The HeavyChef Project

Last night Rui Esteves (left), co-founder of CSG Portugal and Vida e Caffe, presented a Heavy Chef Session on ‘Building a Brand in South Africa‘. It was a great session, one of the best so far, and a huge thanks must go to Rui for sharing his adventures with us.

We loved the new venue. We managed to fit all the extras in comfortably (we had well over 70 people wanting to come). Eventually there were 40 attendants, but there was space for everyone.

We tried a new format for the evening. Everyone took a number upon arriving, then were selected to ask a question when that number was pulled from a hat. In the spirit of Heavy Chef though, we’ll try something different next time. Suggestions are welcome…

Big up to 24.com and to Perdeberg for sponsoring the event. The venue was awesome, and the wine sumptuous (I especially enjoyed the Perdeberg’s award-winning Chenin).

Thanks to all who attended, including the boys fom Yuppiechef.co.za, Nick from Uhuru, the crews from Encyclomedia and BrandSmith, Rob from FuelDesign, Eric from Springleap, Rob and Charl from BWC, Jason Bagley (finally, in the flesh), Brandon, JP and Thabiet, the guys from BNI, Jade and co. from Wired Communications, Helene from New Media Publishing, John from Capsicum Culinary Studio, Dave from Cape Venture Partners, and, of course, the team from World Wide Creative.

At the end of it, everyone left with a bottle of exquisite beer from Rui’s new venture which looks set to be massive. Chatting to people afterwards, the beer seems to be an instant favourite with those trying it for the first time. Personally, I’m a big fan of the darker labelled Marques, but could easily enjoy the other two (Gabriel pictured here, and Rafael, as drunk by the rat from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*) every other day.

p.s. everyone was asking for the videos that Rui spoke about (Rui explained how he attempted to use viral video waayyyy back in the early days of Vida, circa 2000, using basic Flash and his own voice-over skills). We’ve managed to get the videos from Rui, so we’ll be putting them up shortly.

*Just kidding. Bad joke, really…

Rui Esteves, co-founder of Vida e Caffe and CSG Portugal, is our speaker for the June Heavy Chef Session on the 25th next week. The topic is ‘Building a Brand in South Africa’.

Vida, as most marketers in Africa know, is one of the fastest growing franchises in South Africa. When the first branch opened in Kloof Rd in Cape Town, it raised the bar in terms of coffee appreciation down here in darkest Africa, and alerted people to a new kind of energy and passion in franchising. Rui has recently started a new venture, CSG Portugal, that is continuing the innovative streak. CSG is stretching Rui’s brand building expertise further afield as the new company is currently poised to take the European market by storm.

The Heayv Chef is pleased to continue its partnership with Play.24.com, and this month the venue is at the 24.com offices in Green Point. For our upcountry and international readers, Play.24.com is going to film the event and edit in their own inimitable way (view last month’s ‘Session here).

There are a smattering of seats available, so if you’re keen to chat to a world-class entrepreneur, phone Rowan at the World Wide Creative studio (0861 932226), or email Rowan at rowan [at] heavychef.com to book your seat.

• Location: 3rd floor, 24.com, Prestwich St, Green Point (map below)
• Time: Wednesday 25th June, 5:30pm - 7:30pm - get there at 5:15pm sharp!
• Cost: Free Rand, this month only.

See you next week!

The Heavy Chef Project blog is published in South Africa:

• We have one of the highest crime rates in the world
• We’re riddled with political instability
• There is a huge gap between rich and poor
• There are big issues with illegal immigration into the country
• The leadership has been constantly afflicted with controversies such as corruption, fraud, rape, coercion and stealing.
• We’re in the second decade of a brand new democracy, which, history tells us, is usually followed by a period of great struggle and opportunity.

There are many countries like South Africa that are in similar boats, but what amazes me is that we all look to first world countries to provide us with technological inspiration.

So, consider this: There is a country that has basically been at war for 60 years yet look at this (see image below). It’s a list of world class web start-ups that originate from Israel.

If a country with as much turmoil as Israel can make it happen, so can any country. It relies on individuals to believe in themselves and make it work, despite the odds.

This is otherwise known as entrepreneurship.