They had a lot of money and were able to open 40+ outlets in 5 years (incl Covid ). The more you see them the more likely you'll go in...the Starbucks model of "one on every corner"
actually works.
Here we go. I was hoping someone said this.
I was also hoping to understand whether OP qualified their question. Something isn't necessarily "popular" because it's good, but because it's the winner picked by capital.
Why was Bootlegger picked? Now that's the interesting question. My guess is that Truth wanted a bigger cut! Lol
The family owns a HUGE flour mill in the overberg...the other partner is a well established restaurant owner in CT.
There was a lot of capital available for the venture (Truth most likely had nothing to do with any of it).
It feels like they pick really good, high traffic spots. That one at the aquarium literally serves gritty mud water, but they've got a cool kiddies play area in a great spot so they're always packed.
This.
Bootleggers is far more about real estate and "hipness" than quality of products
Just my own opinion, but they are overpriced and their operation is as soulless as an American chain restaurant
My disdain for Bootleggers is probably my most irrational opinion. Their proliferation, with what I think is quite a mediocre product, irks me to no end - especially because they often snap up the spaces previously inhabited by small business owners (Side Walk Cafe, Jason’s).
I know this shouldn’t matter to me - but I really can’t stand Bootleggers 😭
It’s the consistency. Food and coffee are great at everyone. They seemed to have nailed that.
Also preference. I think they make great coffee, and not a fan of Vida’s coffee. Would choose Bootlegger over Vida everyday.
It's a pretty shitty place to work, so the fact that they're always busy is pretty strange.
A lot of my friends worked there (all fresh out of hight school/students) and they all say pretty much the same thing. One of my friends was approached to ask around and see if anyone she knows needs a job, of course I was struggling and the job market is shit. I sent a message to the manager and got an interview at the one in town. So my friend and I decide to get lunch together after the interview, she comes with.
When we got there (at the agreed upon time, at 12) we're told that the manager doesn't come in for the morning shift, he's at the newer branch, supervising the building. I sent him a message asking him what time he will be with us, I get told he'll be there in an hour.
My friend and I agree to just have lunch. At 3 he eventually shows up, telling us all about the new place they're opening. After about 20 mins of chatting about the job (no mention of money, where I'll be working or anything of that sort, I assumed I'd be working at the one in town) he tells me to message him and he'll send the details, but I need to be at work at 8 on Saturday.
I sent him a message, but he never replied. I decided to drop it after talking to my family about it. Considering they have new hires in as fast as they're gone, I don't think I missed much.
Seattle Coffee Co has always been consistent, at least the branches I've visited. I think coffee taste is a preference, and so far, Seattle has been my best and then Deluxe. As for food, cape town is full of options so it's hard to compare who does it better
It's the hype and vibe, that's it. The coffee is not that great. But Cape Town is like that sometimes. During the craft beer surge there was also a beer that was very popular (can't remember the name now) and everyone went on about how great this beer was. It wasn't. It truly tasted horrible but it had a cool name, a nice bottle design and logo. So everyone just bought it. Vida coffee is okay, and their sandwiches are quite nice, but wow they are pricey.
It's the new and more affordable mugg and bean. You know what you're getting, prices aren't bad, and you can sit and work if needed. I loved down the road from the vredehoek bootleggers last year and spent many afternoons there doing some work.
Just a matter of taste. I like their coffee. I remember when they started here how happy I was about it. I've never had bad service or bad food their either, and it's a great spot for a breakfast meeting.
In comparison I went to another super trendy (super expensive) shop that was in the news a lot as being a top spot. I really thought the coffee there was tasteless. But enough other purple seemed to be enjoying it.
Origin is also really good.
Vida is tolerable.
