Robert Benn is a thirty one year-old businessman whose entrepreneurial ambitions clearly extend way beyond the modest restaurant which he owns. The Fantasme restaurant which he operates from the small downstairs premises on Cummings street, immediately south of Middle street is one “a few business” pursuits in which he is immersed, simultaneously. He considers himself an accomplished landscaper, his credentials in the discipline available for all to see at the Providence Stadium, Buddy’s Hotel and the National Convention Centre. Then there is Ben-Tic House removers and Ben-Tic All Purpose Service, two additionally utility enterprises which are pressed into service from time to time.
In another life, he was a public servant, an economist at the Ministry of Finance, having graduated from the University of Guyana with a Bsc. In economics in 2003.
The Fantasme was opened on March 7th this year. These days, it supersedes Robert’s other’s business pursuits. “Those are seasonal,” he says. “Food and drinks are in demand all year round.”
Inside, the Fantasme is small without being cramped. A few additional tables and chairs are placed just outside the restaurant. It offers, Robert says, a combination of French and creole foods. When you ask him to account for French cuisine in a local creole restaurant he says that what the Fantasme does is to work with what it regards as some particular similarities between French cooking and the local fare. “Some of the seasonings differ but the similarities are there,” he says. The food is tasty without being exotic.
Robert Benn is acutely aware of the competitive nature of the food industry and his marketing strategy relies heavily on what he describes as “grapevine,” each one tell one, coupled with complimentary meals dispatched to targeted offices with polite notes inviting patronage. The Fantasme also has two hired marketing agents whose job is it to promote the cuisine.
From his perspective staying ahead of the competition necessitates offering good quality food at modest prices. He believes that he has finally begun to develop a clientele and is on the point of breaking even. On Friday evenings karaoke entertainment brings in more patrons and ‘sells beer.’
Robert is obsessed with growth. Tomorrow evening, himself and his brother Maurice ‘Bennie’ Benn launch Bandzone @ Fantasme, live musical entertainment which, they say, seeks to revive the ardour of individual artistes, instrumentalists and vocalists and bands, who, over the years, may have been sidelined by the current surfeit of recorded music. Maurice is a bass guitarist who says he has performed in most of the Caribbean. Much of his time is spent in the Caribbean. He is also an artist, specializing in portraits sketched in ink. His work, stunningly lifelike resemblances, is outstanding.
Bandzone at Fantasme is an effort to popularize all genres of live music. If you are an instrumentalist you can go along to the Fantasme tomorrow to indulge your passion. You can walk with your instrument or else, simply “bring your talent.” The Benns promise that “a full band of equipment will be available for use.”
Individuals will be encouraged both to offer solo performances and to link up with other musicians in makeshift bands which Robert and Maurice hope can, in some cases, eventually be welded into permanent live bands. Bandzome @ Fantasme, also invites musicians to walk with their calling cards, CD’s and merchandise for sale or reference.
The event will be staged just outside the Fantasme for the next five Saturdays after which, Robert says, its viability will be evaluated.
The brothers Benn are treating the initiative as an investment in the entertainment industry.
They hope that the event will attract music lovers of an earlier era and, obviously, they hope that food and drink will sell. The longer term objective is to have the Fantasme serve as a permanent home for a number of live bands that can be contracted to public functions and entertainment venues. That apart, Robert says that he regards Bandzone @ Fantasme as the start of a lobby aimed at keeping band music alive.
