A Stellenbosch University (SU) student has developed a new app that allows users to find and view happy hour food and drinks specials from local restaurants and wineries.
A student opens the StellarEats app on her phone. PHOTO: Fern Bamber.
The app, StellarEats, was launched on 4 February and currently has around 1000 users. They’re expecting to reach 2000 users by the end of March, according to Tristan Klement, creator of StellarEats.
Development began in November 2019. Klement, who studies information systems, stated that he carried out all roles in the development process, from marketing and promoting, to coding the app.
“I saw a gap in the market. There’s nothing really like it available and the ones that are available aren’t updated regularly,” said Klement. Klement added that most nights he works on updates until the early hours.
Local restaurants such as Bohemia, Julian’s, Happy Oak and Tiger’s Milk currently have deals on the app.
“The restaurants are on board with it, they have given us (the company) permission to use their deals. Some of them have given us things to give away to help promote the app,” said Klement.
“Stellies is a very busy town, so it’s hard to stay ahead, which is why an app like this is cool. It allows us to actively engage with our student market which is a big part of our Bohemia family,” said Pilo Bredenkamp, barman at Bohemia. Several of Bohemia’s deals are visible on StellarEats.
Klement has formed a business relationship with the Mr. Delivery Food company, which functions as a courier linked to the app, if students choose to eat in.
“I targeted Mr. Delivery because I really believe in what they’re doing. They’re a South African brand, unlike UberEats which is a huge corporation,” said Klement.
At present, StellarEats is only available in two cities. “StellarEats currently operates in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, but it’s expanding to Johannesburg and Pretoria as soon as possible,” said Klement.
The app has already gained a good reputation in Stellenbosch, according to Terence Clarkson, StellarEats user and SU student.
“StellarEats is great for students because there’s a special for every occasion, every day. This means that I can eat and drink like a king on my student budget,” said Clarkson.
Klement said he is hopeful that the app will reach 12 000 users by the end of 2020.
Tiger’s Milk happy hour drink special. PHOTO: @Tigersmilkza