Much like Seattle and Vida, it’s a ubiquitous coffee stop for people who prioritise the ambience over quality. It’s not bad, but overpriced. I think given the amount of options of coffee places in CPT, it probably shouldn’t be the first place to go for coffee. But as it literally is situated everywhere, it’ll remain popular
I think, as you suggest, that it's just your preference. I visit quite often, and enjoy the food menu. The coffee is not my favourite either but it's far from trash. As someone else said, the consistency I.E. you know what you're going to get when you go there, holds value. The only exception was that I have been to their Sea Point branch (I think it's the original one, not that that's relevant) and had 100% kak service (a number of separate visits), and from now on will always rather drive further than stop there. People like to hate on Bootleggers because they started independently and we're all cool and hipster, and then they franchised aka "sold out" whatever that means. So they're good businesspeople 🤷♂️
Cape Town locals are desperate to be taken seriously as first world citizens. It's my culture, I can call this part of it out. If you have the capital to provide that experience, you can serve them anything.
They usually make decent coffee for a chain, at the right temperature. That's why I like them on occasion. The food is hit or miss and some branches are better than others.
Vida on the other hand. I've given them so many chances. The only thing they do well is those mozzarella and chorizo croissants and the frittata things (at certain branches). Their coffee is truly horrendous.
Their coffee is nice. I buy the pods every now and then for ky machine and grounds for the office machine sometimes.
It is a bit bitter but the taste is very mild compared to the estrela from vida or the burnt ground from seattle coffee company. Most of my colleagues wont touch vida/seattle/ mug n bean coffee on the regular because it is often to strong whereas bootlegger they will happily sip all day long.
Milder taste means more appeal to more people.
Location..Location....Location. As mentioned in another reply, good spot choice.
Tokai and Bantry Bay are perfectly located where cyclists pass by. When getting off Tokai trails, Boot's is the first spot you pass.
That .....and their banana bread is THE BOMB!
I'm with you. It's not overly special, though I admit I've only gone to a couple of locations so it's a limited sample pool.
I got a cafe mocha from there a couple days ago and it was lukewarm 💔 Then I got a similar order from Starbucks and it tasted better and was hotter.
Bootleggers will do in a pinch, but it's nothing to write home about.
I've wondered this multiple times. The balance is just off along with Truth coffee that's sold at small cafes. I turn around and rather not have coffee.
Even though I think this was obviously written by their competitors. I must agree, my girlfriend and I have given up trying to enjoy it. It just slowly annoys us to spend money in places and leave feeling like it wasn't worth it. And that's not to say we boycott the place if they start doing thangs best believe I'd be the first to jump on that. But yeah it's a no from me +1.
Wasn’t there some sort of comedy skit about the bootleggers growth strategy just being add more stores wherever as fast as possible. Bit like the Starbucks model, place enough of them around and eventually people will wander in.
Seatle coffee is way better. I had breakfast at Bootleggers and was very disappointed in everything, coffee was bitter and tasteless and food was ice cold when it got to the table. Yuck.
Just like Starbucks, I'm not really a fan.
If you want a really good cup of coffee, and fantastic service that you won't soon forget, try Frisky Goat.
They are in Epping, (near Pinelands) and roast their coffee in house.
I was so chuffed when I found this little gem about a year back.
They had a lot of money and were able to open 40+ outlets in 5 years (incl Covid ). The more you see them the more likely you'll go in...the Starbucks model of "one on every corner" actually works.
Here we go. I was hoping someone said this. I was also hoping to understand whether OP qualified their question. Something isn't necessarily "popular" because it's good, but because it's the winner picked by capital. Why was Bootlegger picked? Now that's the interesting question. My guess is that Truth wanted a bigger cut! Lol
The family owns a HUGE flour mill in the overberg...the other partner is a well established restaurant owner in CT. There was a lot of capital available for the venture (Truth most likely had nothing to do with any of it).
It feels like they pick really good, high traffic spots. That one at the aquarium literally serves gritty mud water, but they've got a cool kiddies play area in a great spot so they're always packed.
