SANParks in dispute with Kruger Restaurant operator

[Flutterby]

Ja RP, someone posted that their whole family was violently ill after eating at Satara.

[Dzombo]

The thing that I find "amusing" is that when this restaurant chain was opened in the KNP, everyone was up in arms about it not being in keeping with the atmosphere of the bush etc.
Now that they are no longer operating, there are complaints and an outcry.

From my own experience, I ate at 2 on my last trip in November 2016
The food was good, and staff helpful and friendly.
IMO it's a shame they are having problems.

[RobertT]

Agreed Dzombo, I was quite happy about the change. Prior to them it was hit and miss. With the franchise you can normally expect a certain standard for them to keep franchise license. From what I have read, I think the owner of franchise may not be the astutest business person and got into financial problems, so they start cutting corners. Apparently this is not his first business that has gone belly up, staff not being paid etc.

[Richprins]

I disagree, Dzombs. I was/am against branded restaurants because of the disturbance in ethos of the Park, money and jobs leaving the Lowveld, an admission of incapability to run restaurants by Kruger, the enforcement of ultimately failing BEE companies for political reasons, the potential encroachment of labour action regarding private companies vs state employees, added traffic with franchise vehicles entering, with more security risks and the inflation of prices due to a third party party entering the equation, profit driven vs the old "break even" principle just to provide a service to as many guests as possible.

[Flutterby]

Like Peggy, I don't understand how he is still allowed to operate these restaurants.

[Richprins]

He is ex-owner of a Polokwane soccer team, which he also ran into the ground...

The dispute story is getting more confusing now...basically everyone is in dispute with everyone!

[RobertT]

From what I am understanding part of the contract was that he is supposed to be part of a franchise. Hence Sanparks dispute with him as he has lost his franchise. This will probably take time through courts and in meanwhile service and quality will be compromised.

[H. erectus]

Oh goodness, after much debate and trial and tribulation,.
basically the curator fluffed again!! Why did they do so, well
just maybe 'cause they feel super imposed like flies on a would
be carrier, a dying carcass!!

[Richprins]

SANParks should sue these guys for violation of contract...very simple?

Instead of doing emergency kitchens at taxpayers' expense. It makes no sense, and raises questions regarding tenders etc.

[Bushcraft]

and raises questions regarding tenders etc.

Yip, I think that's the big question. Look at the credentials, is this a guy who should be running a restaurant franchise I suppose it's not that difficult