Hailing from North Macedonia, Mr Sokolov said he moved to Dunedin with his family about five months ago so his wife could study for a doctorate of Business Administration at the University of Otago.
He officially took over as owner at the start of May.
Since arriving in Dunedin, Mr Sokolov said he had not seen anything quite like Maggies around the city — or even around Europe.
“I’ve never seen anything similar to what Maggies has to offer.
“The people working here, they all seem to click with each other, help each other, have really positive attitude.”
His first month at the helm of the cafe had been “pretty amazing”, he said.
His business background in North Macedonia included being head of commerce at a family-owned company for about 12 years, which operated grocery stores, supermarkets and a bakery.
He had looked at a few businesses for sale since arriving in the city.
“Once I had my first coffee here, I just enjoyed the special vibe about Maggies.”
He wanted to do something that would make him happy while in Dunedin, he said.
“The team, the people, as well as the customers that are coming here, it’s just amazing.
“So that’s what made my choice really easy at the end.”
Mr Sokolov said he did not want to change a thing about Maggies and was committed to keeping its “soul” the same.
Almost all of the cafe’s existing staff had agreed to continue working under his ownership.
Founder and former owner Troy Butler would also stay on for a couple of months to help with handing over the business.
Mr Sokolov said he also owned a dog, a Great Dane called Hubert, who he bought from Ukraine shortly before the war but had to leave in North Macedonia.
“I miss him.
“My whole family misses him.
“For me, it’s pretty helpful to see all these dogs and pets coming in Maggies and all these pet lovers.”
tim.scott@odt.co.nz