This. Bootleggers is far more about real estate and "hipness" than quality of products Just my own opinion, but they are overpriced and their operation is as soulless as an American chain restaurant
Sad they took over Sidewalk Café in Vredehoek and Jason’s in town
They’ll be on Mars soon enough
No ways, that is devastating :( side walk cafe was amazing)
This is the biggest tragedy fr
I want to cry every time I see the Vredehoek one. It's so depressing
[удалено]
I refuse to support them with my money. How you could have turned Sidewalk Cafe in such a depressing place is beyond me
I like the strong, bitter coffee haha. Also the one in stellies make lekker breakfasts and toasties
From my experience their coffee isn't very strong at all.
My disdain for Bootleggers is probably my most irrational opinion. Their proliferation, with what I think is quite a mediocre product, irks me to no end - especially because they often snap up the spaces previously inhabited by small business owners (Side Walk Cafe, Jason’s). I know this shouldn’t matter to me - but I really can’t stand Bootleggers 😭
I LOVE their breakfasts
It’s the consistency. Food and coffee are great at everyone. They seemed to have nailed that. Also preference. I think they make great coffee, and not a fan of Vida’s coffee. Would choose Bootlegger over Vida everyday.
+1 Although on a good day I'd choose Seattle over even Bootlegger. I've also had some great coffee at Motherland. Vida is a last resort
Seattle is great! Issue is they only do coffee and snacks. More a take-away vibe.
Came here to vouch for Seattle as well!
Bootlegger coffee is kak
It's a pretty shitty place to work, so the fact that they're always busy is pretty strange. A lot of my friends worked there (all fresh out of hight school/students) and they all say pretty much the same thing. One of my friends was approached to ask around and see if anyone she knows needs a job, of course I was struggling and the job market is shit. I sent a message to the manager and got an interview at the one in town. So my friend and I decide to get lunch together after the interview, she comes with. When we got there (at the agreed upon time, at 12) we're told that the manager doesn't come in for the morning shift, he's at the newer branch, supervising the building. I sent him a message asking him what time he will be with us, I get told he'll be there in an hour. My friend and I agree to just have lunch. At 3 he eventually shows up, telling us all about the new place they're opening. After about 20 mins of chatting about the job (no mention of money, where I'll be working or anything of that sort, I assumed I'd be working at the one in town) he tells me to message him and he'll send the details, but I need to be at work at 8 on Saturday. I sent him a message, but he never replied. I decided to drop it after talking to my family about it. Considering they have new hires in as fast as they're gone, I don't think I missed much.
I like their coffee, but that's subjective. Also consistently good food.
Seattle Coffee Co has always been consistent, at least the branches I've visited. I think coffee taste is a preference, and so far, Seattle has been my best and then Deluxe. As for food, cape town is full of options so it's hard to compare who does it better
Every coffee I've ever had from Bootleggers tastes like acidic ditchwater, I avoid them at all costs.
Its only because they have two thousand locations in the metropole area.
It's the hype and vibe, that's it. The coffee is not that great. But Cape Town is like that sometimes. During the craft beer surge there was also a beer that was very popular (can't remember the name now) and everyone went on about how great this beer was. It wasn't. It truly tasted horrible but it had a cool name, a nice bottle design and logo. So everyone just bought it. Vida coffee is okay, and their sandwiches are quite nice, but wow they are pricey.
It's good (with enough sugar) but I wouldn't go out of my way to get one. I can't say that I've ever had a bad cup.
St James, observatory.. Selva, Claremont..
It's the new and more affordable mugg and bean. You know what you're getting, prices aren't bad, and you can sit and work if needed. I loved down the road from the vredehoek bootleggers last year and spent many afternoons there doing some work.
Their coffee is pretty kak. I much prefer Deluxe
Deluxe is crazy affordable for the quality
Just a matter of taste. I like their coffee. I remember when they started here how happy I was about it. I've never had bad service or bad food their either, and it's a great spot for a breakfast meeting. In comparison I went to another super trendy (super expensive) shop that was in the news a lot as being a top spot. I really thought the coffee there was tasteless. But enough other purple seemed to be enjoying it. Origin is also really good. Vida is tolerable.
