Umhlanga, KZN – June 2024: Brown Sugar Oceans, KZN’s illustrious high-end and hybrid lifestyle restaurant, proudly marks one year of its successful journey in the realms of business, fine dining, exceptional hospitality, and entertainment. Since its grand opening in June 2023, Brown Sugar Oceans has rapidly become KZN’s ultimate destination for opulent dining experiences curated by michelin-star deserving chefs and offering visually stunning spaces.
Nestled in the heart of Umhlanga at Oceans Mall, Brown Sugar Oceans offers a diverse and exquisite menu that blends international cuisine with local flavors. From a Japanese menu featuring delectable noodles and dumplings to gourmet burgers and classic Shisanyama, the Isithebe platter elevates the beloved township taste. Dinner offerings include succulent steaks, fresh salmon, and much more, showcasing a sophisticated culinary experience for the esteemed ‘Sugar People’.
Expansion into KZN
Nkululeko Linda Maseko, the visionary behind Brown Sugar Oceans, shares his deep-rooted connection to KZN: “I’ve always loved the city, with nostalgic memories from early childhood. KZN and Durban became places I could run to, and I wanted something to call my own here. It was also a fresh start, a new place to begin again.”
Employment and Training
Brown Sugar Oceans employs over 65 individuals, predominantly youth, committed to hospitality and service excellence. Regular training sessions are held twice a month to ensure our team remains top-notch. “We focus on training extensively, given the fine-dining sector’s historical demographics. This means weekly training on hospitality psychology, customer service, food service, upselling, and brand education, which gives us a competitive edge,” Maseko explains.
Aesthetic and Collaborative Spaces
Brown Sugar Oceans features a sophisticated dining hall and private meeting spaces such as the wine cellar and the ‘Maxhosa’ lounge, a result of a collaboration with Laduma Ngxokolo, founder of Maxhosa. The space also showcases captivating paintings by Fatwani Mochelli and includes a vibrant lifestyle area where DJs and other musicians are hosted – ensuring a perfect blend of business and leisure.
Commitment to Safety and Five-Star Hospitality
In an effort to boost the local economy and redefine hospitality, Brown Sugar Oceans prioritizes the safety and comfort of all its guests, including DJs, artists, and musicians. From airport pickups in luxury vehicles to showcasing 5-star accommodations, the establishment demonstrates respect and appreciation for their talents. This is particularly important for the beloved new venue, as it strives to change the negative perceptions of KZN, addressing concerns about crime rates, the aftermath of floods, and periods of unrest.
Entertainment and Diverse Musical Pallets
The music direction at Brown Sugar Oceans is inspired by Maseko’s extensive musical background, blending nostalgic tunes with current trends. Events like Sugar People Unplugged and Sugar People in Concert honor legendary artists like TKZee, Mandisi Gantyis, and Mbuso Khoza, creating a nostalgic and emotionally resonant experience. Brown Sugar Oceans caters to a younger audience, showcasing the latest music trends from South Africa and beyond. The venue has hosted prominent artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Oscar Mbo, Dbn Gogo, KO, Zee Nxumalo, among others.
CSI Initiative
To celebrate its one-year anniversary, Brown Sugar Oceans is collaborating with the Qadi Foundation to enhance and renovate the establishment of young entrepreneur Linda Majola, owner of Humble Cafe. The unveiling is scheduled for July 2024. Majola will receive upgraded furniture, a renovated kitchen, and aesthetic improvements, as well as training from Brown Sugar Oceans’ 5-star chefs to expand the menu offerings.
