Siya Kolisi is taking a stake in the restaurant business, joining Life & Brand Portfolio as a partner in the group behind Tiger’s Milk, La Parada, Harbour House and Old Town Italy.
The move builds on a relationship that already extends beyond the dining room. Kolisi previously worked with the group through the First Cup Initiative, which used proceeds from hot drinks at participating restaurants to help provide breakfasts for vulnerable schoolchildren.
In an October Instagram post shared with Tiger’s Milk, La Parada and Harbour House, Kolisi described celebrating his arrival and singing in the kitchen with the teams. His new role will include marketing, business development and ideas for the restaurants themselves. Inside Politics reports that Kolisi holds a 5% equity stake, quoting the group’s chief executive, Trevor Wollheim.
Kolisi has spoken about bringing more South African and African influences into the venues, with ideas including traditional food evenings, sporting activities and singing competitions. The aim is to make the restaurants places where families and communities have more reasons to spend time together.
For Kolisi, the partnership also forms part of planning for life beyond professional rugby. Community work remains part of that ambition, alongside a more direct role in how the group develops its restaurants and reaches new diners.
Additional reporting: Getaway.
