Words: Denise Mhlanga | Images: Supplied
Located above the popular Thava Indian Restaurant, Thava Venue opened its doors in October last year. The venue accommodates up to 200 people and hosts events including family functions, birthday parties, weddings and corporate functions. General manager Vibin Varghese tells us more.
How did your business start?
Thava Venue is an offshoot of Thava Indian Restaurant which opened its doors in Norwood in 2010. The gap in the market and requests from our regular patrons prompted the decision to open the venue. We also have food festivals once a month and the restaurant was too small to cater for the numbers and so it made sense to convert the upstairs space into a stand-alone venue with its own separate kitchen, bar and sound system.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
Norwood’s Grant Avenue is known for its eateries and we felt the Indian cuisine would be a good addition to the suburb.
How did you find your premises?
We own the premises. The original plan was to convert this space into a chefs’ academy. When this did not materialise, the venue was the next best plan.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
Thava is a well-known brand now, and having a venue affiliated with the restaurant makes it easy to market the space.
Who are your neighbours?
Graphic Image Technology and Applemint.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
Rentals range between R100/m2 and R150/m2.
How many people visit your business each day?
The venue takes between 150 and 200 people. However, we accommodate clients according to their requirements.
Do you have any expansion plans?
Our growth model is to have a similar setting, as it enables us to grow the Thava brand at the same time.
Do you operate online as well?
We have a website and potential clients can email their enquiries and visit the venue and decide on the decor, setup and menu.
What’s your most popular service?
Birthday parties, corporate functions and weddings.
For more information on Thava Venue, phone 011 728 2826/084 737 8776 or visit their website.
