from FUTHI MBHELE in Durban
KwaZulu Natal Bureau
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – THE official opening of a Capello restaurant in the South Coast is another step in the recovery of the hospitality sector in the region.
It is also a major boost to employment creation.
Cappello already employed six managers, 12 kitchen staff, four barmen and women, 21 waiters, three security staff, two drivers and eight part-time workers who serve on weekends.
This employment benefits more than 50 local families, many of whom were devastated by the COVID-19-related economic slump.
Among the employees is Acting General Manager, Mpilo Shusha.
“We aren’t very different from the other places in the South Coast but I can actually say we borrow and have combined all the styles with a touch of class to one,” he said.
“The classy and elegance of Cappello South Coast are second to none and the cosmetic appeal is far greater than of any other restaurant in the South Coast,” Shusha added.
The restaurant offers Italian cuisine with a flair of South African flavour.
“The response we get from people is great, they have welcomed us with open arms. It’s always amazing to hear customers saying they’ve been waiting for a Cappello at the coast. We’ve never doubted that Cappello would touch and relate to the hearts of many locals,” Shusha said.
The opening of Capello is an emotional chapter for him.
“I didn’t have much growing up and couldn’t afford to go to varsity but I always loved the food industry and knew I wanted to work there.”
Shusha, from Gamalakhe, for the past seven months, he was unemployed.
“So, when I saw the position for Cappello, I immediately applied,” he said.
While the restaurant has been operational since June, the past weekend marked its official opening, at South Coast Mall in Shelly Beach.
“This was our grand opening, a weekend of glitz and glamour. It’s been going really well. It’s hard work but well worth it,” the manager said.
Cappello is also engaging with suppliers on the South Coast for a steady supply of products, including meat and vegetables, baked goods, gas and other needs.
The disc jockeys that perform at the restaurant are mostly local.
– CAJ News