New owner, same ambiance
Ambiance Restaurant, famous for its tranquil setting and wide range of divine dishes, is under new ownership with Drienie Venter taking over this food haven.
POLOKWANE – Venter says she and her late husband, Deodat, ran a milk dairy until he passed away six years ago. She made the choice to buy and run a restaurant both to provide financial stability for her three children, MS, Johan and Dederé, and to indulge in her love of entertaining guests.
“I have always wanted to run my own business. When the previous owners, Jan and Daleen Curtin decided to sell the business, I jumped at the opportunity,” Venter explains.
She says she made friends with the Curtins through their church. “Nothing will change at Ambiance Restaurant, it’s just going to be under new ownership. I am truly excited about the prospect to serve people in the homely atmosphere of Ambiance. It is like a house to me, meaning I can serve my guests as if they were my house guests, a prospect I am greatly excited about.”
Venter says her mother, Roukie Diemont, will assist her with the decor, styling and final touches of the restaurant while her father, Tella, will assist her with the financial aspects. “My mother was formerly in the catering industry and my father is a retired accountant, I really appreciate their support and they are invaluable assets to my new venture. My children are just as excited as I am about the prospect of owning a restaurant,” Venter adds.
Venter says for the time being, probably for the first few months, there won’t be many changes at Ambiance but as time goes on, depending on customer demand, changes will be made.
She heartily invites everyone to come and experience the tranquil atmosphere and divine food of Ambiance Restaurant for themselves.
“Our chefs are some of the best in the city and ensure quality food. I want our patrons to feel at home and to be relaxed as they indulge in our fine menu selection. I want Ambiance Restaurant to be a home away from home for our patrons,” says Venter. “My objective with Ambiance Restaurant is to let it keep growing the way trees do. I want it to be a place where people can come together and feel at home. I love people and to entertain and with my new venture it will be as if my home has been extended.” With a keen taste for delectable quality coffee, the smell of this fresh brewed beverage is sure to entice customers into taking a minute to enjoy the tranquility and delicious coffee along with a mouthwatering dish at Ambiance.
Ambiance Restaurant is situated at 34 Rabé Street and is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 until 22:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 until 14:00. Venter says these times are subject to change as they plan to open a bit earlier to afford business people on their way to the office the opportunity to enjoy a hearty breakfast and coffee before they start the day.
The official celebration of the new ownership is set to take place later this month. For enquiries and bookings, call (015) 291 4012 or e-mail info@ambiancerestaurant.co.za.
