01 Jul 2021

Two heads are always better than one. 

This old time saying turned cliché has been given the kiss of life by Mr Katlego Sebereko and Ms Matilda George, aged 24 and 40 respectively. 

The two enterprising lovebirds have opened Pergola Kitchen, an eatery nestled between A1 and Tshwene Drive, a stone throw away from Bokoe Shopping Complex in Somerset West location in Francistown. 

The quest to fend off the hard knocks of unemployment occasioned by COVID-19 is what forced the duo to forge an alliance and hussle through life. 

Pergola Kitchen derives its name from the plank material it is made of. 

Until April 1 this year, the couple was out of work and this did not douse the flames within their bellies to navigate through life and make their dream of self-employment a reality. Selling food came as the natural choice to the budding business duo. 

Although Ms George has never been exposed to a restaurant environment, her partner, Mr Sebereko possesses a lot of experience in the field, having worked in eateries before. 

In a dog eat dog business environment, where customer base is important, Pergola has moved with speed to introduce home delivery to customers staying within a 300 metres-radius from the kitchen. 

“Other than having limited space and being able to accommodate only six people at a time in our kitchen, we have introduced free home delivery service to customers staying within the 300 metres- radius from the eatery,” he said, adding that the food outlet now boasts of a sizeable number of customers who order from their work places. 

Pergola has thus carved out a niche for itself by delivering food at the work place of some of its customers who fret about the city’s traffic volumes during pick hours. 

Unique ambience provided by the eatery and the tasty dishes, especially traditional cuisine prepared at the restaurant seem to be winning the hearts of young city dwellers. 

Area councillor, Mr Gaseitse Mabotho, a Pergola regular, attested that besides supporting the enterprising couple, the tasty samp plate served at the eatery made him come back for more. 

“Let us make it our business to support these young people. We are experiencing tough economic challenges where employment opportunities are hard to come by,” he pleaded. 

Boikhutso ward councillor’s wish is to see Pergola preparing lunch for fellow councillors in a not-so-far distant a future. 

Mr Sebereko and Ms George, who have employed two young people, are all hands on as business growth remains their only pre-occupation. Ends