Party-goers at Max’s Lifestyle in Umlazi. Picture: Instagram
Max Mqadi, the founder and owner of the popular Max’s Lifestyle in Umlazi, has come under fire for stating that his establishment does not cater for walk-in customers.
The comments, made during an appearance on the “Up Back Through” podcast, a platform dedicated to the Lamontville Golden Arrows football club, have quickly gone viral on social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
In the interview, Mqadi reflected on his journey with Max’s Lifestyle, which began as a humble shisa nyama spot before transforming into an internationally recognised dining and entertainment venue.
U Maxi Mqadi kumele alungise lento, izomlimaza even though he has a good point. pic.twitter.com/Ocj8xTZq9k
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) January 15, 2025
He explained that his vision was rooted in catering to corporate and governmental clients, rather than the everyday patrons who have frequented his establishment over the years.
“Max’s Lifestyle is not in competition with any business in the township. I need you to understand that about Max’s Lifestyle,” Mqadi noted.
He added that his primary focus has shifted towards attracting a clientele that aligns more closely with corporate interests.
“I know people experience financial difficulties along the way. To those people who are coming and going, I don’t have an interest,” he added, a statement that many took as a clear dismissal of his roots.
The backlash was swift and intense. Social media users were quick to express their disappointment and disbelief at Mqadi's remarks, particularly given the community’s role in building his brand when the spot was unknown.
He’s absolutely right but the public didn’t need to know this lmao 😭 https://t.co/5wz0H2AWLm
— NOBUHLE (@KwandaMkhungo) January 16, 2025
X user @KwandaMkhungo commented: “He’s absolutely right but the public didn’t need to know this lmao 😭.”
The same people who supported him back when his establishment still had wooden floors, and even after incidents where lives were nearly lost, are now his target market today is “corporate and government.” pic.twitter.com/oQrnBLV1JT
— Genqele (@Luwi_Mbuyazi) January 15, 2025
@PrinceDlam45844 said: "He should have said, as he grew into business and his business grew and evolved, his target market has also evolved but not to say his target market has always been corporate, he's talking rubbish because corporate is not the one that made his business to be where it is today."
He should have said, as he grew into business and his business grew and evolved, his target market has also evolved but not to say his target market has always been corporate, he's talking rubbish because corporate is not the one that made his business to be where it is today.
— Neo_H2O (@PrinceDlam45844) January 16, 2025
@andile0100 condemned Mqadi’s comments as “arrogance” and a poor business strategy.
He added: “There is no good point here, us locals made that place before it was this big.”
This reflects a growing discontent among patrons who feel alienated by Mqadi’s newfound corporate aspirations.
Max Mqadi used to say his lifestyle is for people base lokshini manje now that he is done with us there is no interest
— NqabaYembube (@YembubeNqaba) January 15, 2025
@YembubeNqaba noted: “Max Mqadi used to say his lifestyle is for people base lokshini manje now that he is done with us there is no interest.”