend the number of halal only restaurants in its chain in France, after a controversial pilot project in February proved a success... Read more
After double draws, finally a win!
Delicious aromas filled the area above the food court at Hemingways Mall thanks to the Daily Dispatch Cook-Off at the weekend. The cook-off, a joint initiative between Hemingways Casino and the Dispatch, started on Thursday and finished on Saturday and the public voted for the best chef of the evening each night... Read more
Sun International maintains capex at R1bn
Gaming, resorts and hotel group Sun International said on Friday that it would maintain capital expenditure at about R1 billion, having reached R1.031 billion over the past year. We will keep capex similar to last year, with no big jumps on spend... Read more
Nederburg’s Flagship 2009 Wine
“I always like to play with the very last component,” says Nederburg cellarmaster Razvan Macici of the eight-way Ingenuity White blend, now in its third vintage as the apex of the Nederburg range. It has just been released onto the market... Read more
Women chefs to show their flair in cook-off
In the second leg of the Daily Dispatch Chef Cook-Off, Hemingways Hotel chef Candice Morton and her Salad Daze counterpart Jo Styles clash in the kitchen. Styles, who has been cooking for 15 years, said she was looking forward to the cook-off... Read more
Workers at Ramaphosa firm down tools over pay
As the public servants strike rages on, workers at a company linked to ANC bigwig and tycoon Cyril Ramaphosa in Polokwane, Limpopo, have also downed tools... Read more
SA’S First Single Grain Whiskey
Following the successful launch of South Africa’s first single grain whisky late last year, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky will now be available in accessible 50ml packs. Made from recyclable PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) the bottle is light and moulded in the distinctive square shape synonymous with the larger 750ml design... Read more
2010 Neethlinghof The Maria of Champion Provenance
The news that Neethlingshof has been judged a champion trophy winner in the recent 2010 SA Young Wine Show, earning the coveted Agri-Expo golden trophy for top wooded noble late harvest, co-incides with the release of the estate’s limited-edition 2010 Short Story Collection The Maria... Read more
Head-to-head in cook-off
A Culinary battle is looming between top local chefs to discover who is the best of the best. Pots and pans will fly at Hemingways Mall this week as six chefs cook up a storm in the Daily Dispatch Chef Cook-Off... Read more
From Landlord To Partner
‘Out the box thinking’; a much-used phrase that’s become somewhat passé as marketers continually push the boundaries of what’s been done before. However, the entertainment philosophy adopted within the Tsogo Sun Gaming Group, is nothing less than revolutionary, and is undoubtedly creating local and even international benchmarks... Read more
Mandela Rhodes Revamp
Cape Town’s landmark hotel, Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa, has launched  it’s  new corporate  suites and  four new apartments, as the hotel moves towards a fresh new, distinctively-Cape Town look... Read more
Hotel giant Accor plans huge expansion in India
NEW DELHI - French hotel and services giant Accor plans to have 90 hotels in operation in India by 2015 compared with just eight presently, chief executive Gilles Pelisson said on Wednesday... Read more
Blythedale resort relaunch is placed on hold
The eLan Group, the developers of Blythedale, took the decision after a two-year hiatus caused by a land claim settlement and the weak state of the property market. For many developers, the lack of progress on a major project would cause financial strain, but The eLan Group’s land at Blythedale is zoned, paid for, bond free with no holding costs, and has already been transferred... Read more
Hospitality Finance started by Richard Mandel
In response to a distressed hospitality real estate sector, Richard Mandel, former president of Kennedy-Wilson Inc.'s Commercial Investment Sales Group, has formed Ramsfield Hospitality Finance (RHF), a new investment firm set up to provide mezzanine financing for hotel owners and investors... Read more
Diners Club Winemaker Of The Year Award
Entries for the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award, one of the longest running and most prestigious awards for the South African wine industry, are now being awaited, says Diners Club Western Cape regional manager Jane Ledger. Previous winners include some of South Africa’s foremost pioneering winemakers such as Günther Brözel, Sydney Back and Danie de Wet, to name just a few... Read more
Misty Hills Country Hotel Goes Big
