"Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant Officially Closes

Tom Arnstein | Feb 27, 2020 1:41 pm | 55 comments | 11945 reads

A mere two months after Badr Benjelloun, founder and proprietor of Caravan, announced that he was to start splitting his time between Beijing and Europe, the venue that he bid farewell to has closed for good.

Speaking to the Beijinger, Benjelloun detailed the difficult circumstances that led to him to make the decision to close the Moroccan bar, restaurant, and performance space that he had nurtured since 2015. That decision, he says, was as a direct result of the coronavirus and the effect that it's currently wreaking across the city.

"You got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them," says Benjelloun. "We stayed open through most of this ordeal and business was down 95 percent year-on-year with no visibility," adding, "Sad that after years of peddling strong liquor we got done in by a fucking corona. Joking aside, the landlords were not willing to help and asked for 100 percent rent and also planned for a rent increase in May. I couldn’t sell the place, and couldn’t operate with random requests to close and staff locked in their homes. I put the key under the door and left."

Although the current circumstances certainly crippled business, Benjelloun adds that troubles began last year, when huge swaths of the capital were closed off and many businesses were forced to limit opening hours on account of the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. "The real issue was that we didn’t recover from the restrictions of late August to early October with the forced closures on weekends and all the cancellations. Six dead weekends and canceled events took away our safety blanket. I paid for it all."

Beijing's F&B, music, and performance venues, as well as businesses in general, are currently reeling from the effects that the coronavirus has had on staffing, restrictions on gatherings, and obstacles created in returning to work, which has so far effectively seen this year's Chinese New Year prolonged by three weeks. Though the situation is looking up in Beijing, with the number of new infections gradually falling, restrictions have only become stricter as the local government makes a determined effort to eradicate it in the capital. Meanwhile, the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, leaving countless similar examples of personal and fiscal damage in its wake.

Expounding on the daunting situation that currently faces small businesses here, Benjelloun states, "There are no real subsidies for small foreign-owned businesses that we found. Most of it is mainly talk with no real governance. Same for the rules limiting the scope of how many customers can be admitted. It’s two per table according to some, three for others, four in some places. Without exact rules, doing any sort of business leaves us at the mercy of local neighborhood interpretations and random closures."

After his hurried visit to Beijing to try and see if there was a way for Caravan to push on, Benjelloun has since returned to Italy where he is under self-imposed quarantine and lots of time to digest the legacy he leaves behind in the capital. "If I have any sanity left after my quarantine, I’ll try to process what happened. For now, I just hope Beijing history judges me kindly."

As one of the few characterful venues in the Guanghua Lu area, and the only place to tuck into a legitimate tagine (not to mention one of the best rum selections going), Caravan will certainly be missed. Sadly, it's also safe to assume that it will be just one of many coronavirus related business casualties in the months to come.

READ: Just Do a Quarantine When You Get Back to Beijing, OK?

Images: Facebook, courtesy of Badr Benjelloun

Comments

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Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 13, 2020 5:44am by laojianbing

I happen to work for one of the suppliers mentioned above. Caravan has been with us since day one and from what i've been told, we have been supplying all 4 of Badr's bars/restaurants since he started. I can confirm that we didn't recieve payment on the last shipment but we have been able to talk to him, go back to the restaurant and pick up unopened bottles without any issues. Overall, we're down about 1000 rmb.

Our company has seen many bars/restaurants close and it invariably leads to a few losses, we can live with that. We're sad that we're losing a long time partner who has supported our business consistently for almost a decade and not once fucked us over.

Let's not lose sight of the big picture here: Whether you liked the food or not, whether you thought the stage was too small or the service shitty, it remains that this particular venue was open for 5 years and successful. It's very sad to see it go down this way.

More importantly, we know what it takes to build a business in this city and it is not easy. The way we see it, as a caravan supplier, is this: The landlord and the staff hijacked the business within 48 hours of Badr leaving China and accused him of stealing his own money and causing irreversible dammage to the business. They also proceeded to reopen within days of that while claiming he didn't pay anyone for 2 months. As a supplier, I can tell you most people outside of hotels get maximum 30 days credit and we generally get everything paid before Chinese new year. This was the case with Caravan and i confirmed that with a few of their other suppliers.

So a landlord refuses to help in time of crisis, an owner makes public statements about it and the reason he is folding then a whole drama from people we don't even know about how one of our partners screwed them over? I'm more likely to believe i man i know than a shady landlord or some random bar manager.

Business is business. This is bad business. The man bled for that place and put all of his heart in it and maybe that was the problem. You could always tell the difference in quality when he was not around. Now these thieves take it over and make false claims. Good luck to them!

