SALM TEAM 
They’re changing the way South Africans “wine and dine” with their quirky in-house personality, to their deliciously meaty menu items – it’s a restaurant that everyone should be adding to their must-visit venues.
Moo Moo aims to fill the ‘meat-lover’s gap’ in more ways than one and by the looks of things, they’re doing it right!
The Moo Moo concept was brought to life by three restauranteurs who were bored to tears by the ʻ’meat marketʼ that surrounded them. One identical steakhouse after the other. Stiff, pretentious and overtly masculine. The gap in the market was too obvious to ignore so they teamed up with some of the best designers and branding minds that South Africa had to offer and together, they developed a concept that would break the mould and change the face of the steakhouse.
They have broken the mould when it comes to the traditional steakhouse. Their quirky personality is reflected in everything from the overly tongue-in-cheek humour, to the various touches like MooGazine menus, cows Mooing in the ‘Outhouse’ toilets & grass on the tables.
The stores are modern & trendy without being presumptuous or too serious – that’s the Moo Moo promise!
Jimmy Eracleous plays a vital role in the brands success and has taken two of their branches (Mall of Africa and Menlyn) to new heights. He’s passionate about the Moo Moo brand, their offering and making sure every customer leaves feeling like family.
As a Proudly South African Businessman, making big moves in the restaurant industry, we found out more about Jimmy Eracleous and what makes him a professional success
– What makes the Moo Moo brand proudly South African?
South Africans are meat eaters and our menu suits the South African palette. We carefully source the best quality beef from local farmers and our wine list showcases some of the best wines from our country. Foreign visitors often comment at how great the quality of our product is. They are particularly amused by how affordable the menu is often remark that you need to be extremely well off to enjoy a “meat feast” like this back home.
– How does Moo Moo aim to fill the ‘meat-lover’s gap’?
We would like to bring the best quality product at a reasonable and affordable price. We feel we fill the gap between the cheaper franchised options, bringing a more sophisticated taste in a mature environment without having the stiffness and costly price points of high-end steakhouse.
– As a manager, how do you motivate and inspire your staff and those you work with?
I like to participate with the staff, climb into the trenches with them and lead them as a team player. I also like to mentor and coach staff and I am inspired when I see staff develop and grow within the business as well as outside the business.
– What type of manager do you believe you are?
I like to consider myself as a participating and coaching type of manager. I understand that people all have different skills and talents and my jobs is to bring out the best in them by guiding them to align their abilities with the goal of the business.
– How does Moo Moo differentiate themselves from other steakhouses?
We do not like to be taken too seriously. We like to have fun and this can be seen in the quirkiness of the menu and the décor. We are NOT a stiff NY style steakhouse with white table clothes, nor are we the type of place that focuses on the young family. We are not the latest hotspot attracting the social media enthusiasts but, what we are: is a relaxed affordable trendy eatery that is frequented by regular meat lovers.
We aim to satisfy the pocket and tastebuds of our clients by allowing them to tailor make their meals by choosing their sides to accompany their dish. We focus on wine and therefore every single bottle of wine on the menu is also offered by the glass – a first in SA.
– Being a steakhouse, where does Moo Moo source their meat from?
HQ carefully sources their meat from local farmers. The central butchery matures and portions the meat for the stores. The quality standard of the product as well as the sustainable farming practices of our suppliers is of utmost important.
– Do all Moo Moo branches boast their own flavour and flair in terms of ambiance and environment?
All Moo Moo branches portray the same culture and warm hospitality. People will enjoy the vibe and relaxed atmosphere no matter whether they dining in Jozi, P-Town or even as far as Secunda!
– What makes the Menlyn Branch so popular?
The location of the store in the biggest mall in Africa is a winner. Our restaurant overlooks an open air urban park. There are plenty of trees, fresh air and a child friendly water fountain where kids can play. While visiting the store you forget that you are in a mall and feel like you are sitting in a park surrounded by eateries. The sheer size of the mall and the track record that it holds attracts guest from far and Moo Moo is the perfect lunch stop to enjoy a world class steak while sitting in your shorts and “plakkies” (a Pretoria word for flip flops)
– What makes the Mall of Africa Moo Moo so unique and in-demand?
Waterfall City is growing at a rapid rate, and this seems to be the perfect halfway point between Jozi and Pretoria. Big Corporates have moved into the precinct and residential housing estates have sprung up in the area. Combine all these factors and Mall of Africa has resulted in a high energy, bustling centre where people can work, play and entertain. Moo Moo Mall of Africa has become the preferred home for business lunches during the day and dining for local residents at nights. There is a diversity of cultures in the mall and this personifies the “Rainbow Nation” we call our home.
– What would you say in your opinion is your speciality?
I always like to ask my patrons if it is their first visit. And if it is, I like to recommend, any of our tender steaks which we mature ourselves, a burger with a delicious 200g homemade patty, alternatively a Chicken Espetada which is made up of soft juicy chicken thighs skewered and dripping in garlic butter or lastly our legendary sticky pork ribs which customers will travel for miles to come and enjoy.
From the above selection there is something for everyone, and I am convinced that when they leave the store they will definitely be satisfied and well impressed. If a new customer eats one of these dishes I know the probability of them returning is high – and this is how we convert first time visitors into regulars!
– Your steakhouses boast fun and quirky decor – what was the inspiration behind this?
We like to eat and we like to have fun. We do NOT take ourselves too seriously and we would like to bring this theme to our customers.
– What is a must-try at Moo Moo’s?
A Cow Chow! It is like a bunny chow , also a proudly south African dish but with a slight Moo Moo twist. We take a crispy Portuguese bun, hollow it out creating a little bowl which is then filled with either peri peri beef strips, chicken strips or even chicken livers. Alternatively you can have creamy garlic snails or a Phillly steak which is a combo of onions cheese and tender beef.
– How does Moo Moo’s stay on top of trends in an ever growing competitive market?
Moo Moo HQ is made up of a team of foodies who have accumulated more than 50 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and who like to travel, socialise and dine out.
Amongst the crowd, you will find an IT specialist, a horse-rider with a keen interest in photographer, a former trendy nightclub owner and DJ, as well as a successful catering expert…there may be some personalities that I may have missed here. This array of characters bring many different aspects of the contemporary arena into the Moo Moo Dining experience.
If you’re someone that appreciates a good vibe, great food and an even better run restaurant, be sure to pop down to either the Menlyn or Mall of Africa branch and dig in to some of their delicious grub!
For more info, visit https://www.moo-moo.co.za/
Diana Kinyanjui 
