If you are up to date in pop culture, we aren’t referring to 21 Jump Street, where the iconic meme has sprung from.
Put you beer down, it’s time for the applause…
We’re talking about the Jeff. Jeffery Waldman, the man, the myth, the operational master of Hogshead.
If you’re a Hogshead regular, and let’s face it, if you’re reading this spectacular blog, you probably are, you’ve either:
- Seen him at your local Hogs
- Been served by him
- Had a chat with him
- Shared a tequila (or two)
- All of the above
Drop your answer in the comments and you might just win a little something-something. (My answer? Definitely E.)
Let’s continue…
From Behind the Bar to Running the Show
Jeff’s journey is the kind of pub tale you’d think was made up if we didn’t have receipts. But we do, and let me tell you, Jeff’s story is legendary.
In 2011, Jeff started at Hogshead Douglasdale as a barman, with big dreams and a serious cocktail game.
In 2015, he was promoted to Assistant General Manager, then promoted to General Manager in 2017 and yet ANOTHER promotion to Front of House Operations Manager for Hogshead South Africa in 2023.
His professional journey at Hogshead has been one that’s inspired all of us at Hogshead, but Jeff is more than just a manager.
Outside the Bar?
Jeff has been married for six years this October, dad to a 14-year-old daughter, Arsenal supporter (the comment section is open for Liverpool supporters), plays guitar, and is a huge fan of… Hogshead. Yes, his hobbies literally include Hogshead. We’re flattered.
But Wait! There’s More…
Jeff didn’t just shake up the best cocktail you’ve ever had by accident:
🏅 South African Breweries Draught Master 2013
You don’t win that without having beer in your blood.
🍹 Tahona Society Cocktail Champ
Yup, he won nationals and competed globally in Mexico!
🥇 Klipdrift & Kaya FM Cocktail Winner 2015
Brandy meets brilliance.
🎓 Diageo Master Bar Academy Trainer
Training 500+ bartenders a month across Africa. Ghana, Uganda… basically, if you’ve had a great cocktail somewhere on the continent, chances are Jeff trained the person who made it.
And let’s not forget, the man does latte art. What. A. Blend.
Quick-Fire Round
We asked Jeff a few quick ones (because he’s a busy guy):
- Favourite Drink? Brewhogs IPA – naturally.
- Favourite Meal? The OG: Hogs Original Burger.
- Best Memory? “When we won Best Draught Beer Outlet in SA in 2013. I was at the forefront of it, and it felt epic.”
- Favourite Store? *he chuckles* Douglasdale, of course. It’s home.
- Best Part About the Job? “The customers you meet that end up being like family.”
- Follow-Up Question… Do You Have a Favourite Customer? *he chuckles once again* “Oh yes, I won’t say their name but they know who they are.”
Final Sip
Jeff says the best part of this journey with Hogshead has been the people, those little chats across the bar that make even the worst days better. He says he honours his journey through the people he’s met along the way. He mentions “I have learnt a lot from them and I truly appreciate their support. When a customer has had a bad day, doesn’t matter what kind of a day I’ve had, we connect, laugh, chat about life struggles and look forward to the next day, and they will be here the next day.”
You might not guess it, but Jeff is naturally shy. The bar, he says, gives him a voice, “I feel protected by the bar, like I am able to speak openly. You can say anything, even something offensive, and people will still laugh with you and get a conversation going.”
That’s Jeff
No ego, just energy.
No suits, just service.
No fuss, just family.
Cheers, Jeff.
You’re not just in the Hogshead story… you are the story.
Do you have a story about Jeff you’d like to share? Drop us a comment! We’d love to hear it.
Such a great guy & what a story! Well done Jeff!
Also definitely E! 🤭
E all the way! Thanks for the love, Tamaryn. Jeff’s story is as real and legendary as the man himself.
A and B
Great guy
He really is! We’re lucky to have him on the team.
Amazing human being. Definitely all of the above
Couldn’t agree more! Jeff’s the kind of person who makes the place feel like home.
Very Cool
Nice one Jeff
Cheers, Garry! Jeff’s one of a kind, and we’re lucky to have him steering the ship (and the bar)!
Wow, that guy is seriously one of the best! He’s always so helpful and kind. Seriously, I’m so glad I know him. He brightens up every room he walks into. A true gem of a person.
Marshall, this is the kind of comment that makes us pause and say, “Yup, that’s exactly Jeff.” Always kind, always real – and always the first to bring the good vibes. Thanks for capturing it so perfectly!
Great guy…Kudos to Hogshead for this appreciation post. Reminds me why I am a regular 👌
That means the world to us, thank you! Jeff’s a big part of what makes the Hogshead family so special.
Awesome guy…and very focused 🍻
Right? Focused, fun, and just the right amount of cheeky – the Jeff trifecta!
When he took a zip, I got an empty glass back😂🎂🍾
Classic Jeff move!
Jeff, you legend! Well done on all your achievements! Here’s to many more years at Hogs!