Misty Hills Country Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa in Muldersdrift, has once again extended its product offering with a grand new reception area, Gin Box pub and coffee shop. The centralised reception, which opened in May 2010, has been repositioned to provide easier access to the hotel’s 215 rooms and suites which sprawl over the 26 hectares of lush countryside property... Read more
Arabella Starwood skills employees with Swiss Course
The 2010 winners of Arabella Starwood’s annual Shining Star Programme include two staff members from The Westin Grand Cape Town, two staff members from the Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa, three staff members from the Sheraton Pretoria and one from Blaauwklippen Wine Estate... Read more
SCASA Barista Championship Committee
As you know, the next cycle of Barista Championships for 2010 is on us! We would like to start with the organisation of the championships in the 3 regions. To ensure that we have many hands helping with this, I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who are interested to join the SCASA Barista Championship Committee...Read more
Loyalty Programs for Independent Hotels
“When we talked to frequent travelers, they would say, ‘I’d love to stay at that cool independent hotel, but they don’t offer points,’ which is like saying they don’t have Internet access,” said Stash Rewards founder and CEO Jeff Low. “It’s just not even a consideration.”...Read More
Pinotage Reflects Innovative Viticultural Approach
Neethlingshof winemaker, De Wet Viljoen, believes the distinctive character of his 2008 Owl Post Pinotage is the direct result of novel canopy management techniques in the vineyard and the way the grapes were vinified in the cellar. The 2008 has just been released onto the market... Read more
Character Of Black Bottle
Launched just over two years ago in South Africa, Black Bottle is a blend of all the renowned single malts from Islay balanced by mainland malt and grain whiskies, making it one of the most unique whiskies around.  A regular medal winner at international competitions it has recently received gold at the prestigious 2009 International Spirits Challenge and silver at the 2010 International Wine and Spirits Competition... Read more
Start Acting Like an Entrepreneur
Clearly, over the past three decades the mega brand companies and large ownership groups have dominated the hotel industry. And while that domination has been very rewarding for owners, investors and guests, it's the entrepreneur who is still the heart and soul of the lodging business. Sadly, there just aren't many of them left who have the resources, vision and bet-it-all guts to create bold new products or revive left-for-dead hotels... Read more
Resilience Of SA Hotel Industry
The performance and resilience of South Africa's hotel industry continues to surprise many despite the fact that in 2009 this sector as a whole experienced a decline in SA Rand Revpar (revenue per available room) of 9.8 percent, says Joop Demes, CEO of Pam Golding Hospitality... Read more
City Lodge sees lower earnings
During the year, City Lodge Hotels said it successfully opened a number of hotels as part of its biggest ever development programme, on time and within budget...Read more
Shout Factory Media adopts Emmanuel Day Care Centre
Shout Factory Media has adopted Emmanuel Day Care Centre in Atlantis as their official charity initiative. As their media sponsor, Shout Factory believes that Corporate Social Investment is important as it gives back to the community and improves the lives of others...Read more
How will global warming change wine
We are hearing plenty about global warming lately. The media is full of discussion about emissions trading, carbon offsets and food miles. At long last the politicians seem to have picked up that it is an important issue. The issue of climate change impacts on wine in a number of ways... Read more
Universal Industries sees 3.6c vs 1.3c earnings
Universal Industries Corporation on Wednesday reported headline earnings per share of 3.6 cents for the six months ended June 30, 2010, from 1.3 cents previously. It recorded earnings per share of 3.6 cents from 1.3 cents earlier... Read more
The members of SACA (South Africa's Chefs Association) have exclusive access to specific sections of the new SACA website
The members of SACA (South African Chefs Association) have exclusive access to specific sections of the new and improved SACA website that aims to provide specialised knowledge about the following topics relating to “All Things Culinary”...Read more
Grapes, Gourmet and Gallery extravaganza at Winchester Mansions
Taking place Wednesday, 18 August, the Grapes, Gourmet and Gallery Evening will feature signature wines from De Grendel. Winchester Mansions’ Grapes, Gourmet and Gallery Evenings have grown to be an institution where art lovers with a passion for wining and dining can enjoy the finest South African wines paired with an exquisite gourmet feast... Read more
InterContinental To Create 160 000 Jobs