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 5, 2020 9:06pm by WaqarOptimist
(Reply to a previous comment)

Reggie wrote:

WaqarOptimist wrote:

By this standard, the beijinger will only be able to write about, or, take interviews of Angels. Because they don't sin, they don't have business related debts, some weaknesses, or flaws. Biggrin 

 

The Beijinger had standards? 

Yes. The World class standards! 

~~“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~~.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 5, 2020 5:40pm by Reggie
(Reply to a previous comment)
WaqarOptimist wrote:

By this standard, the beijinger will only be able to write about, or, take interviews of Angels. Because they don't sin, they don't have business related debts, some weaknesses, or flaws. *biggrin*

The Beijinger had standards?

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 5, 2020 4:41pm by WaqarOptimist

By this standard, the beijinger will only be able to write about, or, take interviews of Angels. Because they don't sin, they don't have business related debts, some weaknesses, or flaws. Biggrin 

~~“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~~.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 5, 2020 2:35pm by Mr. Yan

SHOCK! GASP! HORROR! Admin quick! Defend Badr's honor again. He REALLY NEEDS YOU NOW.

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 5, 2020 12:43pm by Ezekiel

I don't know if the guy is "evil" or not but according to a statement released by Caravan manager Andy on the very same day this article was published: he ran away with bills, suppliers, rent and staff unpaid for 2 months.

Took me only a phone call to confirm that at least some suppliers are unpaid. If you want to check another side of the story you can contact Andy directly (139 1089 1115). I'm sure he has plenty to say. I'm sure as well that the guy lied when saying he has no debt left in comments section here.

Caravan is re-opened but the Morrocan phenix isn't going to be anywhere near Beijing soon imho, too many people want to have "a few words" with him.

So much for the so called "legacy". For his staff it's much more serious than the funny drama debate here to determine if the guy is legit or not.

"And then find a way, dude, to take some step in life which will draw you closer to others rather than tear at them"

No need to ask me anything, you can check directly with people from his staff if you want to know. Guess the whole F&B scene already knows anyway.

Cheers.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 3, 2020 4:20pm by WaqarOptimist
(Reply to a previous comment)

blmason wrote:

Plenty of hate from you all and that's not nice. Badr is not evil, he's shrewd. That's what you need to be to survive. It also means that you offend people from time to time when you put the business before friendships. Announcing that he's leaving Beijing and there is no more live music was the end of Caravan. Nothing to do with the virus. There are plenty of places that have seen their founders reptriate and announce that it's all "business as usual" only to fold in the months following. Blaming the death of a venue on the virus is the new blaming the landlord. Mike the piece is misleading.

I don't think we are being misled in any way. The reason seems legit, Coronavirus. And I also didn't like the word 'shrewd'.

Thing is Mr. Badr was already out of the game and far from Beijing, so anything that was going to test his nerves and his bank account wasn't worth the pain. And I also agree that its not necessary that if you want to sell a business, then its because of its unhealthy state.

But, as it always happens that when you are acting like you are not selling, no-one buys. But when you announce, the price goes drastically down! 

Hence, after reading all these comments and his clarification, I am of the belief that there was no malicious intention in closing his business and saying that its because of cornoavirus.

If this was the decision he wanted to take or make before coronavirus, but was afraid for regretting later, then he's atleast saved himself from it! . 

 

~~“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~~.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 2, 2020 8:23pm by blmason

Plenty of hate from you all and that's not nice. Badr is not evil, he's shrewd. That's what you need to be to survive. It also means that you offend people from time to time when you put the business before friendships. Announcing that he's leaving Beijing and there is no more live music was the end of Caravan. Nothing to do with the virus. There are plenty of places that have seen their founders reptriate and announce that it's all "business as usual" only to fold in the months following. Blaming the death of a venue on the virus is the new blaming the landlord. Mike the piece is misleading.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 2, 2020 2:01pm by admin
(Reply to a previous comment)

f00dwh0re wrote:

Quite a stretch to use the word "report" when talking about Jim Boyce.

admin wrote:

Beijing Boyce just reported this:

The Caravan space will reopen tomorrow with a limited menu and temporary hours of 11 AM to 2 PM for lunch and 5 PM to 8 PM for dinner. Four employees plan to keep the restaurant going.* There is 30% off for those dining at the venue or doing takeout. Delivery is available via Meituan. If you have any questions, get in touch with the general manager, Andy. This info comes courtesy of Frank Siegel, who has the lease for the Caravan and other F&B spaces in that building.

