The Zenex Cyrildene is a hub of activity. Petrol is not their only business, says Manager Stefan Gamtchev. "Our shop is rated as one of the best in the area: fresh rolls and croissants are baked early every morning; we carry a full supply of about every newspaper - and if you have a special need, for example a certain brand of cigarettes, we'll go out of our way to make sure we stock it."
The shop is open 24 hours and stocks not only daily fresh supplies, but also items you forgot on your grocery list: cat & dog food, breakfast cereal, toilet paper - and even jumper cables!
Stefan has been at the helm of the Zenex for the past year - but he started there two years ago when he took over the management of Bella Napoli, the Italian fast food restaurant on the premises. "The owner of the famous Hillbrow restaurant, Bella Napoli, in the seventies, opened the pizza place at the Zenex about five years ago, but decided to retire. I gladly took over - and still use the same chefs, so the quality stays..."
But petrol is his passion. "The training of my staff is a priority. Good people ensure good service. I invest in only the best people."
Stefan is working tirelessly to improve that service. "I don't think many Observatory residents know, for example, that you can open a petrol account with me. All you have to do, is pop in and ask."
If you would like to make use of an account at the Zenex Cyrildene, phone Stefan at 011 616 9930/1 or 083 727 3012 or e-mail him at
But petrol is his passion. "The training of my staff is a priority. Good people ensure good service. I invest in only the best people." 