LONDON - InterContinental Hotels Group plans to create 160 000 jobs by 2014, half of which will be in China, the world's largest hotels operator said on Tuesday after announcing a return to profit... Read more
InterContinental Hotels surges into black
LONDON - InterContinental Hotels Group said on Tuesday that it jumped back into net profit in the first half of 2010, spurred by strengthening demand in Asia, particularly in China... Read more
Good Food, Good Beer, Great Cheer - Famous Brands Acquires Keg and McGinty's
Johannesburg, Tuesday, 10 August 2010:  Famous Brands (FBR) has acquired the franchise agreements, trademarks and intellectual property of the Keg and McGinty’s brands for a purchase consideration of R27 million...Read more
Shout Factory Media develops the SACA website
The culmination of a three year strategic partnership between Shout Factory Media and SACA has led to massive developments in terms of promoting the art and science of cookery and raising the profile’s of chefs in South Africa... Read more
The proof of the pudding is in the eating
After fourteen years of preparing and serving food fit for kings, wear and tear has taken its toll on Gallagher Convention Centre’s kitchen infrastructure. Major investments were made to facilitate Executive Chef Gordon Fraser and his 23 member staff, to improve the efficiency of the kitchen and introduce a seamless delivery of food.... Read more
Record entries for Diners Club winelist awards
The Diners Club Winelist Awards gives recognition to those establishments that provide a balanced range of wines, and that also best complement the food on offer. The competition, established in 1990, is open to all restaurants which accept the Diners Club card... Read more
Massive African Footprint Delivers Convention Clout
After South Africa's blaze of international publicity during the Soccer World Cup, the largest hotel group in Africa is taking the continent to the premier international corporate travel trade show in the USA...Read more
New hotel rating
A new star-grading system comes into effect on October 1 for most of SA’s accommodation establishments. The move will overhaul the system that was put in place eight years ago... Read more
Something to crow about
Buti van der Merwe and his wife, Maki, sell roughly 8000 chickens a month from one fast-food outlet in Bramley and three container outlets in Alexandra, Tembisa and Soweto. They are the founders of Giramundo, a tiny flame grilled chicken business recently acquired by franchise house Famous Brands... Read more
McCain Foods brings  sweet innovation to South Africa
A company renowned for innovation, which was last year awarded Product of the Year by Food Review for its new coated potato products, McCain Foods (SA) has pushed the boundaries even further with the launch of a brand new range of frozen sweet potato products never seen in South Africa before... Read more
Unilever Foodsolutions Develops Value Solutions
Unilever Foodsolutions has relaunched their Fine Foods range back into the foodservice industry. Backed by manufacturing powerhouse Unilever Foodsolutions, Fine Foods provides chefs with an affordable range of condiments and gravy powder perfected by specialists to ensure quality standards, and provide a perfect value solution alternative...Read more
PAG welcomes new operations manager
Indherani Reddy joins Professional Assignments Group (PAG) as its new Operations Director for the Gauteng region. Reddy comes with extensive management and recruitment experience having worked for 11 years in the hotel management industry on some of the  five star properties in South Africa...Read more
Winchester Mansions celebrates and honours Women
Winchester Mansions celebrates National Women’s day with a range of activities during August. Situated on the magnificent Atlantic Seaboard, the hotel will be hosting events, promotions and competitions that will entice all women.... Read more
Fresh chicken foray
FAMOUS Brands, the firm behind burger restaurants Steers and Wimpy, pizza chain Debonairs and coffee shop Mugg & Bean, plans to open up 30 new chicken outlets a year as it plugs a gap in its portfolio of fast food and casual dining restaurants... Read more
A taste of true eKasi
The only place where one can experience true township living in the small mining town of Cullinan, north east of Pretoria, is the Vuvuzela Flava Africa. Established six years ago by pioneering local resident Julia Mashego, her guesthouse provides a taste of all things southern African... Read more
Food chain offers opportunities
AT THE end of last year, Sarel Cilliers signed a lease on a retail site 135m² in size. The site in Nelspruit’s Plaza Centre, opposite the police station and next to the taxi rank, was well-suited for a passing trade of foot traffic, but was bigger than he needed... Read more
Jazz at Winchester Mansions
