Latest news with #Buco
Edmonton Journal
29-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Edmonton restaurants feeling summertime sadness as dining activity slows
Article content Edmonton's restaurants are seeing a slump in activity this summer following yet another long playoff run that benefitted some eateries more than others, depending on how close they were to the action. Article content 'We honestly make all of our money during (the playoffs). It is a big benefit, not only for the company as a whole, but also for staff,' said Catherine Lesiuk, manager at Buco in Epcor Tower. Article content Article content Lesiuk said the playoffs kept the restaurant busy for weeks but, in the month since, it's been slow. Some of the concerts and events that have come through helped, but didn't spur as much activity as the restaurant hoped for. Article content Article content It's been more than one month since the Edmonton Oilers played in the Stanley Cup Final. Despite recently released data from May indicating strong food and beverage industry activity, local restaurants reported a slow summer for business lately. Article content 'The Oilers had an amazing playoff run, and that's great for a very small portion of the restaurant community, but there's a very large portion of the restaurant community that isn't in the immediate downtown core and actually suffers because they're not focused around playoff hockey,' said Paul Shufelt, chef and proprietor of Woodshed Burgers and other local restaurants in the city. Article content Article content Restaurateurs flagged similar concerns as the Oilers climbed higher into the playoffs, predicting a possible playoff ' hangover ' that would curb local spending after the games were finished. Article content Article content 'We've seen some of that for sure — that sort of hangover. If it's $2,000 to go buy a Stanley Cup Final ticket, you spent all your fun money, and don't have those dollars to be going out and having a nice dinner, celebrating a special occasion,' said Shufelt. Article content Apart from Woodshed, Shufelt is also behind other restaurants such as Hayloft, The Workshop and the Greenhouse, none of which are near Rogers Place. He said despite the city's talk about the economic impact of the playoffs, he found himself questioning where that money went. Article content 'You hear these numbers (that it) brought $250 million to the community. Well, where did that money go? Because it didn't land in restaurants and bars that were not all about the Oilers.'
The Star
27-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
SASKO upgrades 1 000 playgrounds in tribute to Mandela Month
In a powerful tribute to Mandela Month, SASKO has transformed playtime for thousands of children by upgrading 1 000 playgrounds at early childhood development centres and primary schools across South Africa, bringing joy, safety, and hope to communities nationwide. To celebrate the achievement of reaching 1,000 upgraded playgrounds, SASKO held a Mandela Day event at Ikaneng Combined School in Diepkloof, Soweto, on July 25. The school is one of many to benefit from the Siyasizana Play Better initiative. As part of the celebration, SASKO unveiled a special 1,000-slice loaf, a symbolic nod to both the milestone and Nelson Mandela's enduring vision for a better South Africa. The loaf was used to prepare sandwiches for the children of Ikaneng. The act of care extended to a local NGO that supports feeding initiatives for learners in the community, ensuring that the spirit of Mandela Day is not only celebrated but lived out. Launched in 2023, SASKO's Siyasizana Play Better initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to safe and quality play spaces at early childhood development centres and schools. Rooted in a spirit of care, the programme has invested over R10 million and relied on public participation, where South Africans nominated schools by purchasing SASKO bread. As a result, previously overlooked communities across Limpopo, Khayelitsha, Soweto, and Gqeberha now enjoy vibrant, inclusive play areas that spark creativity and joy. According to the South African Early Childhood Review, over 60% of young children in South Africa do not have access to safe, age-appropriate play facilities. Vilosha Soni, Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo South Africa, said SASKO is committed to ensuring that all children have the chance to enjoy safe play, feel valued, and experience a sense of belonging. 'SASKO believes every child deserves the right to play, to be safe, and to feel like they matter. These playgrounds represent more than structures; they are symbols of dignity and hope.' She further said the initiative reflects what it means to put care into action, highlighting how lasting change is possible when consumers, communities, and businesses work together. SASKO partnered with Buco, which helped bring a positive impact to schools by providing building materials for our playground structures. Lesego Moagi, Group Marketing Executive at Buco, said that as a brand firmly rooted in local communities, Buco recognises that meaningful change comes from creating safe, supportive spaces where children can thrive. He added that Buco has witnessed firsthand how the lack of safe and functional infrastructure continues to hinder learners' growth and potential. 