A NEW "coffee route" modelled on the concept of a loyalty programme is to be launched in a suburb that many people may not automatically associate with coffee: Hilton.
"People think we have only one of everything in Hilton. They have no idea that there are eight coffee shops," said Vince Wessels (22), an estate agent at Harcourts Hilton and the inspiration behind the new initiative. Named "the Harcourts Hilton Route" the initiative will entitle holders of a "coffee card" to a special deal at one of the participating coffee shops. These are: Hydrangea House in Winterskloof, Dulce, Jaxx and Lindsay's at the Hilton Quarry Centre, La Popote on Dennis Shepstone Drive, Nicolson's at Garlington, Sticky Fig at the Rotunda, Tasha's Fudge and Old Main Brewery (previously Crossways). Deals include a deduction off the cost of a meal, or a free coffee or cappuccino with a meal.
Andrew Line, owner of Harcourts Hilton, explained that he has lived in Hilton for 30 years and Wessels (22) is Hilton born and bred, and a product of Howick High. "We are passionate about living here, so the coffee route is designed to promote Hilton and encourage people to appreciate the lifestyle it offers. It really is unique, offering the sophistication of the café culture in a semi-rural, luxuriously gardened village setting. We hope that the Coffee Route will promote Hilton and attract more people to come and settle here," Line said.
Mark Heinrich, owner of Jaxx said: "Harcourts Hilton is very proactive in the area so we are very pleased to be involved with them. This is a great initiative for us, which we expect to bring new feet through the door. It is also great for the area's food outlets to be co-operating in a joint venture of this nature instead of always being involved in fierce competition." Jaxx is offering 15% off breakfast or lunch.
Lesley Strachan of La Popote said: "I think this is a fantastic initiative and a great way to introduce people to the restaurant. We function purely by word of mouth so this is a wonderful new way to make people aware of us." La Popote is offering free cake with a coffee. Lindsay's is offering a free cappuccino with breakfast and owner Lindsay Rose said: "I am happy to support this as it is a home-grown initiative involving local businesses."
One outlet that many people may not associate with coffee is Tasha's Fantastic Fudge at the Jacaranda Centre. Fudge fanatics can enjoy a free fudgescotti (a biscotti with fudge) with a cup of good coffee as Tasha's serves cappuccinos and filter coffee.
The Harcourts Hilton Route will be launched on Saturday September 1 at the Old Main Brewery's Spring Fair, a family market and fun day. Coffee cards will be available at the Harcourts stall.
Pictured here above, Andrew Line, owner of Harcourts Hilton prepares to welcome people to the Harcourts Hilton Coffee Route being launched on Saturday September 1.
For more information contact: Andrew Line, Harcourts Hilton 033 343-3345
News and photo supplied by Julia Denny-Dimitriou on August 23, 2012.