Jazz lovers and fine food connoisseurs are invited to the weekly Sunday Jazz Brunches at Winchester Mansions, one of Cape Town’s leading beachfront hotels. After a frenzied weekend, unwind at Harveys restaurant in the seductive romantic courtyard or whilst overlooking the mesmerising Atlantic Seaboard from the terraces... Read more
REFRESH WITH FLAT ROOF MANOR’S PINOT GRIGIO
Refresh your palate this summer with the playful 2010 Flat Roof Manor Pinot Grigio now available. Luscious dried peach and apricot flavours with a hint of litchi makes this wine delicious on a hot summer’s day... Read more
Countrywide potato shortage affects supply of McCain products
South Africa’s leading frozen foods manufacturer, McCain Foods (SA), has announced that adverse climactic conditions in South Africa over the past year will affect the supply, quality and pricing of frozen potato products...Read more
Famous Brands satisfies burning desire with Peri Peri Flame Grilled Chicken deal
After an exhaustive decade-long search, Famous Brands has finally secured its entry into the mainstream chicken category, with the acquisition of a peri peri flame grilled chicken offering, ‘Giramundo’, Portuguese for ‘around the world’.  The transaction has an effective date of 1 August 2010.... Read more
Trading conditions remain tough, says Rainbow
Mr Dally was interviewed after the chicken and branded foodstuff producer’s annual meeting in Durban. He said Rainbow had nonetheless done “quite well” over the past two years to deal with a substantial rise in chicken feed costs — its biggest production input cost — which hurt margins as well as the effects of recession on the group... Read more
Serving up a sauce of pride
AT THE corner of De Korte and Station Streets in Braamfontein is a mostly unremarkable building. But on the 22nd floor, with a jaw dropping view of Joburg, is a noteworthy new bar, Randlords... Read more
House in order
Consumer buying trends have changed, costs must be kept lower to grow share. Unilever SA chair Gail Klintworth saw the recession coming. In January 2007, she took a knife to the Anglo-Dutch group’s local operations... Read more
Shanghai Peace Hotel reopens
SHANGHAI - Shanghai's iconic Peace Hotel reopened on Wednesday after a three-year, $64-million renovation to restore what was once the Far East's most luxurious hotel to its 1930s glory... Read more
Inn on the Square appoints Craig Larsson as Executive Chef
South African – born Craig Larsson has joined the Three Cities group with big plans for the future of the landmark hotel and its signature restaurant “Dish”... Read more
Top 20 summer destinations
The Internet offers wide-ranging options for accessing travel information quickly and comprehensively. Whether booking flights, train tickets, rental cars or hotels, every single travel requirement can be met at the click of the mouse... Read more
Well wide off the target
World Cup spending short of projections - High hotel prices robbed SA of fans. “Rand appreciation through 2009 and into 2010 served as a turbocharger, lifting rates higher during the recession when logic would have dictated dropping them” ... Read more
Opportunities to buy properties
A WILDERNESS hotel and two guesthouses in Hermanus were among the lots that were on offer at the Savile Row auction at Summer Place on Wednesday, in a market that is still showing a strong appetite for quality commercial, industrial and residential properties... Read more
Eating ground for foreigners
SA’s major food retailers are world class by any standard. They also offer huge growth potential in SA and beyond its borders on the back of rising spending power and population growth, two factors lacking in many developed economies. But does this make them sitting ducks as acquisition targets for foreign retail giants...? Read more
Unilever sells Italian frozen food arm
Anglo-Dutch food and cosmetics giant Unilever said on Monday it would sell its Italian frozen foods business for €805 million ($1.04 billion)...Read more
Battle to lure diners after Cup binge
RESTAURANTS faced a vicious scrap for limited consumer spending in coming months, Famous Brands CEO Kevin Hedderwick said yesterday.... Read more
New Managment st Lagoon Beach
South Africa; Cape Town; July 2010: The World Cup 2010 was not the only time South Africans saw movers and shakers ‘do their thing’ in the last couple of months. Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa has been shaking things up... Read more
Peter Anderson
South Africa; Cape Town; July 2010: With 22 years cooking experience under his belt Brit Peter Anderson’s larger than life love of food is evident not only in his creations and passionate explanations but the extent of experience gained from his travels around the globe... Read more
Famous Brands Celebrates
Johannesburg; Monday, 19 July 2010:  Famous Brands’ intensive World Cup project planning, which started in mid-2009, has paid off handsomely... Read more
First upmarket hotel for Woodstock, Cape Town
