Jono Dempster
Owner of Chunky’s Burger Company
- Tell us a bit about yourself and your restaurant.
Howzit. My name is Jono Dempster (aka Chunky) which is what everyone calls me. Durban boy educated right here at DHS, after which I did a degree in Fine Arts at Natal Technikon. Chunky’s Burger Co is a concept that was born out of the challenges presented by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns as a way to take advantage of restrictions on dine-in service as a way to focus on takeaways. What started as a dark kitchen ( only takeaways with no dining areas or customer seating) has evolved into its own store in Glenashley. The idea was to create a small awesome space which not only made great chow but also had an awesome brand culture which for me is so important.
- What experience do you have in the restaurant industry, and what initially sparked your interest in this type of career?
So I started work as a waiter at a small Mexican spot called El Bandido at 17. From there I worked my first bartending job at The Monkey Bar on Florida Road before moving across to the Durban legend that was Billy The Bums on Windermere Road. I worked as a bartender for a couple of years before taking on a management role and then eventually buying a stake in the business until we sold in 2014 some 12 years later.
- How does your own personality/brand shape the style of your food and the atmosphere in your restaurant?
Well, I like to keep things relaxed and casual and to be honest do not take myself that seriously most of the time. I really just like to be around cool people and make some great burgers while doing that. If we can provide an awesome dynamic and culture at a store level, it will always transfer to the customer.
- Are there any chefs or restaurateurs who inspire or have inspired your work?
So in this game, you are always learning and as a result, you will draw inspiration from many people who you meet and work with. If I had to mention names it would have to be Derryck Myers and Alan Laz as well as the other partners from my time at Billy’s and Guy Cluver who owns Bellvue Café and co-founded the Lupa brand. Each of these guys (as well as a few others) has added to my development over the years, which has set the framework for how I operate today.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chunkysburgerco/?hl=en
Sandesh Rampersad
Owner of Roti & Chai
- Tell us a bit about yourself and your restaurant.
I am a father of two teenage daughters and a passionate animal lover, having rescued a few flurry furball Persians. My professional endeavours revolve around a demanding schedule that encompasses the roles of a dedicated father, a successful restaurateur, a culinary entrepreneur, and a spice mixologist. I am the proud custodian of the renowned Roti & Chai brand, which boasts three branches and a fully equipped tandoor on wheels food truck. Our culinary expertise lies in the realm of Indian street food, complemented by an enticing array of aromatic chai flavours.
- What experience do you have in the restaurant industry, and what initially sparked your interest in this type of career?
I lack formal culinary training or hospitality experience, and I previously lacked basic cooking skills. However, after a tumultuous and challenging period in my life, which resulted in the loss of most of my possessions and employment, I found myself in a state of homelessness and unemployment. In order to generate income, I improvised and experienced a profound spiritual moment that inspired me to create something special for my children to enjoy, as dining out was no longer an affordable option. This marked the beginning of our culinary journey.
- Can you share a defining moment in your career that solidified your decision to pursue a path in the restaurant industry?
We had set up a temporary Gazebo to sell our Tandoori Chicken Naan wrap at the Durban Street Food Festival. A customer purchased our wrap and after the first bite, exclaimed with great enthusiasm that it was the most delectable culinary experience they had ever encountered. This positive feedback has been echoed by numerous customers since, fueling our determination to expand our business and share our exceptional product with a wider audience.
- Are there any chefs or restaurateurs who inspire or have inspired your work?
Remy, the protagonist of Disney/Pixar’s animated film Ratatouille, exemplifies the notion that anyone can achieve culinary greatness. Drawing inspiration from my late grandmother and mother, I have developed a deep passion for cooking. Furthermore, I greatly admire the pioneers of the American fast-food industry, as well as the success of local restaurants such as Spur and Steers. Today, we operate side by side and are even neighbours at the Suncoast location.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roti_and_chai/?hl=en
Words: Kai Coates