It's been twelve years since Benny Housiaux sold his waterfront café and his 3-bedroom residence behind it for what was then a very expensive $710,000, but now looks like the bargain of the century.
We still miss his innovative merchandising of placing DUREX right after Chuppa Chups and before Panadol. He was right with the chronology!
Benny bought the old store in 1998 for $200,000, and constantly had his magnanimity tested by customers quoting "Blue fish blowing bubbles" which, according to his website, entitled them to a free Coke (I tried it and was nearly handed over to the authorities for verbal shoplifting ☺).
|
"Blue fish blowing bubbles", when you place any takeaway order over $4, to receive a free can of Coke! |
He tried to sell it again in 2009 but no luck. Then, in April 2010, it burnt down and, with a bit of help from the insurers, a new store arose from the ashes which Benny then tried to sell for over $800,000. He had to wait three years before he found a buyer in October 2014 at $710,000. Eight years later, in 2022, it sold again for $1,450,000 - click here.
It's still going strong - but don't try quoting "Blue fish blowing bubbles"!