'We've seen how the absence of safe, functional infrastructure continues to hold learners back, particularly in the foundation years where care, safety, and stimulation matter most. Contributing to the Siyasizana playgrounds has been aligned with our broader commitment to supporting education as a driver of social and economic development,' said Moagi. SASKO aims to reach 5 million children by 2030, working to make play a fundamental right rather than a privilege. The brand intends to strengthen partnerships with NGOs and government bodies to expand its impact and bring meaningful change to underserved communities. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
27-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
SASKO upgrades 1 000 playgrounds in tribute to Mandela Month
SASKO Bakeries - Gauteng Cluster Lead, Ngange Ngxiki Deputy Director, Sports and Enrichment Department of Basic Education, Potledi Ngoepe SASKO Senior Brand Manager, Thandolwethu Madliki PepsiCo Corporate Affairs Director: Nico Moloto Education Psychologist: Dr Sibusiso Ntshangase at Ikaneng Combined School, Soweto, to celebrate the SASKO Siyasizana 1,000 playgrounds milestone In a powerful tribute to Mandela Month, SASKO has transformed playtime for thousands of children by upgrading 1 000 playgrounds at early childhood development centres and primary schools across South Africa, bringing joy, safety, and hope to communities nationwide. To celebrate the achievement of reaching 1,000 upgraded playgrounds, SASKO held a Mandela Day event at Ikaneng Combined School in Diepkloof, Soweto, on July 25. The school is one of many to benefit from the Siyasizana Play Better initiative. As part of the celebration, SASKO unveiled a special 1,000-slice loaf, a symbolic nod to both the milestone and Nelson Mandela's enduring vision for a better South Africa. The loaf was used to prepare sandwiches for the children of Ikaneng. The act of care extended to a local NGO that supports feeding initiatives for learners in the community, ensuring that the spirit of Mandela Day is not only celebrated but lived out. Launched in 2023, SASKO's Siyasizana Play Better initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to safe and quality play spaces at early childhood development centres and schools. Rooted in a spirit of care, the programme has invested over R10 million and relied on public participation, where South Africans nominated schools by purchasing SASKO bread. As a result, previously overlooked communities across Limpopo, Khayelitsha, Soweto, and Gqeberha now enjoy vibrant, inclusive play areas that spark creativity and joy. According to the South African Early Childhood Review, over 60% of young children in South Africa do not have access to safe, age-appropriate play facilities. Vilosha Soni, Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo South Africa, said SASKO is committed to ensuring that all children have the chance to enjoy safe play, feel valued, and experience a sense of belonging. 'SASKO believes every child deserves the right to play, to be safe, and to feel like they matter. These playgrounds represent more than structures; they are symbols of dignity and hope.' She further said the initiative reflects what it means to put care into action, highlighting how lasting change is possible when consumers, communities, and businesses work together. SASKO partnered with Buco, which helped bring a positive impact to schools by providing building materials for our playground structures. Lesego Moagi, Group Marketing Executive at Buco, said that as a brand firmly rooted in local communities, Buco recognises that meaningful change comes from creating safe, supportive spaces where children can thrive. He added that Buco has witnessed firsthand how the lack of safe and functional infrastructure continues to hinder learners' growth and potential. 'We've seen how the absence of safe, functional infrastructure continues to hold learners back, particularly in the foundation years where care, safety, and stimulation matter most. Contributing to the Siyasizana playgrounds has been aligned with our broader commitment to supporting education as a driver of social and economic development,' said Moagi. SASKO aims to reach 5 million children by 2030, working to make play a fundamental right rather than a privilege. The brand intends to strengthen partnerships with NGOs and government bodies to expand its impact and bring meaningful change to underserved communities. The Star
