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SINGAPORE: These two men need no introduction. One wrote about a fried rice paradise, the other runs a clubbing paradise. Now, two of Singapore’s biggest names in the entertainment industry have come together to help further the cause of nightlife in Singapore.
With the public listing of St James Holdings, Dick Lee has joined Dennis Foo in the company as one of the non-executive directors on the board.
“What does that mean? I’m not sure, actually,” laughed Dick as he sat down for our interview at The Living Room at the Marriott hotel.
“Er, from what I understand, non-executive directors cannot work for the company, and the criterion is that they must contribute in some way.”
Corrected Dennis: “Actually, it means you must not have a stake in the company, or shares in the company.”
What’s more interesting though, is how Dick and the board of directors are going to play a part in the development of St James’ future.
The company recently got itself listed on the stock exchange, acquired Bar None and The Living Room at the Marriott Hotel and it bought over the site vacated bythe former Crazy Horse club at Clarke Quay, which will become Bellini Grande, a plush, classier version of the Bellini Room at St James.
It’s scheduled to open its doors sometime next month.
The old Bellini Room, meanwhile, will be transformed into Cantopop club Firefly, a sister outlet to the popular Chinese club Dragonfly.
But just how did these two men from seemingly opposite ends of the spectrum get together? We got Dick and Dennis to dish the dirt on each other.
How Dennis Got Dick
Dennis: I’ve known him since the ’70s. I first heard Dick play at the NUS auditorium. We weren’t well-acquainted, but we met occasionally at social events. I admired him from a distance for the work he’d done. Then, one time we met in Hong Kong by chance.
Dick: It was about eight years ago — this was just before Dennis started Devil’s Bar.
Dennis: And we both said we ought to do something together one day.
Dick: But there was no opportunity and no real role for me. It was always an idea that we could do something together, so once St James was publicly listed, he found a role for me that made sense.
Dennis: It had to be appropriate for Dick. We needed non-executive directors, and I thought Dick would be perfect.
And because of his stature, the kind of value he would bring to the company, especially a publicly-listed one, would be immense.
Then this Bellini Grande project came along. It was perfect because they both happened around the same time. And well, better late than never.
Dick: I have been in the nightclub business before — I used to own the Boom Boom Room and I used to be a DJ in a nightclub called Rainbow, back when I was much younger. So this is not unfamiliar territory.
The Vision Behind Bellini Grande
Dennis: We always felt Bellini had special appeal, but the room setting in St James was not enough to give Bellini its full-fledged run. So with this new place, we are creating a full-fledged Bellini.
Dick: Bellini Grande will be very plush, with very elegant seating. It’s like a theatre, almost. I think there will be theatre. For example, the songs may have some kind of link, not just musically, but even a storyline or something.
And the other thing is, there will be a VIP room upstairs: A nice, classy, stylish restaurant and bar that can convert into a nightclub. It’s our first foray into fine dining. It’s a little different from Bellini Grande, which will essentially be a bigger Bellini Room.
Dennis: Actually the key target market for Bellini Grande is the high-end FIT (free individual travellers), the local elite, and corporate entertainment. We feel that these three groups are under-catered for — they can’t find any good place to go to.
Dick: Singapore needs a place that’s a bit exclusive and private where you can go and have fun or entertain some stars in private, but still be part of the main action.
It’s also a place where people dress up to go out. After years of dressing down, this is a place where people might feel awkward if they don’t dress up.
Dennis: Dick won’t just be the music director, he will literally be the host of the place.
Dick: I’m looking forward to that. Dennis has a piano in the dining room. It could be used for dinner music, or, if I feel like singing Fried Rice Paradise, I can. Every great party needs a host.
St James And The Future Of Nightlife
Dennis: There are now more affluent people in Singapore; they are more discerning and their expectations are much higher. We need to meet those expectations, that’s why we want to create a venue that can be world-famous.
Dick: I don’t think the nightlife scene is plateauing out, but there might be a case of oversupply. I feel the nightlife scene is indicative of the city’s growth and development — a bit like the arts scene.
Dennis: I don’t think there’s saturation, but if you are at the top of the pack, the tendency is that you’ll do well at the expense of the marginal players.
As for expanding overseas, I think there’s so much to do in Singapore, at least in the two years before the integrated resorts open.
What St James wants to do is create a network of high-quality night entertainment venues, strategically positioned in key locations in Singapore.
We’ve started in Orchard Road, we’re going to be in Clarke Quay and we’ll expand our portfolio of bars and clubs in Orchard Road and Boat Quay.
DENNIS ON DICK, DICK ON DENNIS
Dick: I think people like Dennis still have a big role to play in the development of society. I’m involved in this because of him. I admire what he’s done. He’s on the same wavelength as me, in trying to define a certain kind of style, to shape an identity of sorts.
Dennis: I think because we share a common interest, I don’t foresee any problems working together. We are very clear about the company’s direction and what’s expected of us, both financially, as well as creating the kind of product that will make an impact in the market. Obviously, I will advise Dick and he will advise me.
Dick: What’s good about him is that he respects people, he’s very people-oriented; that’s how he runs his business. He’s to-the-point and diplomatic. He knows exactly what he wants and if you’re on the same page as him, it’s very smooth. He’s very easygoing about delegating the work.
Dennis: I don’t give free rein, but we must capitalise on the strengths of the different individuals of the company. Like those good at marketing, we want them to be the best; those who are creative, they should be given full encouragement. Dick’s creativity is well-known and it will add good value to us.
Dick: In my experience, so many have come and gone, but few are still here with plans to move forward. Dennis is one of them. - TODAY/sh
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