Comedian and reality TV star Tol Ass Mo, also known as Mongezi Mahlangu, has taken his passion for food to new heights by opening his own restaurant, High Grounds Blvd, in Sandton, Joburg. The restaurant, which opened in October 2024, will officially launch on Tuesday, 28 February 2025.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Sun, Tol Ass Mo shared his excitement about the new venture. “I have a history with food. I was one of the first contestants in Celebrity MasterChef SA and later hosted cooking shows like VIP Recipe and Kasi-licious Flava with Tol Ass Mo. People appreciated my food and vibe, which led me to those opportunities. Food has always been my first love, taught to me by my mum, Ambrosia – a name associated with good food. It’s in her blood, and that love has inspired me to open a restaurant,” he explained.
The restaurant, located at 178 Oxford Road in Illovo, is more than just a place to eat. It features a unique combination of a restaurant, pub, and exclusive private membership. “I wanted to create a restaurant with a pub and an exclusive private membership, so it’s not open to the general public. To visit, you must first book through our website,” Tol Ass Mo said. The venue also offers a “green-lit lifestyle” for its members who enjoy cannabis, although Tol Ass Mo made it clear they do not sell cannabis, but simply provide a space for members to enjoy it.
“Through this restaurant and my menu, I was able to bring these passions together,” he added.
The official launch of High Grounds Blvd will coincide with Tol Ass Mo’s birthday on 28 February, making it a double celebration. Currently, the restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, but starting 1 February, it will operate every day of the week.
In addition to running the restaurant, Tol Ass Mo is also gearing up for a comedy tour. “It’s called Comedy Show yama Grootman and will kick off at La Parada in Olivedale, Joburg, on 29 January. I’ll be joined by well-known comedians such as David Kau, Kagiso Lediga, Ntosh Madlingozi, Roni Madimola, and Joey Rasdein. As seasoned performers, we’ll be driven around in classic Toyota Cressidas by the Toyota Toycam Crew,” he said.