Are you perhaps referring to Truth?
Possibly! Something like that.
Much like Seattle and Vida, it’s a ubiquitous coffee stop for people who prioritise the ambience over quality. It’s not bad, but overpriced. I think given the amount of options of coffee places in CPT, it probably shouldn’t be the first place to go for coffee. But as it literally is situated everywhere, it’ll remain popular
I think, as you suggest, that it's just your preference. I visit quite often, and enjoy the food menu. The coffee is not my favourite either but it's far from trash. As someone else said, the consistency I.E. you know what you're going to get when you go there, holds value. The only exception was that I have been to their Sea Point branch (I think it's the original one, not that that's relevant) and had 100% kak service (a number of separate visits), and from now on will always rather drive further than stop there. People like to hate on Bootleggers because they started independently and we're all cool and hipster, and then they franchised aka "sold out" whatever that means. So they're good businesspeople 🤷♂️
I like their build-a-breakfast thing. It's really hard to find restaurants that have more than 3 vegetarian options. I like their lattes too
Cape Town locals are desperate to be taken seriously as first world citizens. It's my culture, I can call this part of it out. If you have the capital to provide that experience, you can serve them anything.
I agree with you. Find their coffee very bitter and pricey. I think it's the vibe and the look of their stores
I do not enjoy bootlegger to be honest.
They usually make decent coffee for a chain, at the right temperature. That's why I like them on occasion. The food is hit or miss and some branches are better than others. Vida on the other hand. I've given them so many chances. The only thing they do well is those mozzarella and chorizo croissants and the frittata things (at certain branches). Their coffee is truly horrendous.
Their coffee is nice. I buy the pods every now and then for ky machine and grounds for the office machine sometimes. It is a bit bitter but the taste is very mild compared to the estrela from vida or the burnt ground from seattle coffee company. Most of my colleagues wont touch vida/seattle/ mug n bean coffee on the regular because it is often to strong whereas bootlegger they will happily sip all day long. Milder taste means more appeal to more people.
Beats me, it's horrible
Location..Location....Location. As mentioned in another reply, good spot choice. Tokai and Bantry Bay are perfectly located where cyclists pass by. When getting off Tokai trails, Boot's is the first spot you pass. That .....and their banana bread is THE BOMB!
They are over-rated. I'd rather go to a decent Vida.
I'm with you. It's not overly special, though I admit I've only gone to a couple of locations so it's a limited sample pool. I got a cafe mocha from there a couple days ago and it was lukewarm 💔 Then I got a similar order from Starbucks and it tasted better and was hotter. Bootleggers will do in a pinch, but it's nothing to write home about.
I've wondered this multiple times. The balance is just off along with Truth coffee that's sold at small cafes. I turn around and rather not have coffee.
I don't drink coffee, I just like the food, but not more than Mug and Bean or other similar places though...
The one in Kalk Bay is almost always empty. The hype has died down except for a few locations.
Simple Bru coffee is next level! If you want good coffee then check them out!
Even though I think this was obviously written by their competitors. I must agree, my girlfriend and I have given up trying to enjoy it. It just slowly annoys us to spend money in places and leave feeling like it wasn't worth it. And that's not to say we boycott the place if they start doing thangs best believe I'd be the first to jump on that. But yeah it's a no from me +1.
Wasn’t there some sort of comedy skit about the bootleggers growth strategy just being add more stores wherever as fast as possible. Bit like the Starbucks model, place enough of them around and eventually people will wander in.
Their coffee is genuinely good
Seatle coffee is way better. I had breakfast at Bootleggers and was very disappointed in everything, coffee was bitter and tasteless and food was ice cold when it got to the table. Yuck.
Just like Starbucks, I'm not really a fan. If you want a really good cup of coffee, and fantastic service that you won't soon forget, try Frisky Goat. They are in Epping, (near Pinelands) and roast their coffee in house. I was so chuffed when I found this little gem about a year back.