Management of Bridge Butchery in Randfontein’s CBD, which reached their 60-year milestone in March, provide more than just a piece of meat; they’ve been boosting the local economy.
Between equipping their employees with sustainable industrial skills and giving back to the needy, the business also prides itself in being part of the town’s history.
Business owner and manager Agostinho Bernado Pereira, whom customers and residents affectionately know as Augie, took over the family business from his father, Agostinho Bernado Pereira.
Augie said when this legacy was started in 1962, he was merely a toddler, and had been at the helm of the enterprise since 1989.
In an exclusive interview with the Herald, Augie, 63, proudly said the business remained a success, all thanks to their loyal customers of many years.
Going down memory lane, Augie said his father decided to venture into the meat market from his initial fresh-produce enterprise, which was in Randfontein as well.
My father was one of the first Portuguese people in the then Transvaal region to have bought a meat business as most were selling vegetables and had cafes at the time,” Augie said.
Their first store was opposite Hoërskool Riebeeckrand and in 1982 it was relocated to the Randfontein CBD where it remained until today.
In the early 80s, the business was the Pereira family’s bread and butter, and all five family members were working tirelessly to keep it afloat. Augie said in order to survive, they’ve consistently applied their principles of quality, good service, pride and commitment.
Augie added that it is always important to interact with customers and be decent at all times.
“Quality is what has kept us going all these years. I believe people should know that money has no colour, creed or religion, and whoever has the money is your boss, and you have to treat them decently.”
With five staff members in its employ, Augie said the business prides itself in not only creating employment, but transferring essential industrial skills to its workers to pursue careers in bigger companies, or even establish their own businesses as they progress.
We teach them the intricacies of finances and managing the business in general. They specialise in certain areas, but we make sure they get some insight into a little of everything so that they are able to fill in for each other.”
He said while many businesses were affected by Covid-19 restrictions, the instability of the current economy wasn’t making life easy for any business owner, especially considering the high electricity tariffs, the constant increase of fuel prices, and municipal bills.
“We’re blessed to have such loyal customers, and it’s because of them that we’ve been in the game for six decades.
“I’d like to thank my staff members and family for their hard work and for keeping us going for so long; you’ve made it a big success. Thank you!” Augie said.
