Anguillian entrepreneurs Francois and Sandra Lake, who jointly own and run the successful grocery business Food’s ’95 at West End, have branched off with the establishment of a wine store at the attractive Tomac Plaza at the Water Swamp.

Sandra and Francois Lake (4th & 5th from left) and invited guests

“When I started this wine establishment, I didn’t tell my wife I was going to do it,” he acknowledged but, like every good woman behind a successful man, she joined him enthusiastically when he told her it was already in being.

“We are happy today to be able to open this wine store – Maison de Charonnay,” the excited young businessman told a group of friends, suppliers and invited guests at the opening ceremony last weekend. “It is a new concept for the restaurant and the private villa persons who want to buy a great but inexpensive wine.”
Mrs. Lake, standing by her husband’s side, commented: “Yes, he did. He influenced me. I went all out with him. We did it and here we are today.”

Friends, family and business leaders

Francois was asked who his partners were. “I have never been involved in partnership. The only partnership is my wife and I,” he laughed.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank, E. Valentine Banks, spoke about the growth of Francois’ grocery business over the years and was happy to see his new venture. “He is a really successful gentleman. He is a tribute to Anguilla. We should be proud of him and give him a round of applause for all of his efforts and those of his wife,” Mr. Banks stated. “I think people like Franscois epitomise what Anguillians are about – hard-working, energetic, ambitious and attempting to do things that are positive for our community. We need to celebrate people like Francois and others like him. We have a number of people in the business community here and we need to celebrate them as well…As Anguillians we certainly need to feel empowered and to be involved in everything in our community.”

Val Banks and Sandra look on as little Ananada cuts ribbon

He added that he was extremely proud to be at the ceremony. On behalf of himself and his wife as well as the National Bank, which had been a financing partner with Franscois through the years, he offered best wishes for continued success.

Mr. Banks joined Francois’ little daughter, Ananada, in cutting the ribbon.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News