Article by: Tian van Taak
In 2020 Langebaan became the home of a new restaurant family. Restaurateur from Cape Town Marco Esteves brought a new vision to Langebaan. RocXi Beach, this beachfront style restaurant combines old favourites and inviting decor with new tantalising food sensations.
Heading his team in Langebaan is Yonda Kaplan, a trusted employee for the last 7 years and our cover girl for this month. Both Yonda and Marco are true entrepreneurial success stories starting in the lower ranks and building up their careers with hard work and passion for the industry.
When asked if it was easy for this young woman to leave her life in Cape Town behind to establish herself in Langebaan, she replied that the time was right. Was it hard work? Yes. Did Covid have an influence? Yes, there were times that the construction and even service stopped completely due to the pandemic. Yonda explained that Marco and his partner Wollie, insisted that during times of lockdown full salaries were to be paid and staff could get daily lunches even while the restaurant was closed.
Times were hard but we used this as an opportunity to keep training and fine tune communication to ensure that when we return to work we were a better, more efficient restaurant. These “Vibe Meetings” give all employees time to express themselves and learn better methods of service and still happens every Monday.
Yonda is now a fully-fledged West Coast girl now (weskus meisie). The locals have opened up to me and the restaurant. The fact that we are here to celebrate big moments like birthdays and wedding proposals with our guests make this not just a restaurant but a community institution.
Yonda has big dreams for 2022, not only for herself and RocXi Beach, but for the whole West Coast, its people and small businesses. Trust in your product, believe in your clients and their commitment to keep the local economy at its best.
When speaking to this young woman and seeing her drive and determination it can only inspire other individuals and business to reach success. We were honoured to join RocXi Beach in our new beginnings issue. We want to wish all our patrons success in 2022 and hope they feel as inspired as we do to keep it local and bring prosperity to the community and the economy.
RocXi Beach, a way of life, a way to reach success!