There is an exciting new pub in town – and you’re invited to stop by for a cold one! Make yourself comfortable, order a fresh pint, and settle in for a sociable evening at Waxy O’Connors at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre. The owners of the newest Waxys branch shared the history of this beloved Durban-based brand.

It would be an understatement to say it was a ‘whirlwind start’ for the new Waxy O’Connors, which opened at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre at the beginning of November.

Breaking all of their opening week records, the owners and staff were thrilled as hordes of North Coasters filed in to experience everything this popular pub (which is so much more than just a pub) has to offer.

It’s a good thing then, that the owners in question are seasoned restaurateurs and businessmen – all with over 25 years of experience behind them. True to form, they knocked it out of the park.

Christo Patinios and Felix Schmitz (brother-in-laws who own the five other Waxy O’Connors stores in KZN) and Christo Paterimos (owner of Bird & Co at The Market) recently joined forces to bring this established and beloved brand to Ballito.

Waxys combines old-school, authentic Irish pub vibes with eclectic, New York gastropub feels. It’s home to Castle Tank Beer (the freshest draft), perfectly poured pints of Guinness, and an unmistakably warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The first Waxy O’Connors opened in Westville in 2001, and Durban-born entrepreneur Christo Patinios and his family bought the pub a decade later. No strangers to the restaurant industry, Christo’s father George owned the Sanlam Centre Wimpy in Pinetown, and Christo was the brainchild behind the popular 80’s Nightclub in Durban. He also ran the family’s clothing factory and owned a Mugg & Bean branch.

From the beginning, when they took over Waxys, they focussed on making it a comfortable place where people could relax and enjoy an ice-cold draft and tasty food. “When we took over, we streamlined and restructured the menu to ensure the customer was getting the best possible value for money and set out to innovate and update our facilities as often as possible.” They also started the now famous ‘Waxy Wednesdays’ concept, which was an immediate hit!

Christo opened the second Waxys with his brother Mario, in Sunningdale in 2016. Located in the upmarket, growing community, with a modern fresh look, it was an immediate success. “The team invested a lot of time and money into the interior, with open ceilings, exposed copper piping, booth seating, and stained glass windows,” says Felix, who has a creative and marketing background and coordinates the aesthetics and design of all the branches.

Three years later, they opened in Hillcrest. When the COVID nightmare began just a few months later, they took the opportunity to upgrade their Westville site.

Christo and Felix opened their fourth Waxys at Salta in Umdloti two years ago and, a year later, a fifth branch in Hilton. “Just when we thought we were done, someone planted the seed about Ballito. I visited the Ballito Lifestyle Centre to have a look and bumped into my longtime family friend Christo Paterimos, who owns the Bird & Co next door,” says Christo.

Long-time Ballito restauranteur Christo Paterimos was born in Athens and relocated to South Africa with his family permanently 22 years ago. He opened the John Dory’s at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre (when the centre first opened) and has become a familiar face amongst North Coast patrons.
One thing led to another and before they knew it, they had met the Ballito Lifestyle Centre owners, and the two Christos and Felix were opening a Waxys in Ballito!

Positioned between The Market and Eat Street Waxys links the two areas, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor seating options, and its stunning design blends in perfectly with the centre’s carefully thought-out aesthetic.
So, who is the typical Waxys customer? “Anyone looking for an unpretentious, relaxed evening out with ice-cold beer and great food that doesn’t break the bank. There is no pressure here. Come as you are – and bring the family!”