Residents of Cape Town’s bustling creative hub, Woodstock and its surrounds will soon enjoy the convenience and facilities of the area’s first upmarket hotel. The R220-million Upper Eastside Hotel and Conference Centre forms part of ...Read more
Italian chicken breasts in 15 minutes
Dip chicken breasts in eggs, then crumb mixture. To make the crumb mixture, combine the bread crumbs and the Parmesan cheese. Microwave in 1 1/2 quart casserole, loosely covered with wax paper, for 5 minutes. Turn over and cover with sauce... Read more
South Africa shines at Syrah du Mando
Syrah du Monde®, is an International Competition that recognises the world’s best Syrah/Shiraz wines by awarding them reliable and thus representative medals each year... Read more
Trust Ndlovu to feed you
Zimbambwe-born chef Trust Ndlovu of Montecasino’s Southern Sun Mondevino Restaurant says he and his team stimulated the taste buds of hundreds of foreigners from around the world during the World Cup... Read more
We dont know this company
Match Accommodation, the official World Cup accommodation contractor, has distanced itself from any association with embattled WCS Big Five Promotions... Read more
McCain tackles trans fatty acids
Health care professionals and the media continue to highlight the negative effects that trans fats have on health and wellbeing. With the increase in heart disease and the role played by trans fats, there is an increasing need for consumers to limit their trans fat intake by making wise food choices... Read more
One name can lead to many artists
LIKE all artists worth their salt, Stallon Sylvester Chaka is and shall henceforth be known by one name only: Stallon. His Southern Sun business card gives just this name with the job title below: Resident Artist... Read more
International Hotel School Boot Camp Bursary Campaign 2010
The International Hotel School is in the process of running a schools bursary campaign as an initiative to nurture and grow young talent into the hospitality profession....Read more
Unilever delevopes solutions
Unilever Foodsolutions has relaunched their Fine Foods range back into the foodservice industry. Backed by manufacturing powerhouse Unilever Foodsolutions, Fine Foods provides chefs with an affordable range of condiments and gravy powder perfected by specialists to ensure quality standards, and provide a perfect value solutions... Read more
Chicken off the menu
Chicken chain Nando’s has pulled a provocative television advert after images of bare-breasted women ruffled feathers. Nando’s tongue-in cheek World Cup campaign played on stereotypes some tourists believe to be true of South Africa, in this case that women walk around half-naked... Read more
Sunday Times Food Awards to honour the young, the experienced and the stalwart
Sunday Times and Foodcorp invite South African chefs to once again explore the flavours of Africa with the 2010 Food Awards at the South African Chefs Association’s Southern Sun Centre for Culinary Excellence in Auckland Park Johannesburg... Read more
Absolutely San-sational
The Sandton Sun is looking sprightly. And it’s not just because it is teeming with Fifa officials and fans. It’s because, after more than 25 years, its sixth-floor public area has had a long-overdue, knock-’em-dead, R90m revamp that brings it right up to date...Read more
Hotel star ratings
Understanding some of the star ratings can net you a bargain if you consider the limitations of the system. For example, there's this little hotel in Italy's Val Camonica that I like. The rooms have everything you may need: newer bathrooms, television, heat that works... Read more
Different types of cheese
Cheese is one of the most used ingredients for breakfast around the world. It is a milk based solid food. Cheese can be prepared from cow, sheep, goat and other mammal milk... Read more
Modderation of caffeine
Women over the age of 65 have a head start when it comes to mental faculties... if they drink 3 cups of coffee per day, that is. Caffeine consumption in moderation is now a proven boost to women's mental health... Read more
Hospitality industry salaries increase
Pretoria - Salaries of employees in the hospitality industry across the country are set to increase as from today (01 Jul 2010) through the Department of Labour's annual adjustment of the sector's minimum wages... Read more
Vaal Meander Wine Route brings the winelands to Gauteng
The Vaal Meander Wine Route is an annual festival where over 200 of South Africa’s best wines from 50 vineyards and estates are on display. The event runs from Meyerton to Vanderbijlpark between 5 June and 25 July, and gives visitors the opportunity to taste the finest of South Africa’s wine industry...Read more
Hotels in France embrace the virtues of going green
PARIS, Wood-burning stoves, in-room recycling, fine cuisine featuring local produce: from bed-and-breakfasts to five-star palaces, France's hotel industry is opening its eyes to the lucrative advantages of going green... Read more
