Acclaimed South African chef and restaurateur Luke Dale-Roberts has announced the sale of The Shortmarket Club, situated at Oxford Parks in Rosebank, to Heinz Rynners, who will transform the celebrated venue into a vibrant new concept – Ocaso, in collaboration with Corona.
Ownership of The Shortmarket Club formally transferred to Rynners on Tuesday 21 January 2025, at which point he assumed full stewardship of the venue.
The existing iteration of The Shortmarket Club will close its doors on 31 January 2025, with the new Ocaso concept set to open in April 2025.
- Heinz Rynners is the driving force behind several of Johannesburg’s most renowned venues, including the popular Greenhouse Bar and Restaurant in Sandton, Babylon in Illovo, celebrated for its vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere, Joy Jozi, DinePlan’s most booked restaurant of 2024, and Livy’s Eatery, a dynamic dining and entertainment hub featuring South Africa’s top-rated padel courts. “Ocaso will be a celebration of flavour, energy, and creativity,” says Rynners.
Recognising the potential for fresh perspectives, Rynners brought in Ben Stanger and Luke Dakers through their hospitality vehicle, Monseca. The duo acquired a stake in The Greenhouse and have joined Ocaso as operating partners. With Monseca overseeing operations at both The Greenhouse and Ocaso, their combined expertise and shared vision will play a pivotal role in shaping Ocaso into a standout destination for dining and nightlife.
“With the help of Ben and Luke at the operational helm and the incredible partnership with Corona, we’re creating something truly special. Ocaso will blend bold Mexican influences with South African hospitality, offering adventurous shared plates, premium tequila, and a curated Corona beer selection,” says Rynners.
Tyron Gentry, the highly regarded Head Chef of The Shortmarket Club and a long-time collaborator of Luke Dale-Roberts, will continue to lead the kitchen. Gentry will ensure a seamless transition and bring Ocaso’s Mexican-inspired menu to life, maintaining the high standards that patrons have come to expect.
Luke Dale-Roberts continues to focus on his Cape Town restaurants – The Pot Luck Club, SALON, and The Test Kitchen Fledgelings – as well as The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg, reopening at The Peech Boutique Hotel in Melrose on the 11th of February 2025.
