Boulter acquires, expands Olivia's Kitchen

Popular eatery under new management
Olivia's Kitchen will now add dinner to its offerings, on top of breakfast and lunch.
STAFF REPORTER
Entrepreneur Harvey Boulter has broadened his footprint on the Windhoek business scene with the acquisition of Olivia’s Kitchen, nestled in the prestigious Am Weinberg Estate. Long celebrated for its exceptional breakfast and lunch offerings, Olivia’s Kitchen is now delighting patrons by extending its services to include dinner - a move eagerly anticipated by its loyal customer base.

"Our customers loved the breakfast and lunch experience, but they kept asking 'why aren’t you open for dinner?'" Boulter explained. "We listened, and now Olivia’s is offering an evening dining experience. It’s still the Olivia’s you know, now open at night."

With the addition of dinner service, Olivia’s Kitchen is poised to become Windhoek's freshest evening dining destination. The new owner has reshuffled its menu, which now features Italian-inspired dishes infused with Namibian flavours, catering to a diverse range of palates. Signature offerings include freshly made pasta and pizza, complemented by a curated selection of cocktails and fine wines.

This expansion also signals significant growth for the restaurant. Currently employing 50 staff members, Olivia’s is looking to hire an additional 15 to 20 employees, including waiters, supervisors, baristas, chefs and bartenders.

"We’ve gone from two shifts - breakfast and lunch - to three with the addition of dinners, and our team will grow to meet that demand," Boulter noted.



New chapter

The businessman credits his team for the restaurant's success. "We have a fantastic group of people who have helped build the Olivia’s brand. Their hard work, passion and commitment are what make Olivia’s special. We’re all looking forward to this new chapter, the growth we’re experiencing and the exciting opportunities ahead."

Beyond Olivia’s Kitchen, Boulter’s company CPAM manages the Am Weinberg Estate, which has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past year. Previously struggling through the insolvency process of its former developer, Jimmy Construction, the estate has flourished under Boulter's stewardship. It now boasts a waiting list of tenants and record-breaking foot traffic.

"Achieving change in Namibia can be challenging," Boulter reflected. "Unfortunately, some who were part of the estate for years found it hard to adapt. Where necessary, we’ve brought in fresh, talented people who are focused on excellence, and the results speak for themselves."

Looking ahead, he hinted at even bigger projects that could transform the lives of Namibians across the country. While he remains tight-lipped on specifics, he suggested that these initiatives could span key sectors like power generation, water security, education, healthcare and tourism. "When the time is right, we’ll make the announcements, but rest assured, we’re working on projects that will make a real difference," he said.

Boulter is optimistic about Namibia’s future. "The country is brimming with opportunity. As Namibia continues to strengthen its independence, benefiting from governmental stability and the promise of recent oil and gas discoveries, there’s every reason for optimism."