Stop vague vibes! Meet the man who guarantees coffee dates
Time to ditch your flake-y friends!
We’ve all got those friends who keep promising a coffee catch-up, only for months to pass without it happening. Then, at the next gathering, it’s the usual, fruitless: “We must grab a coffee sometime”. I’m fortunate to know a man who does not entertain any such empty promises, Mr Con Roux. We organise three or four breakfast-and-coffee meetings a year, and they are truly something to look forward to. Quality over quantity, and although not frequent, they are guaranteed. The world is busy, but with a CV longer than a Builder’s till slip, Mr Roux is somehow busier. Yet, Mr Roux makes the time and follows through; a proper gentleman.
In a straightforward, old-school, diary-type way, Mr Roux will say, “Let’s do breakfast soon”. We set a date and time, and it happens. No vague “I’ll message you when I’ve got a gap”. Reliability is a rare commodity in today’s world, so when you come across it, invest in it.
Con Roux’s schedule is hectic, a fact that will become readily apparent even after a brief encounter. Mr Roux mentions his various projects in passing; however, Mr Roux never declares pride in his positions, he is always just “part of the team”. He has served on school boards, supports Clean Projects, plays a key role in the vital work done at East Rand Palliative Care, runs his own business, and, in addition, Mr Roux holds several other board positions. Mr Roux is also a committed runner with Benoni Northerns, having completed sixteen Comrades Marathons. Further, Mr Roux finds the time to serve as an Honorary Ranger at Kruger National Park.
However, the position that Mr Roux values most is that of a loving husband, father, and proud grandfather.
Mr Roux jokes that our breakfasts are a helpful exercise in introducing him to new spots around Benoni. Afterwards, he takes his wife there, and it becomes one of her favourites too. Over the past year, I’ve suggested Jeany’s on Pretoria Road, Glow on O’Reilly Merry Street, and most recently, Crème Koffie Kafee at 37 Finch Street, Atlasville. Koffie Kafee is a solid new addition to the East Rand café scene, with straightforward, tasty meals, good coffee, and a clean, welcoming design. Mr Roux is confident that Mrs Roux will like it.
Good coffee brings out the best in friendships. I’m already looking forward to my next breakfast with Con Roux in 2026, catching up on our December stories. I’m sure we will diarise a date soon, the venue is to be confirmed.
