Capello finally launches

After opening its doors in April this year, Capello restaurant in Bloemfontein will finally have its much anticipated launch next week Thursday, which will run right up to Sunday. Big names in the South African music industry, including local artists are expected to grace the event and rock revellers at the launch.

This was confirmed this week by, one of the new owners, Thembeni Skully Nxangisa, who said the launch will start on Thursday and end on Sunday with main artists scheduled to perform on Thursday (the main day of the launch) and Sunday.

Nxangisa said the response since the opening in April has been overwhelming and as promised, the launch had to be done. “The time is right and the response has been awesome since we opened our doors.”

Some of the big names expected to grace the event are legendary DJ Christos and Anga “NaakmusiQ” Makubalo popularly known for featuring on major South African hits including Call out by DJ Fisherman, Yini by Heavy K and What’s Your Name by Dj Sbu. Local DJ’s expected to serenade revellers include Stone Cande, Glenstar, Leiks, Hunters and Dj S’fate.

No cover charge will be paid throughout the launch. “We want our people to have the best of fun for three consecutive days,” he added.

Although the franchise has been around since 2001, the Bloemfontein branch which opened in 2012 has failed to live up to expectations, having been under three different managements since then.

However, the new management says it has a viable plan in place and acknowledges the challenges that come with running a lucrative business like Capello.

Originally developed as a coffee shop, Capello is now a cocktail café and a rather swanky one at that. The attractive décor and stylish interior finishing are indicative of an upmarket venue.

He could not be drawn into divulging these longevity plans, insisting he was not preoccupied about shortfalls of the previous managements but they would be putting in place a vision which has been crafted over the years.

“We’ve worked on our plan for quite some time now and identified the underperformance areas. So we’re more than aware of what we want to achieve with the place. Our objective is to create a comfortable environment where patrons can have fun with their loved ones. ”

Nxangisa added that he was not bothered by the potentially stiff competition 2nd Avenue, boldly proclaiming that he was not an amateur in the entertainment industry. “Competition is good for business. It keeps everyone involved on their feet. But it’s equally important to note that we’re not amateurs in this industry; we are bringing vast experience and more.”