Corner Cafe

The corner cafe in Port Elizabeth has all but disappeared. There was a time when they were dotted all over the place, so much so that you would trip over them, even with eyes wide open. The reason for this may be the proliferation of shopping malls and attendant supermarkets.

The cafe as it was used to remain open until 10 or 11 pm, useful for that forgotten pint of milk or pack of cigarettes. Their penny lines in sweets were a drawcard for kids spending their pocket money, satisfying the sweet tooth, not to forget soft drinks sold by the case, I am sure, to quench a hot day thirst.

Then a major food retailer began buying up these outlets and they were absorbed into the group and given the same name. Many independents closed, whittling down the numbers, and gradually closing time became 8pm.

Of course no help was afforded by the securiy situation, so this relatively early closing became the norm.