The average person consumes approximately 42.6 litres of coffee every year. According to the Insight Survey’s Coffee Industry Landscape report, the coffee market was valued at $460 billion in 2022. The University of the Western Cape (UWC) entered the industry in a novel way when it officially opened BrewDubs this week.
The coffee shop is located next to the new Faculty of Education building. It has already caused quite a stir amongst staff and students who have been queuing for a slice of the opening specials.
Sujit Bhagattjee, Director of the Business Development Office, explained that the store is a pilot for a programme of retail design store projects. BrewDubs is the brainchild of his predecessor, Irfaan Dalvie, who attended the launch on Friday, 10 February 2023. While the university devised the brand and built the store, it partnered with an entrepreneur, Paul Marais, to operate the business.
He explained that the capital expenditure is a “pitfall” for many entrepreneurs. UWC is dedicated to community upliftment which includes entrepreneurial growth. The university hopes to roll out BrewDubs stores at various locations of the University, including the likes of the Community and Health Sciences building in the Bellville CBD and the Dentistry Faculty at Mitchells Plain Melomed Hospital.
BrewDubs' 'landlord', Dean of Education
Rajendran Govender was its first customer
“So UWC, to some degree, will have a franchisor model… Who knows one day, when you are in Cavendish Square you might see a BrewDubs,” said Dalvie.
Elmien Cloete, who manages the university’s volleyball and women’s football codes, is excited about the new addition to campus.
“It is always nice to see the coffee shop vibe. Coffee keeps us going as staff and students, and the décor is great. It puts you in a good mood for the day,” said Cloete.
The coffee shop has three professional baristas – Thando Pungulwa, Busiswa Tyhulu and Kimon Truter.
“We are here to provide good service to you at this new beautiful store,” said Tyhulu.
The store, which operates from 7am to 5pm, Mondays to Friday – has a wide range of meals, confectionery and beverages. BrewDubs' baristas are Busiswa Tyhulu, Thando Pungulwa and Kimon Truter.Images by UWC Media Team
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Posted on
17 February 2023
Author
Nashira Davids (Institutional Advancement)
Departments
Faculty of Education
Keywords
BDO
BrewDubs
Business Development
Business Development Office
Busiswa Tyhulu
coffee
Elmien Cloete
FIOII
Irfaan Dalvie
Kimon Truter
Paul Marais
Sujit Bhagattjee
Thando Pungulwa
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