Nightlife trailblazers Benedict andJaime Ku have now set their sights onthe restaurant world. Crave catches upwith the couple to learn about their goals and a thing or two about cocktails, naturally.
Text by Jason Spotts, portrait by Samantha Sin
It is a peaceful afternoon at Lily and Bloom. Dinner service is in three hours, and the tables are solidly booked. Benedict Ku and his wife, Jaime, sit comfortably in a booth, sharing a bowl of homemade fettuccine.
As Creative Director and Managing Partner of Buzz Concepts respectively, Benedict and Jaime understand what people want from a night out. During the past decade, the charming couple have played a leading role in Central’s nightlife. They launched the successful members-only clubs Volar, Halo and Roxie.
With each new venture, the Kus continue to showcase their great business instincts. The crowds agree, regularly filling the prohibition era-inspired two-floor bar and restaurant where we now sit.
“If I could open a restaurant anywhere in the world,” says Jaime, “it would be a small restaurant in New York where it’s packed from lunch to happy hour. People could spend the whole day there if they liked.
“We could station ourselves there every day and not care about anywhere else,” Jaime continues. “If I could hang out with my staff every day, treat them like family and build this little place together, that’s what I’d prefer. I love that family feeling.”
With the success of their businesses, that level of intimacy has been difficult to maintain. “That’s something that I regret a little,” says Jaime. “When we first opened Volar, we knew everybody. All their kids’ names, stuff like that. I loved it.”
“It’s true,” Benedict says wistfully. “But we had 20 people back then and now there’s over 100 people working for us. It’s a little different.”
The Kus have left their stamp on Lan Kwai Fong, and they have also grown with the area. “It’s probably the most vibrant it has been for as long as I can remember,” says Benedict.
“And it’s still evolving,” Jaime adds. “Now it’s all moving up to Wyndham Street.”
“Ten years ago it was just bars, clubs and some restaurants that weren’t a big deal,” Benedict recalls. “But there have been a lot of decent restaurants opening. The dining scene is definitely better than it’s ever been in the area.”
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