Chinese city next hotspot
CHENGDU - At Yu Bo's restaurant, tea-and-camphor-smoked duck shares table space with calligraphy brushes made of puff pastry and minced beef, and sea cucumber paired with fried rice and foie gras... Read more
Durban full for semi final
Durban hotels and bed and breakfasts were fully-booked on Wednesday ahead of the World Cup semi-final between Germany and Spain at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Durban Chamber of Commerce said... Read more
New Hilton Hotel Opens
Hilton Hotels today announces the opening of Hilton The Hague, the latest addition to the global Hilton portfolio. The new upscale hotel is set within the restored 1950's shell of the former Royal Dutch Telecom headquarters. Hilton The Hague is the fifth Hilton hotel to open in the Netherlands, where the brand has had a presence since 1962... Read more
Blackberry with a touch screen
Blackberry has always come up with superb technology based mobile phones known for their new and totally different interface with full QWERTY key board. The company was the first one to provide complete mailing solution to an enterprise. But the now times have changed and the company has entered into the touchscreen market as well... Read more
Star isn't a four-letter word
Ramsay was one of a host of BBC Lifestyle celebrity chefs in SA for the Good Food & Wine Show held in Cape Town last month. He was also here to check on Maze, his restaurant at the One&Only Hotel. Ramsay fans forked out R300 each to attend one of his demos in the Chefs in Action theatre at the show... Read more
Cape foods bites apple
No longer a small operation and starting to gather momentum. Cape Food Services, a Food Services Company based in and covering the Garden Route has landed another prestigious catering contract... Read more
Cheese baked potatoes
These are another winter favorite of mine, crisped skins and soft fancied up insides. These baked potatoes are great on their own or as a side dish to one of the stews or roasts that I have made recently. They take a little while because you double bake them, but believe me, they are so worth it... Read more
Asian cuisine growth
AH-Vest, the AltX-listed condiment maker formerly known as All Joy, was still embroiled in a dispute with the Financial Services Board (FSB) over irregularities in its 2005 financial results, CEO Marci Pather said yesterday. The FSB fined AH-Vest R1,5m last September for deceiving shareholders... Read more
How to serve cheese
Serving a variety of cheeses before dinner, after dinner, or as horsdoeuvres, makes an elegant and tasty snack. With very little preparation, a cheese plate or two can liven up and pull together any occasion. To ensure your gathering gains the full benefit of ambience that only cheese can impart, keep the following tips for properly serving cheese in mind... Read more
Managing well
Managing people can be one of the most rewarding aspects of being a business owner. It can also be one of the most daunting. There is no single recipe for success, but these guidelines will get you off to a good start... Read more
Circulated money
What is money? Isn’t cash just pieces of paper with value imputed to it by government systems. Let me ask you one thing though– have you ever thought about what makes money valuable? What is it that makes it a worthwhile commodity to have... Read more
Tips for bar essentials
How to Start and Run a Successful Bar. First, you will need to contact your local Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, or the Alcohol Beverage Commission. Find out which licences or permits you will need, along with their availability. Location is everything! There are several factors to consider when looking for a location... Read more
Goaline technology
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – FIFA reversed its stubborn resistance to considering goalline technology on Tuesday after two glaring mistakes blighted the World Cup and caused an international outcry... Read more
Restaurant essentials
In this economy the restaurants are closing at an alarming rate. Here are some things to help cut down the cost and bring in the customers... Read more
Influx of visitors
Despite some uncertainty in the economic climate, a report from Tourism Outlook: South Africa shows a marked increase of 34 percent in inbound tourism spending in South Africa during the first quarter of 2010... Read more
Hotel essentials
Hotel marketing strategy may cause unnecessary headaches. There are five areas of focus, which are of concern to hotel marketers. If effectively executed, these focus areas will assist in overcoming the unique challenges and opportunities within the hotel. These four areas are case analysis, marketing, financials and control... Read more
Former hotel up for auction
