Wish On Florida, a Durban restaurant, has announced that it will forever close on April 10, exactly two months after AKA was shot and killed on its doorstep. The eatery stated on Instagram that the closure was due to a significant downturn in business since the tragedy, as well as a hindrance to its brand equity.
03 APRIL 2023
STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WISH ON FLORIDA CLOSES PERMANENTLY
It is with great sadness that we announce the imminent closure of Wish On Florida effective 10th April 2023 — where we will be hosting The Last Supper”.
In light of the recent tragic event on our doorstep we have experienced a severe downturn in business which leaves the directors with no other choice but to close the business permanently as the brand equity of Wish On Florida has been deeply hindered.
Wish On Florida was certainly a wish come true for two black entrepreneurs who dedicated the last three years to building a successful black-owned restaurant in the heart of Durban, winning the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur Award at the Durban Tourism Business Awards in 2022.
We would like to thank the city of Durban for the tremendous support in the last three years — catering to you and the rest of the country has been an absolute joy and your support will forever be engraved on Wish On Florida’s legacy.
We would also like to thank the various brands & suppliers who’ve been part of the Wish On Florida family since we opened our doors. With very little knowledge of the industry, you
walked us through the business of hospitality and delivered exceptional service and for that we will forever be grateful.
Last, but not least — our staff members who are the fabric that held Wish On Florida together — this was not an easy decision. Our efforts to keep our doors open to ensure the security of your employment has been difficult, and unfortunately, the above mentioned has led to an untimely farewell. Thank you for your outstanding dedication and passion to providing the best service and quality to Wish On Florida. Thank you for embracing and embodying our vision and bringing it to life every day for the last three years. Thank you for making Wish On Florida a dream come true.
We invite the public to join us on our last trading week as we have an exciting line-up of activations from the 7th April 2023 leading up to “The Last Supper” on the 10. April 2023. Follow our social media accounts for more information.
From the Wish On Florida team, we thank you once again for your support. “A Wish Is A Start Of A Dream”
Philani Benson Kweyama Director
Wish On Florida
Wish On Florida was an award-winning black-owned restaurant that aspired to be one of Durban’s top dining destinations. The founders thanked their loyal customers and employees for enabling them to create a successful company.
The restaurant’s closure has saddened patrons dissatisfied with the event name, “The Last Supper,” chosen for the farewell party. Fans of AKA, who was murdered moments after eating his last dinner at the restaurant, have criticized this name.
The murder probe has not progressed significantly. There have recently been rumors of four men being arrested in Cape Town and transported to Durban. However, Bheki Cele, the Minister of Police, verified that they had nothing to do with AKA’s murder.
The cops have since discovered the killers’ getaway car and gathered cellphone data/records. Cele thinks they are on the right track, but acknowledges slow progress. The death of AKA was a great loss to the restaurant’s founders, who viewed him as a staunch supporter of their venture.
