Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg’s Grand Opening launch party and Interview with Lovely Rita by Anette Kekana
Last weekend Anette Kekana went to Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg’s Grand Opening launch party and this is what she had to say about the event.
So we were invited to the Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg’s Grand Opening launch party this past weekend. What an amazing party! Hard Rock Cafe really does know how to treat their customers. The party started right on time at 17h30 and we were welcomed with cocktails and champagne. Even in the rainy weather, people came out in numbers to celebrate the Hard Rock official launch. I must say we had a great time. The service is amazing. The staff is well trained and know how to treat their customers.
We also had the opportunity to interview the first ever waitress to work at Hard Rock Café; the lovely Rita. She was dressed in the same uniform they wore when the very first Hard Rock Cafe opened in London in 1971.
What an amazing woman! Very loving and full of life. She had us chuckling throughout our chat.
Here is the Q&A with lovely Rita.
Anette: I would like to know if you can remember your very first experience at Hard Rock Café, can you give me some details on that please.
Rita: Crazy crazy! (Laughs) I was 29 years of age by then and my husband saw the ad in the paper. He asked me to go for it. I went for the interview and they were looking for women from the ages of 30- 50. I met Peter at the entrance of the hall which was still under construction and he was dressed in jeans. He asked me how old I was and I said I was 32. He then told me I was young, but I told him I was the best he can ever have. He gave me a high 5. That’s what I remember but it was crazy.
Anette: Tell me a bit about Lovely Rita?
Rita: I love people. From the Queen of England to Obama. I believe in love and sharing love. I love Mr. Mandela .Today I went to a hospital called Mom and Baby (Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital) and was really touched by seeing the patients sleeping on the floor but Hard Rock cafe will be sponsoring 50 beds to the hospital.
Anette: What is your proudest moment?
Rita: I meet this boy in Japan. He was working at Hard Rock Cafe and he had drawn a picture of me. I was so touched by the love I received from that 16 year old. He took 3 days off work to work on that drawing. That moment will stay in my heart forever
Anette: Is this your first time in South Africa?
Rita: Yes and I love it here. The people are so friendly. I loved Mr. Mandela . He was a great man. When he passed on I noticed how South Africans were celebrating his life, dancing and singing. I think he would have liked that -people to celebrate his life and live by example.
Anette: What makes you happy?
Rita: Coming to Hard Rock Cafe and working 10 hours. These people keep me young and I love it (laughs). We at Hard Rock Cafe believe that all is one. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female. We are all equal and Hard Rock Cafe brings that union amongst people. That makes me smile
Anette: Thank you so much for your time.
Rita: We will still chat during the night. Enjoy the party!
I have never in my life enjoyed interviewing someone as I did with Rita. She is amazing and beautiful, both inside and out. What an honour to meet such a wonderful woman with a big heart. We hope she enjoys the rest of her SA visit.