BLAME IT ON THE BOOGY

A landmark restaurant is rocking the shores of Umhlanga, writes YOSHEEN GOVENDER

A mirror-finished wall of glass covered with autographed photographs and media clippings greets me as I step inside this one-of-a-kind restaurant.

The striking red leather seating booths contrast brilliantly with red, white and silver tables to create a distinct impression of the popular American colours. It’s like being transported into a scene from an Archie & Jughead comic!

Splendid lighting, eye-catching furnishings and 80s rock music filter through to complete the retro look and feel. It’s none other than Boogies Diner, just off Umhlanga’s beautiful beach . . .

Byron Moriarty, owner of Boogies Diner, greets me warmly and welcomes me into his office. I’m awed by the vast array of décor and musical memorabilia adorning the length and breadth of this restaurant – which I can still see, thanks to the surveillance cameras in his office giving him a 360-degree view of his establishment.

Byron was born in Durban in 1969 and spent most of his adult life in Johannesburg. This former national food services manager felt his roots tugging and the urge to move back to our beautiful coastline inspired him to inquire about lucrative business prospects here. In July 2007 he flew to Durban to meet a business colleague and view various premises for sale.

“The instant I saw it, I knew this was the place for me,” says Byron. “It was the exact area I’d had in mind and that settled my decision.”

At Boogies, he focuses on the screening of major sporting events and showcasing local talent as opposed to just using live music as the main attraction. Original guitars owned and signed by U2, Dire Straits, Metallica, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias, UB40, Ronan Keating, The Black Eyed Peas, Seether and Shawn Phillips are just a few among his stunning collection of guitars adorning the walls.

Married to Anne, a business analyst, they have two gorgeous girls, Robyn and Teneal, aged 6 and 10.

“They’re the perfect children; loving, kind and gentle,” says their doting dad.

A self confessed “braai king”, his favourite spot in his Tuscan style home is his black leather couch where he relaxes with remote in hand watching his favourite sport and taking “power naps”.

I laugh when he confesses that his nickname is “Mr Big Stuff”!

“I believe in dreaming big to achieve your little heaven,” he says, declaring that the best advice he can offer to any entrepreneur is to do exactly that!

Envisioning a dream of hosting George Michael, Byron has his heart set on establishing Boogies as a landmark in Umhlanga – a place renowned for its entertainment and vibe.

With his unique attention-grabbing restaurant, it’s obvious Byron Moriarty isn’t far off from accomplishing this dream…