By Khaya Ndaba
The Hotdog Shack is one of the hottest locally owned fast food joints in Tsakane on the East Rand. It is no surprise, then, that it recently won the “Best Kasi Restaurant” award at the Cradle Farm Food Festival in Krugersdorp.
The business was established in 2017 in a shack by former pharmacist, Sibusiso “Sibs” Nkwashu, 33, in Noga Street, Tsakane in Brakpan.
The Hotdog Shack has turned itself into something of a cultural hotspot in Tsakane. Providing more than just food, it offers an experience that includes musical performances and even pop-up events.
“I was a pharmacist for Clicks before I quit my job in 2016,” Nkwashu told Scrolla.Africa.
“I had to find other means to get money. I started with a T-shirt brand that failed, then an event business which also failed, but when I tried my hand at cooking for others it was an instant hit!”
Nkwashu said he got his cooking skills from his mother, who also owned a food business. The money she made got him through school and helped her build their family home.
The menu at the Shack consists of gourmet burgers, hotdogs, kotas, bunny chows and fish and chips.
The joint has partnerships with local beverage manufacturers like Gologo, Tolokazi and 40/40 to advertise and market to their customers.
The “Best Kasi Restaurant” award consisted of a full set of kitchen utensils, a gas stove, and pots and pans, as well as a cash prize.
Nkwashu said the prize helped him to set up a second branch of Hotdog Shack in a new location, Tsakane. He hopes that one day he will rival giants like McDonald’s and Burger King.
Pictured above: Sibs Nkwashu with some of his meals
Image source: Supplied
