THE name is synonymous with its location, as it is situated on Airport Road, Lethem, which is also the gateway to neighbouring Brazil.
The 747 Touchdown Bar & Lounge, owned by Canadian-based Guyanese Vishal Mohan and business partner Carl Methuram, threw open its doors in April this year, and has been creating quite a stir in the area ever since.
Mohan, who was born at Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, migrated to Canada since 1982, but has never forgotten his roots. In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, Mohan disclosed that the entertainment industry has always been his passion.
“I was a professional chef and manager for many years in Canada for numerous fine dining restaurants and bars. My ultimate goal is to bring my experience in this industry to Guyana.”
According to Mohan, he has been an established businessman for the past ten years. “I have established a successful business in the security industry, which is still growing,” he said.
Being an industrious individual, Mohan wasn’t content to just remain in the security business in Canada, but was bent on making another dream a success, hence the establishment of the 747 Bar & Lounge.
“I saw a possible way forward. I always wanted to provide Guyana with an upscale bar (of the type) that you would find in Canada. Georgetown has a few, but Lethem doesn’t have any, so (I thought) why not bring that awesome party experience to the residents of Lethem?”
The 747 Touchdown Bar & Lounge currently employs a staff of seven, each playing an important role in the success of the establishment. And according to Mohan, the feedback from Lethem residents has been phenomenal.
“It’s a new and fresh experience to them, and they have embraced us with open arms. And for us, their satisfaction is our top priority. We have come a long way in a short time, but the journey has now begun.”
The business is also spreading its wings in Toronto, and is one of the main sponsors of top team Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC), whose president Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan is the long-standing president and uncle of Vishal.
HACC has been ruling the roost in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premiere League tournament, winning the title for an unprecedented five consecutive years.
The club is also unbeaten in the 2015 season, and seems headed for a sixth title in a row.
The elder Mohan was high in praise for his nephew’s business acumen and success, and his willingness to come on board with HACC.
Vishal Mohan is expressing sincere thanks to everyone who has been supporting the upscale entity and also ensuring his life-long dream becomes a reality. He also had special words of comfort for his wife, Bhojeshwarie Singh Mohan, “who is always beside me through all my success and difficult times,” he said.
Mohan is urging party-goers to ensure they check out 747 Touchdown Bar & Lounge once in Lethem, as customer satisfaction is guaranteed. The flourishing business also has an established Facebook page.
The day-to-day affairs of the business are being taken care of by Mohan’s business partner Methuram.
Lethem lies on the Takutu River, which forms the border with Brazil. It is opposite the Brazilian town of Bonfim, and is the main commercial centre of the Rupununi savannah.
Lethem is the largest town, and is the administrative centre of the Rupununi Region, or Region 9. It includes a hospital, a police station, an army camp, a telecommunication station, schools, guesthouses, restaurants and stores.
The Rupununi Savannah is divided into north and south by the Kanuku Mountains. Visitors can stay at cattle ranches here, and locals provide guided walks across the savannah and up into the hills.
By Frederick Halley in Toronto, Canada
