If you’ve visited Mainstream Mall recently, you would have noticed a new tenant in our kiosk outside Clicks and Woolies. We couldn’t be happier with the new addition to our family of shops at the mall and welcome the team from J&M Famous Biltong.
While we do love our biltong, we wanted to meet the personality behind the brand. So, we caught up with Lee, the Hout Bay J&M Famous Biltong franchisee who’s smile shines bright, even behind her mask! We got the lowdown on why she chose biltong as her business, her love for our beautiful country, and why she returned to SA after living abroad for a number of years.
Grab your bag of biltong and let’s get started!
Lee, most South African’s are familiar with J&M Famous Biltong, but who is the person behind the brand?
LH: I am very proudly South African, but when I travelled abroad, fate and destiny saw to it that Europe would be my home for a while. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and actually ran a number of successful massage therapy practices. Coming home every year ensured I always kept a finger on the pulse of South Africa which I have always been drawn back to and when I decided to return permanently last year, I was determined to start something on my own.
Have you always loved biltong? Is this why you became a franchisee of J&M Famous Biltong?
LH: Yes! Who doesn’t love biltong!? Funnily enough, every time I came back to South Africa whilst living abroad, I always returned with packs of biltong and was never stopped at customs except for one time. The officials were unsure of what the item was, so I said they could have a taste. They loved it so much that they kindly gave it back to me allowing me to continue my journey with the “contraband”. So yes, I suppose you can say I’m a fan of biltong. When a friend recommended I get in touch with J&M regarding a franchise opportunity, it definitely felt like a good fit.
I think what drew me to the brand was the fact that it started as a family business way back in 1942 in Sea Point and our now-famous biltong is still made using the secret spice recipe developed by Mr Joubert and Mr Monty all those years ago. I am thrilled to bring the delicious J&M biltong and good old-fashioned family values to Hout Bay and share this exceptional product with as many people as possible
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise your customers?
LH: I’m a big foodie and I’d love to host a TV cooking show! I love to cook and surround myself with friends and family and it would be awesome to share this passion with the world!
Why did you choose Hout Bay and Mainstream Mall as your base?
LH: Whilst in Hout Bay one day, I popped into the mall to do some shopping and saw the kiosk. I realized there was no biltong shop and that’s when the wheels started turning. The rest as they say is history. I think Mainstream Mall is the perfect spot for me and J&M Famous Biltong due to the local and international clientele it attracts.
What special something do you add to your service to make it worthwhile visiting you?
LH: Without a doubt it’s the superior quality of J&M Famous biltong and meats. We also offer a very personalized service. One customer wanted her biltong sliced extremely thin, like carpaccio. Others prefer it thicker, or perhaps like less or more of the fatty pieces. You tell us what you like, and we will prepare the perfect biltong or droe wors package for you.
We hear you are running quite a few specials at the moment. Tell us about them
LH: Our Wednesday special is one of our most popular: Buy R100 worth of biltong and you receive R50 worth of droe wors for free. On top of this, from 28 October until 9 December if you purchase this special you could win Asics gear to the value of R3000. We also have a special running for staff at Mainstream Mall where they get a discount using a loyalty card.
Not sure about you, but our mouths are watering! Pop into their kiosk outside Woolies and give a hearty Hout Bay hello to Lee and her staff. And whilst you’re at it, ask for a taster. You may be hooked just like we are.
Contact them here.