MO’S SETS NEW TABLE

Relocates to Fairscape Precinct

It has been a couple of weeks since Mo’s Open Table moved to a new location. The restaurant is continuing with its principle of offering their diverse clients the ultimate guest experience.

The story of how or why Mo’s Open Table suddenly upped, and packed to their current location is something that the management and owners do not wish to dwell on. Many have tried to hint on social media, at what might possibly have influenced the move, but they are not about all that negative energy, as they are set on the direction that they are taking. Instead they are focusing their energy on building a solid brand, that will continue to break barriers in terms of the restaurant business. Mo’s is the concept and brainchild of Moses and

Mohumi Modise. Now housed at the prime location of Fairscape Precinct, owned by the Botswana Development Corporation ( BDC) in Fairgrounds, clients are rest assured that they will still get the same top notch service, and scrumptious food that they were served at the old location, in Tsholofelo Park. Now comfortable at their new home, their old clients have literally moved with them, and are now serving both the returning and new clients. One thing that many had been worried about was whether they were still the target market, and they have been assured that they are still as relevant and big part of the Mo’s Open Table. On Monday this week, < b style=””> Style caught up with the management of Mo’s for a conversation about the relocation and what to expect from them. One thing that they have kept is both the indoor and outdoor seating. According to the Brand Consultant, Sam Masholoko, they officially opened at Fairscape

Precinct in the last week of June. He said that their business model has been formulated on Moses’ twenty- five years of experience in the Hospitality industry. Moses has given birth and worked at some of Gaborone’s top restaurants. He has amassed a wealth of knowledge in the Hospitality industry. “He is very good with people, and food. Ninety percent of the people in the industry were trained or associated to him one way or the other. They have experienced his touch,” he said. He further emphasised that they still remain committed to offering the ultimate guest experience. He also admits that there is shift in their target market in that they have come straight to the backdoor of corporate who are in Fairgrounds, and that while they now have new customers, their old customers still remain loyal and committed to what the brand stands for. “Batswana are receiving us well. It is scary and overwhelming,” he said.

He also shared that clients in the new location were more into breakfast, and that this was something that they were giving them, serving them an array of breakfast dishes on the menu. Besides the breakfast dishes, they have added some exciting additions on the menu that includes vegetables and vegetarian dishes as well as gluten free dishes. One of the dishes that they have previously served and will be making a return is the Okavango Bream. “We want to celebrate what we have right here at home. And one of our prominent dishes is the Madombi and Oxtail,” said Masholoko adding that their clients still appreciated a good plate of Mokwetjepe. He also says that from their first opening in early December, they have grown in terms of experience. He also says that their strategy, after they accepted their initial hurdle has been to focus on their biggest asset which is their close to fifty employees. “As young Batswana and a start- up company for that matter, we have put the experience behind us. Our priority has always been paying our staff who are more like family, their salaries, and you will be happy to know that even with the relocation, they have never missed one- month salary,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also said that beyond the food, they wanted to offer clients the right ambience and entertainment.

Strategy & Corporate Affairs Head for BDC, Boitshwarelo Lebang, explained that as BDC they were happy to have housed Mo’s Open Table on their premises. She said that this comes as a necessary addition to complete the ambience of the Fairscape Precinct, which has transformed Gaborone’s skyline. Furthermore, she said that it is a reiteration of their commitment to supporting local businesses.

“We remain steadfast in creating a business environment that will facilitate the growth of the private sector, diversify the economy and also create much needed employment.”