Maps Maponyane shuts down Buns Out due to loadshedding

by Johana Mukandila

It is a sad day in the world of burger lovers as the popular restaurant, Buns Out close it’s Linden door on October 9 2022. Buns Out was launched by businessman and media personality Maps Maponyane launched in September 2019, and it became a popular foodie spot that attracted many celebs. However, it appears his business has been struggling.

The news was confirmed by the restaurant on their twitter page.

“With heavy hearts today we announce the closing of our Linden store. Our last day will be on the 9th of October and we will be having a huge send-off! See you there,” they tweeted.

According to Buns Out co-owner Tom Savage, it has been tough to open their business in recent months due to the lack of owning a generator. “We don’t have disposable income. If we need to install a generator properly, we need at least R55,000 and we don’t have it,” he said.

Tom also added that rolling blackouts in the country have affected their business immensely. “On Mondays we operate between midday and 8pm. In that period you would find that we only have three hours of electricity. That affects us because our business relies heavily on electricity,” he said.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected a lot of businesses and in 2020. Maps recently opened up about how it affected his famous eatery. Responding to a fan who asked him on Twitter he said, “Horribly. It’s been devastating, but we have faith & hope it will get better. The reality is that we can’t carry on like this for too long for it too still make business sense, but we have a couple strategic ideas that will hopefully mitigate that. Thanks for asking”

The business had to shut its doors a few days before the nationwide lockdown as the country’s Covid-19 cases surge. However, the establishment opens it’s doors again operating under strict lockdown regulations.

Bus Out was ranked among the best burger restaurants in the world by Bloomberg in Febuary 2020. Maps shared the news of his establishment while reflecting on how the pandemic affected his business.