Jukes Pizza crafts a winning combo of local flavour with Durban Brewing Co.

The stars from the heyday of Hollywood all grace the stage again at KZN's favourite pizza parlour. Jukes is firing up the wood oven and serving thin-based gourmet pizzas named after silver-screen celebrities and old-time crooners like Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra. And just like the legendary names they bear, these pizzas are a classy bunch. What's more, you can wash your choice down with a cool craft beer or a refreshing gin and tonic on tap from local brewers, Durban Brewing Co - a boutique-style craft brewery that specialises in high-quality hand-crafted beer. A winning combo of local Durban flavour!

A slice above the rest
Jukes has been on the Westville scene serving up their beloved pizzas, stealing the show and gaining a reputation as KZN's favourite pizza place. Locals rave about their fare, and this praise has garnered Jukes the #1 rank for KZN pizza joints on TripAdvisor. They've also been featured for two years in a row on the Restaurant Guru platform. It's quite an impressive achievement. And this local pizza legend has taken its show on the road with two new branches: Jukes Kloof and Jukes On Point. 

So what's all the fuss about? Well, it's the magical combination of thin, crispy crust, iconic homemade sauce and fresh, local ingredients, all wonderfully wood-fired in purpose-built pizza ovens. The results are pizzas worthy of their famous namesakes. Customers can enjoy their orders in a pizzeria well-known for its distinctive atmosphere. It's a modern take on a 50s-style diner vibe that combines ambience, music and outstanding food with strong local flair. 

Jukes caters for more than thin-based pizzas lovers. For those wanting more pie in their pizza, Jukes can convert their pizzas into delicious calzones. And for the kids? With Juke's American diner-style dining, you'd better believe there are classic creamy milkshakes and cool drinks for all tastes. For early risers looking for a spot of brekkie, you can head to Jukes from 7 am Monday to Saturday and grab a Jukes Jaffle and a cappuccino. Can't make it in? There's no reason to go without! Get your piece of pizza heaven delivered straight to your door through the Mr D delivery app. 

Fostering a sense of community
What makes Jukes a real success is the local connection. Like most neighbourhood businesses owned by local residents, money is invested in the community, and jobs are created for residents. By supporting homegrown enterprises, your hard-earned cash is funnelled back into your neighbourhood. This keeps local economies alive and thriving. Not only is the economy supported, but the community's character is preserved. By supporting independent outlets, you are helping your area retain a distinct and individual personality.

Local businesses also tend to invest in their communities through social and neighbourhood upliftment programmes. Jukes is a standout example of this community involvement with their support for initiatives like Goals4Gogos, the KZN's High School Football Association, Keep Westville Beautiful, the Westville Conservancy and the Jes Foord Foundation, amongst others.  

On top of this, local pizzerias usually source fresh, high-quality ingredients not often seen in big chain outlets whose focus on the bottom line often sees ingredient quality suffer. Locally sourced ingredients also have a lower carbon footprint than those shipped in. That's a nice side dish of green credentials! What's more, local pizza restaurants can be more flexible with their toppings and more personalised with their service (you can sometimes chat directly with the owners when placing your order). Aspects that aren't usually provided by big enterprises, which is good news for customers looking to try new and exciting flavours. 

This all goes to show why local tastes so much more lekker! As a bonus, you can feel doubly satisfied while tucking into your pizza, knowing the good that going local does for the community.