Port Elizabeth’s historic former Walmer Gardens Hotel, which has been home to Damelin College since the mid-1990s, will be auctioned off next month... Read more
Income in Hospitality Increases
TOTAL income for the accommodation industry increased 4,2% year on year in April to R966,8m, according to data from Statistics SA released yesterday. (PICTURE: SUNDAY TIMES)...Read more
Caravan park becomes health hazard
The Nahoon caravan park may be a holiday spot to some, but for some East London families it is home. The Dispatch visited the park yesterday after Nahoon residents raised concerns during a Civic meeting last Thursday about people renting sites for lengthy periods... Read more
Culinary genius
It was a Sunday morning like any other, except I was on my way to breakfast with Gordon Ramsay. Universally reported to be argumentative and confrontational, Ramsay is as known for his short temper and four-letter outbursts as for his culinary genius. So I was more than a little nervous about sitting down to the most important meal of the day with the man... Read more
The hand blender - pinnacle of convenience in your kitchen
The hand blender or immersion blender is small, compact and versatile enough to successfully accomplish a slew of cooking tasks. The hand or stick blender, used to be the red headed step child to standard full size jug blenders, however in recent years technological advances have made these convenient tools a real asset to any kitchen... Read more
Coffee Machines
When you are craving a delicious, smooth, rich cup of "Joe", you may want to research and take note of all of the different types of coffee machines on the market. Coffee machines can be found in homes, dorms, offices... Read more
Setting up a bar and the importance of bar equipment
Whether you are embarking on opening your first bar or hotel or are expanding your current chain then it is crucial you realise the importance of good catering and bar equipment can't be stressed strongly enough... Read more
Durban shows increase
Bookings in the Durban accommodation industry have shown a slight increase, the Durban Chamber of Commerce said on Wednesday. This was after the Durban Chamber of Commerce launched a campaign to boost booking following an outcry from hoteliers struggling to get bookings for June... Read more
Low end pulls fans
Despite a huge surge in the number of four and five star hotels in SA over the past few years, it is the other end of the market that has been most popular with soccer fans visiting the country... Read more
Billy G
Food-lovers who enjoy great variety and quality in abundance will find everything they’re looking for at Billy G, the new buffet restaurant overlooking the casino floor opposite the food court... Read more
Risks in catering
Come to think of it, starting a catering business does not seem to be too complex. Perhaps that is the reason why several people are investing their time and effort in such enterprises. And they are making good money too. But, as in any other business, there are risks involved... Read more
SABMiller's Aspirations
SABMiller is learning that a political revolution can cause a branding revolution too. Since the country’s transition to democracy, SABMiller has found that South Africans have shifted from, as Bruce Reinders, SABMiller’s premium portfolio manager, describes it, “the spirit of ‘ubuntu’ (sharing, communal living)” to the “me generation.” Regardless of the average beer drinker’s economic background, consumers are turning to premium brands... Read more
A taste of South Africa
Travel&Food readers and writers offer their ideas on the best places for visitors to eat in the World...Johannesburg. Traditional At the Market Theatre complex in Newtown, Gramadoelas is an institution in the city, with a long history of authentic South African food. Their Malay dishes are excellent, as are other South African specialities, including bredies (stews)... Read more
PE restaurants take a bite out of World Cup
The 2010 World Cup is in full swing in the Friendly City and restaurant owners are satisfied with the increase in business just under a week into the tournament... Read more
Revamp of Giles restaurant after owner's murder
Giles was the last of a few restaurants Ian Gillies had owned. The reason it was the last is that five years ago, while locking up late on a Monday night, Ian was viciously attacked and killed. A young kitchen helper who had previously been fired, but given a second chance, decided a cellphone and the night’s takings were worth more than Ian’s life... Read more
African table is laid
Universal Industries’ R224m takeover of catering equipment distributor BCE Foodservice Equipment is a step in a new direction... Read more
Franchising in South Africa
