Grill O brings home five awards
The local business from Springs brought home five awards from this year's Best of Ekurhuleni Readers' Choice competition.
In good and bad times, few things bring us comfort other than good food and family. That must have been the sentiment of everyone who voted for the Grill O Steakery and Diner during the Best of Ekurhuleni Readers’ Choice competition.
Commonly referred to as Grillo, the family-owned business situated at Springs Gate has proven to be the go-to place for those who want to connect over delicious food and a warm atmosphere.
The beloved restaurant bagged five awards, leaving a trail of dust in its competitors’ wake. Business owners Hennie (55) and Lara Oelofse (55) are thrilled with their achievement.
The couple who are proud parents of three children and hail from Petersfield Extension say they were surprised with their win.
“We were blown away! We were hoping for one award, so hearing we received five was a huge surprise,” exclaimed Hennie.
When asked about their journey to becoming restauranteurs, Hennie said their love for food and serving people started at a young age.
“We both studied teaching and started working as waiters while at university. After a short stint at teaching, I was offered an opportunity to become general manager of the Mike’s Kitchen in Edenglen and Lara joined me soon after,” he explained.
The couple then acquired their first franchise and owned three stores.
“In 1999 I bought into the Mike’s Kitchen franchise head office and became the operations and development director.
“In 2009 we took over the Mike’s Kitchen Springs and opened the Mike’s Kitchen Lambton. After selling the Lambton branch in 2011, we put all our energy into the Springs branch.
“The Mike’s Kitchen brand went through a difficult time and was sold, which made us decide to launch our own branded restaurant in 2019. The ‘O’ in Grill O refers to our surname Oelofse,” he adds.
Hennie said being a restauranteur comes with dealing with every possible aspect of the business.
“Be it customer service, training, marketing, human resources, development, operations, or procurement, we are in the entertainment business.
“It’s not just about good food, but also to make people feel good. That is what we strive for and to see happy customers and staff is what makes it great,” he said.
Hennie said that the secret to a successful business is learning from one’s mistakes.
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“Being hands-on, strong discipline and training, training and more training. You need to surround yourself with the right management team and staff. The team is the strength of the business.”
He also said they know what the community likes and wants.
“All we strive to achieve is to fulfil our customer’s needs and expectations. Furthermore, everything we serve is handmade and freshly prepared in our kitchen,” he beams with pride.
Hennie added that their success stems from being a strong family.
“We strongly believe that a big part of our success also lies in working as a husband-and-wife team, each one having specific strengths and responsibilities. We have been married 33 years and have always worked together as a strong unit.”
When they aren’t running their award-winning business, Hennie and Lara are at home with their children.
“Our children have always been our priority. Having a great management team headed by Eddie Coetzee our GM has allowed us enough opportunity to spend quality time with our family.”
Hennie said they would love to be remembered for making a positive difference in people’s lives and contributing to the community.
“We strive to create a great experience and happy memories for our guests while enjoying good quality food at affordable prices.”
Having heard of Best of Ekurhuleni on social media, the couple gave thanks to all those who contributed to their win.
“We are so grateful to our Springs community for the incredible support. We are proudly Springs.”
Caxton’s project manager for the competition, Norman Dawe, says that it’s a fantastic win for a local Springs business.
“To achieve five wins within the Best of Ekurhuleni Readers’ Choice competition this year means they are doing everything right.
“They are the best of the best and the readers decided that they will shout out and vote for them. Their passion oozes and this can be seen.
“A massive congratulations to Hennie, Lara and the team of Grill O Steakery & Diner,” praised Norman.
Hennie said they will continue to fulfil their customers’ needs and exceed their expectations.
“In the current economic climate, it’s important that we all stay positive and focused. There’s no time to relax and get comfortable. Competition is tough, and we have to stay on top of our game by constantly re-inventing ourselves and the business.”
