Bootlegger Coffee Company was founded by three best friends of 30+ years, Pieter Bloem and brothers, De Waal and Antonie Basson.

Being avid morning cyclists and unable to find a coffee shop open before 06:30 am, they decided to open their own restaurant, the first being Bootlegger Sea Point.

Bootlegger has since expanded into full-service restaurants, kiosks and XS stores across South Africa that offer premium coffee and healthy menu options. As of December 2022, there are 47 stores, with plans to double this by the end of 2023. Bootlegger Roasts approximately 150 tonnes of coffee per year.

Each full store has a carefully selected line from an AC/DC song lit up in neon lights on the wall. A lot of the brand’s attitude and charisma come from this throwback of great music and rhythm.