Although modern-day franchising originated in the USA, the concept is well established in South Africa. The history of its local pioneers can be traced back to the mid-1960s when George Halamandaris established Steers and a number of other brands. During the 1970s, other sectors entered the franchise arena and today, franchising is used as the preferred vehicle for expansion... Read more
Famous Brands honours top performing suppliers
The Awards are held to pay tribute to the Group’s top performing suppliers across a range of categories, namely:  Specialist, Integrated, Distribution, Packaging, Dry Goods, Perishables and Development... Read more
Ciro forms strategic alliance with Chilla Beverages
Ciro Beverage Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of AVI Limited, recently announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership with the Chilla Beverage Co. to incorporate the Chilla offering of fully imported gourmet frappes, fruit smoothies, hot chocolate and Chai spiced lattes into Ciro’s extensive beverage range... Read more
Tips on starting a catering business
A catering business is a service-oriented business. Caterers will provide food, sometimes supplies and service for social events like weddings, anniversary parties and just about any other gathering... Read more
New Technology helps Hospitality Industry battle the growing payment fraud problem
The restaurant industry is plagued with the highest incidence of credit card skimming, the unscrupulous practice of swiping a customer's card through a device, similar in size to a beeper, to record the magnetic strip data for the creation of fraudulent credit cards... Read more
Types of Crockery
For many, crockery is simply a pile of plates and bowls that sit in the cupboard only being used at meal times and in some cases venturing out on special occasions. However, the world of crockery is vast; there are many different types, each with their own properties and extremely individual aesthetics... Read more
Stocking a kitchen
Stocking a kitchen with great gadgets and utensils can be really fun, although daunting. There are a few ways to begin collecting the equipment, utensils and appliances you need. One is to look through a list like this one, check off what you need... Read more
Paris bans 'anti-Islamisation' pork-and-wine street party
Paris police had banned a controversial "pork sausage and wine" street party planned by extremist groups to combat what they saw as the "Islamisation" of a city neighbourhood... Read more
Queensgate seeks funds after investors withdraw
A drop in international tourist numbers coupled with the withdrawal of financial institutions from the hotel development market took their toll on Queensgate Hotel & Leisure's bottom line for the six months ended February... Read more
Top 5 hotelier strategies for 2010 FIFA World Cup
The implementation of these recommended strategies combined with careful and detailed observation of the levels of demand will allow South African hoteliers to achieve the correct balance between price and demand and be best prepared for the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup...read more
Customer Loyalty Programs
The hospitality and gaming industries can develop stronger frequent guest programs by paying attention to customer psychology and desires. A new report from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) highlights ten principles that will make it more likely that loyalty programs actually develop loyal customers...Read more
Green Meetings and Conferences
Does your hotel offer meeting and/or conference space? Have you noticed a trend in the RFP’s you receive from groups, asking about your “green” or “sustainable” initiatives? All signs are pointing in the direction of a widespread increase in this trend...Read more
EGG DAY!!!
Join the Culinary Equipment Company to learn how to cook the perfect egg. June 16th 2010... Read More
Universal buys BCE to expand exports to Africa
JSE-listed Universal Industries yesterday announced its acquisition of catering equipment supplier BCE for R224,5m. The purchase is intended to allow Universal to focus on exports and give the company exposure to African markets...Read more
Grindrod Bank claims hotels are a risky bet now
There was significant over-capacity in hotels and those looking into investing in the hospitality industry should wait 18 months to two years until the sector had balanced out, Grindrod Bank chief investment officer Ian Anderson said on Friday...Read more
Hotel Probing Theft From Greek Players
Southern Sun Hotels is investigating "an allegation" that cash was stolen from the hotel rooms of Greece's national soccer squad in Durban, a company spokeswoman said on Thursday...Read More
Health Experts criticise World Cup fast food sponsorships
It stars some of the fittest athletes on the planet but health experts say the World Cup's positive lifestyle message is undermined by the choice of junk food giants to sponsor the tournament...Read more
Official hospitality programme launched for South Africa
"It is great to see that t