Clubbing
How I got my job: The club owner
Meet Reg MacDonald, bar and nightclub owner of four of the most happening spots in Cape Town.
Reg is probably the closest thing to a rockstar without having ever picked up a musical instrument. A ‘small town’ surfer boy from Durban who made his way onto the big stage in LA, owning and running some of the biggest nightclubs in Hollywood. Moving back to South Africa a few years ago, he has now successfully opened his fourth spot in Cape Town, his unique style and vision is so well grasped, that everything he touches turns to gold. He's two steps ahead of everyone in the nightlife game, and being the Durban boy he is, his hustle game is strong.
His latest venture being SurfaRosa/Harringtons/District the ensemble of three different venues (nightclub, bar, cocktail lounge) turned into one, where he's teamed up with pro surfers Jordy Smith and Grant 'Twiggy' Baker.
You'd have your own booth too
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Reg gives us the lowdown:
On where it all began
Well…
I have always been fond of a good time, enjoying myself with mates, being social and out going having a few cocktails and and a laugh. This naturally translated into hanging around in bars restaurants and nightclubs from a young age. From there it was a fairly logical progression into wanting to understand how these establishments I was hanging around in actually worked. I started bartending, waitering, DJing and ultimately managing a few spots. Then when the opportunity presented itself, I managed to hustle a deal together where I could get a percentage of ownership of my first venue. This was back in 2001 in Hollywood, and I haven’t looked back since as it comes fairly naturally to me.
On the ‘average’ day-to-day
This has evolved a lot since I first started. In the beginning it was all about good times, staying up late partying with the homies drinking and dancing the night away. Im in my early 40s now with a lot more on my plate with regard to all my venues and with this comes obvious responsibilities, so the whole dynamic for me has had to change to make it work. I try to run my businesses now based loosely on a more corporate structure with me overseeing all my enterprises and making sure the management is on point, day-to-day systems are being implemented and the right promotional things are happening. Its more of a 9-5 office life where I am no longer hanging around in the bars till past 2am, but rather checking up on them to make sure the vibe and energy is right. I am very lucky to have a great management team behind me, and they make my life easier because after all you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with.
On the nightlife game being as glamorous as it looks
Yes and no. In the beginning when you first own a venue and it is fresh, I think everyone gets a bit caught in the hype, but after a while if you separate the glitz and glamour from the situation it is just a regular job with regular pitfalls and regular bills to pay, so it turns into just another day at the office. It may have more people having fun, dancing, eating and drinking but it is just a way of life for me and a way to make a living the only way I know how.
Reg and Jordy Smith
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On having surfers for partners
I am a surfer myself and the ocean has been a driving force in my life since I can remember. Having surfers like Twig and Jords is very natural as we are all cut from the same cloth, grew up together in the same home town and understand each other. They are both at the top of there respective games at the moment and I couldn’t be prouder to have them on board. Sometimes I do get a bit jelly when they’re in tropical destinations getting unbelievable waves and living the life, but if it was not for there financial input I could not do what I do. Plus Twig and Jordy are legends so I am just stoked.
On the end goal
World domination! Hahaha. No really just to keep doing what I do as far as conceptualising, designing and opening up new places for people to came and enjoy. It makes me happy when I can come up with an idea and it fits a gap in the marketplace and provides a venue for others to come and enjoy themselves. Whether it be having a nice conversation, a good dinner, a few cocktails, or a wild night on the dance floor, I love to create the environment and the vibe for people to socially express themselves in.