Interview with Colin Nyoni, Nyoni’s Kraal founder

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your tourism business?
I am Colin Nyoni, a restaurateur based in the Western Cape, Cape Town’s busy Long Street to be exact.

I run Nyoni’s Kraal. The restaurant offers seating capacity for 300 guests with main two restaurant areas, two smoking areas, a kiddie’s corner, entertainment area as well as a ladies bar and a shop.

On the lower level, guests will find the shebeen where they can quench their thirst with a wide selection of cocktails or the traditional quart.  The lower level restaurant is shaped like a traditional kraal with reed ceilings, stunning mosaic work and wall finishes resembling customary mud huts.

We have won numerous awards, including the 2008 Welcome Award in the restaurant category and Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year for 2008.

What were you doing before launching your tourism business and what inspired it?
I dabbled in various industries including fishing, freighting and even mechanics before getting a job at a butchery in Observatory.  This is where I gained my in-depth knowledge in meat produce and also where the interest in the restaurant business was sparked; with a grill stand at the butchery.

My hands-on management approach and irrevocable belief in exceptional quality produce and superb service planted the seed for opening my own restaurant that pays tribute to South Africa’s unique culinary heritage.

Colin Nyoni, Nyoni's Kraal founder

What is your educational background?
I studied Marketing Management through the IMM, and also studied BProc Law through Unisa however I did not finish either of these courses.

What three industry blogs do you read daily, to stay abreast of your sector?
I read a lot of industry newsletters such as Cape Business Newsletter, FEDHASA Newsletter, Cape Town Tourism Newsletter, South African Tourism Newsletter and Cape Chamber of Commerce News.

What does a press release mean to your business?
It means that much needed focus & attention will be drawn to the business translating into business opportunities.

Social media is the current buzz word, is your business active in that space?
Nyoni’s Kraal is currently active on Facebook and has a few video clips on YouTube.

What role does the annual Tourism Indaba play for your tourism business?
The Tourism Indaba is attended by the cream of the crop of the tourism industry, and it is for specifically this reason that it is so imperative that we attend. If one wants to be a successful tourism business, it is crucial that the Indaba is included in the annual marketing budget as a “MUST ATTEND EVENT.”

Does your tourism business belong to any professional trade organization?
We are a member of Cape Town Tourism.

What are your short and long term goals for your business?
My short term goals for the business is to improve on Nyoni’s Kraal entertainment, food and service; and increasing sales.

Part of the long term goals is expanding our marketing and advertising in the in/out-bound magazines, with select airlines/ hotels and to corporate companies, government, tour operators, travel agents and accommodation establishments to increase our customer base.

What are major challenges that are a stumbling block in growing your tourism business?
The financial strain that the business is under due to the downturn in the local and global economy is the biggest challenge we are facing at the moment.

What role does your website play in your business and are you happy with its current format?
The website provides information to people that are interested in knowing more about us, one can book through the website, and it also updates visitors on the daily and weekly activities in the business. Yes, I am happy with the website.

How do potential guests/clients reach your business?
By phone on 021 422 0529/0525, email me at info@nyoniskraal.co.za or if you are in the area visit us, our address is 98 Long Street, Cape Town.

For additional information visit the website http://www.nyoniskraal.co.za/

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