Bootlegger Coffee Company was founded by best friends Pieter Bloem and brothers De Waal and Antonie Basson, who already owned several restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops. Their journey began as avid morning cyclists unable to find a coffee shop open before 6:30 am. Recognising the demand for high-quality coffee at reasonable prices, they decided to open their own restaurant and imported a small Giesen roaster from the Netherlands in 2012 to start experimenting with coffee roasting.
In late 2013, they secured the lease for the iconic site on Regent Road, Sea Point, which proved too spacious for just a roastery. This prompted them to expand the space into a full-service restaurant and coffee bar to showcase their products. Bootlegger Sea Point introduced its signature Bootlegger Blend in November 2013, quickly gaining popularity. Under CEO Ricky Ruthenberg's leadership since its inception, Bootlegger has significantly expanded across South Africa. Driven by their dedication to quality and community engagement, the business has expanded to over 70 locations.
Bootlegger is renowned for its premium specialty-grade coffee, sustainable practices, and diverse menu. Each full store features a line from an AC/DC song in neon lights, contributing to its distinctive character & ambiance. Their commitment to quality coffee, a vibrant atmosphere, and community spirit has firmly established Bootlegger Coffee Company as a beloved fixture in South Africa's coffee culture.
