New coffee shop presents first co-working space in Potchefstroom

Hooked Coffee Co, a new coffee shop in Potchefstroom, is collaborating with CoLab to present the first co-working space in town. CoLab is a company that provides office solutions for individuals and small businesses, in the form of shared workspaces and private offices.

The owners of the coffee shop, Jacques Louw (30) and his wife Suhanri Louw (30), originally from Midrand, said the co-workspace concept is growing fast and they are excited to branch out their business to Potchefstroom and partnering with CoLab.

“We are delighted to be associated with and contribute to this idea. We believe we have the right approach, team and tool-set to successfully collaborate on this idea. This collaboration illustrates our willingness to create synergies and contribute to the community,” said Suhanri Louw.

The collaboration involves two different entities, who are sharing the same working premises. The front part of the building is the coffee shop area, whereas the back part consists of separate private office space and boardrooms that are fully equipped for meetings, presentations, training sessions and seminars.

Clara de Beer (23), the founder of CoLab, said the collaboration took place because people are always flocking to coffee shops to find a cosy corner to work, but sometimes are in need of a more private setting where they can host confidential meetings.

“Potchefstroom’s creative and entrepreneurial community is growing at an immense rate. We wanted to provide a platform and facilities to accommodate and incubate small businesses and entrepreneurs, in a town that does not have something like this. We wanted to move away from the traditional use of offices and provide a space that is productive, innovative, and fun,” she said.

Lerato Mamabolo (23), a final-year communications student at the North-West University’s (NWU) Potchefstroom campus who was a guest at the launch, said that she loves the concept behind the collaboration between Hooked Coffee Co and CoLab.

“The place is unique and eye-catching; it is more than a coffee shop. It looks sophisticated inside, and the fact that it has boardrooms and offices where people can share a working space and order coffee is a highlight for me, not all coffee shops in Potchefstroom have that,” Mamabolo said.

NWU honours student in BCom financial accounting, Onkarabetse Marumo (21), said: “There are two feelings that I associate with coffee shops, tranquillity and a sense of relief, leading to a new ending, I definitely see myself visiting the place.”

Suhanri said that they chose Potchefstroom because they believe it has only “scratched the surface” with what coffee has to offer.

“There is definitely room for more speciality offerings in the coffee businesses. We roast our own coffee, we serve some of the finest quality beans that we roast fresh to ensure you taste the difference in the cup, no compromises,” she said.

This map shows coffee shops in Potchefstroom. (Map: Winnie Chirwa and Google Maps)