A legend indeed – we’re just trying to keep up! Grateful for the years, and excited for many more Hogs memories with Jeff at the helm.
Now that’s a story! And if you’ve known Jeff long enough you know he also goes by “Kiki” and better yet “Martain”! My answer is a resounding CAPITAL E…anything less would require Hogs to dish out a written warning to him…like on a serious note LOL!
A true gent that always has a smile on his face. There is too much to say about this guy that embodies true customer service that no one else will have space to leave a comment. So let me stop here and rather save it for the day we meet over a Brewhogs at HogsHead. Platinum is my poison but nothing beats a No2 Jeff. NOTHING!!!!
Abner! This comment needs its own blog post! You just dropped a Jeff tribute that’s straight from the heart. “Martain” lives on, and we’ll be saving you a No2 and a seat at the bar. Cheers to stories that only happen at Hogs.
Awesome Gentlemen.. customer centric. The best
And absolutely E🎉🙌🏽
You nailed it, Lesedi! Jeff’s all heart, all hustle.
awesome ! cheers Jeff!
Cheers, Andile! We’ll raise a glass to Jeff right there with you.
Hogshead fam,
It’s about time that this guy has his time in the spot light. I remember Jeff with braids and his ridiculous mustache from many years age serving me a drink from across the bar. Apart from the crazy hairstyles Jeff wore, he wore his incredible smile that welcomed you whole heartily. Jeff SALUTE, true ambassador to the brand, true friend. [ all these nice words ]
Ppssstt, Jeff you owe me a tequila
Vaughn, this is gold! That mustache deserved its own spotlight! Thanks for sharing the memories—and yes, Jeff definitely owes you that tequila! SALUTE right back.
The legend, most definitely E!!!
A true Hogshead Hall of Famer! We’ll mark you down as another solid E!
The Man, The Legend, Excellent Credentials and all-round Genuine Showman. 100% E!
We couldn’t script it better, Jeff’s got the credentials and the charisma.
Jeff, you’re a legend. Without a doubt an E, and many more
An E and then some! Appreciate the love, Paddy—Jeff’s soaking it all in.
A B C!
I have been a patron of the Douglasdale branch since 2013, and am still a regular there. Always brilliant service from the staff. It now makes sense that they all followed his lead. What a guy!
Ash, wow—thank you for being part of the journey! Jeff’s leadership has shaped so much of what makes Hogs HOGS. We’ll keep the service sharp for legends like you.
A B C – He is amazing!!!
We’re with you, Naadirah! You and Jeff have got the whole alphabet covered.
Brother Jeff!!!
Definitely an E on the questions. Thanks for always being there.
Not Friends, FAMILY!!!
That hit us right in the feels, Ryan. You said it best—Jeff = Family
HI!
HI Tebo!
Always around always friendly.. E for sure..
Our beloved Jeff the ardent Arsenal supporter who when seeing a great customer and Liverpool fan like me of course runs to hide hoping I will go away but naturally I love to make him feel loved and cared for by his loyal and caring platinum supporters. (yes I am there at Douglasdale a lot) but HEY!! it feels like home with awesome beer and food and super staff. See you soon Jeff..LOL
Haha Lester – you’ve got us cracking up! Jeff may duck for cover when he sees the Liverpool red, but you both know there’s nothing but love there. We’re so lucky to have awesome regulars like you who make Douglasdale feel like home. See you soon for a cold one (and maybe a friendly football debate or two).
Yaaaaaas Jeff!! 🙂
A + B + C for me… soon D ‘n E ! AND because you’re a Gunner – let’s share a fifa F for a Fist bump too 😉
Much like Arsenal, you’re a shining underdog – Well done on all your achievements throughout your Hogs journey! I remember those 2011 days… even the Stache & the dreads! In fact I remember the cringey white tablecloth steakhouse that was in that location – yet, it feels like Hogs (& Jeff) has always been a part of our (social) lives!
Cheers to you, Jeff!
With an A + B + C + D + E + F to you, sir!
Yaaaaaas Jeff!! 🙂
A + B + C for me… soon D ‘n E ! AND because you’re a Gunner – let’s share a fifa F for a Fist bump too 😉
Much like Arsenal, you’re a shining underdog – Well done on all your achievements throughout your Hogs journey! I remember those 2011 days… even the Stache & the dreads! In fact I remember the cringey white tablecloth steakhouse that was in that location – yet, it feels like Hogs (& Jeff) has always been a part of our (social) lives!
Cheers to you, Jeff!
With an A + B + C + D + E + F to you, sir!
What an absolute cracker of a comment – we’re loving the A + B + C + D + E + F energy! Jeff’s been part of the Hogs journey since day one, and seeing memories like yours just reminds us how special this ride has been. From the dreads to the drafts, he’s always brought heart to Hogs – and we’re so glad you’ve been along for it all. Here’s to many more cheers, laughs, and of course… fist bumps!