MARIGOT–The question of what happens next on the land occupied by the former Captain Frenchy’s Restaurant on the Boulevard of Grand Case has been answered by the owner himself, Cécilien Richardson Flanders, who divulged his plans to this newspaper.
The popular internationally-known restaurant located on the water at the far Marigot-end of the Boulevard and operating legally since 2002 was completely destroyed during Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017.
Flanders explained he has submitted documents to the Collectivité to purchase the land Frenchy’s was situated on and also presented plans for a new restaurant and building project.
“I have the rights to ownership of the land in the sense that I occupied it for all those years,” he added. Frenchy’s has not been abandoned. “I’m spending 1.5 million euros on this project which is a restaurant and a mini hotel. The restaurant will be open plan on the ground level with a view straight through to Anguilla. Above will be a mini hotel with a large terrace on the top floor for wedding parties, conferences, etcetera. I also plan to have an aquarium on the ground level which will be an educational attraction for children.”
Given the slow pace of approval of permits by the Collectivité, it would seem a new Captain Frenchy’s will not see the light of day until 2019. But Flanders is hoping if he gets the approval now he could still open the restaurant for this season and the hotel next year.
Flanders said he takes pride in knowing that he always pays all taxes and social charges, and employees are paid up to date. “I don’t owe anybody.”
He added he is confident of taking back all his employees and management. “The reason I want government to sell me the property is so that they and others can’t harass me.”
A veteran tourism ambassador over the past few decades, Flanders was one of the first to bring tourists to Grand Case. His project will be another welcome addition to the Boulevard of Grand Case, whether it comes to fruition this year or next year.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/79647-captain-frenchy-s-investing-1-5m-euros-in-new-restaurant-mini-hotel
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