The family-run Busy Corner Meat Hyper, in Grassy Park, is celebrating its 68th anniversary this year and testament to the family’s passion to serve the community and sound business ethics, is its steady expansion over the years.
Aslam Hassan, spokesperson for the Busy Corner butcher family, said its first store was established in 1956, in Grassy Park, on the corner of 5th Avenue and Victoria Road. They have currently moved to the corner of Victoria Road and Reddy Avenue.
Mr Hassan said the founder is Cassiem Dhansay, an immigrant from India, who came to South Africa in search of opportunities to better his life, and that of his family.
When asked how the idea for the butcher started, Mr Hassan said Mr Dhansay was a shopkeeper by trade. “He was convinced to try his hand at running a butchery, as there were not many halaal butcheries around at that time in the 1950s. He entered the trade without any previous knowledge or experience, but applied his sound business principles and ethics, which are universal, paving the way to his success.”
They currently have three Meat Hypers – in Grassy Park, Athlone, and Blue Downs. They also have six outlets trading within Pick n Pay QualiSave stores in Wynberg, Retreat, Grassy Park, Lotus River, Vangate Mall and Parow.
The butcher stores not only sell meat and poultry but also stock a huge range of adjacent products.
“You’ll find a comprehensive selection of groceries, sauces, marinades, spices, fresh and frozen vegetables, frozen savouries, rotis, pizza bases, chips, sweets, biscuits, beverages, and braai essentials, which include our own Busy Corner brand braai wood. Our ultra-modern Grassy Park store also has a hot foods section and a coffee corner,” said Mr Hassan.
The stores have 420 employees in the Busy Corner family.
Mr Hassan said to increase productivity they regularly up-skill their staff. “Our staff are instrumental in our daily operations, and we’re constantly up-skilling and providing training in order to hone their expertise, which, in turn, increases efficiency and productivity.”
But what makes Busy Corner stand out?
“Our brand was founded on principles such as honesty, integrity, and respect for everyone, regardless of race or social standing.
“An emphasis on community and family values has served us well, and our founding principles still form the basis of our business model,” said Mr Hassan.
When asked what is the secret to success and how they can inspire future business owners, Mr Hassan said: “You have to be passionate about what you’re doing, irrespective of the endeavour.
“Passion for your industry, passion for your staff, and passion for the communities you serve. Along with sound morals and business ethics, those are the keys to success.”
Mr Hassan said one of their advertising platforms, the community newspapers, ”have always been a ‘shoppers’ bible’ of sorts.
“Along with bringing us current news and events pertaining to our local communities, they also feature local business advertisements, directing consumers to the premier bargains of the day.”
Shameema Orgill from Grassy Park, had been a Busy Corner Meath Hyper customer for over 30 years. She said the butcher has evolved, especially the layout of the store. “The floor staff are very helpful and they know their products. The encompassing layout in the butcher is very convenient. The butcher is like a one-stop shop. If you are in a hurry to purchase food ingredients, you will find the meat aisle with the frozen veggies aisle close by, an easy access for a complete meal.”