 

why? He's almost 100% accurate all the time with news on the F&B scene 

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 2, 2020 11:08am by f00dwh0re
(Reply to a previous comment)

Quite a stretch to use the word "report" when talking about Jim Boyce.

admin wrote:

Beijing Boyce just reported this:

The Caravan space will reopen tomorrow with a limited menu and temporary hours of 11 AM to 2 PM for lunch and 5 PM to 8 PM for dinner. Four employees plan to keep the restaurant going.* There is 30% off for those dining at the venue or doing takeout. Delivery is available via Meituan. If you have any questions, get in touch with the general manager, Andy. This info comes courtesy of Frank Siegel, who has the lease for the Caravan and other F&B spaces in that building.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 1, 2020 12:11pm by The Jim Reaper

I played a gig at Caravan once, the drums were absolute shite. I couldn’t hear anything the band was playing and we were basically on top of each other. All this for a crowd of three because the owner insisted on having his band warm up for us and everyone left.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 1, 2020 11:21am by Nemanja
(Reply to a previous comment)

Who said im from the F&B scene? You and admin just started assuming that .

I’m not hurting anyone’s business, I waited for his business to finally tank to share my views. Do you think those opinions just dawned on me yesterday?

It’s re-opened! What a twist of event! The return of the prodigal son! Badr “Phenix” Benjelloun! Thank god we have these guys to keep Beijing History alive! Will we get an article to explain this one was just about playing the victime and make one seem important? Maybe I’ll show up!

chefjeff wrote:

Come out from behind your curtain and show yourself. If you are man enough to publicly diss someone in this very small community of food and beverage people you should make yourself known. By your name only on this site you are also tarnishing the name of another person in this community who does not deserve it. You are hurting their business as well and the poor guy is just trying to do the same thing we all are.

Nemanja wrote:

Ah, always the oily salesman this dude.

More like "first victory for Corona"

He tried to sell the place to a friend of mine just recently, knowing it was all going to shit, and now that he failed he plays the victim on the way out? It's high time this website stops idolizing this delusional dude whose sleaziness is clear to anyone who's been in town more than a few years.

He's not even a running joke in the F&B community only, but in the music one too. Hard to not be when you insistingly put yourslef and your cajon at the front of event without even having the slightest sense of rhythm.

And he still goes around group chats advising people on how to do their thing. Holly balls. The dude has only had failed ventures in Beijing, and he's now leaving with his tails between his legs. I sure would like some advice from him hahaha.

The "smile at you but cuts you when you turn your back" attitude, the oiliness, and general desperate need for attention has been a pain to witness all this time. Please let his "legacy" die in peace.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 1, 2020 11:18am by Reggie

I agree with Arthurroberts78

"Awful restaurant, not a proper music venue, don't go there.

This place is terrible and doesn't deserve any of its awards. One can wonder why it got any...
The waiters are dirty and impatient, they have no knowledge of the menu and don't seem to care at all.
The owner is a full of himself douchebag who thinks he is some sort of a king.
The food is really very very far from what I imagined and tastes less than average.

There also was a band when we were eating there, the sound was terrible and the equipment on stage looked very bad, the guy must have found it somewhere for free....i felt sad for the musicians.

You want a good couscous ? my advice, buy some at Carrefour or Jenny Lou's and make it yourself at home.

You want to listen to music or play music ? there are places in Beijing dedicated to that, Temple, School Bar, Yue Space, Blue Note, Jianghu, and many more, don't waste your time at that place !"

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 1, 2020 10:32am by Mr. Yan
(Reply to a previous comment)
admin wrote:
Mr. Yan wrote:
admin wrote:

and which of those blogs offends you?

None of them in particular.

Thank you. Case closed and now I suggest you stop with your Badr obsession. He's obviously gotten into your head. Shouldn't you be obsessing over the coronavirus instead, like the rest of us?

I'll tell you what offends me Admin! YOUR attitude toward your readers. What's your role as Admin? Is it to defend your homie when he gets criticized on your blogs or should you maintain a more administrative role? Why is it whenever someone disagrees with your sunny outlook on 'guru' Badr's 'legacy' you accuse them of having mental problems? It's more than a bit unprofessional don't ya think?

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 1, 2020 8:01am by Reggie
(Reply to a previous comment)
chefjeff wrote:

Come out from behind your curtain and show yourself. If you are man enough to publicly diss someone in this very small community of food and beverage people you should make yourself known. By your name only on this site you are also tarnishing the name of another person in this community who does not deserve it. You are hurting their business as well and the poor guy is just trying to do the same thing we all are.

Nemanja wrote:

Ah, always the oily salesman this dude.

More like "first victory for Corona"

He tried to sell the place to a friend of mine just recently, knowing it was all going to shit, and now that he failed he plays the victim on the way out? It's high time this website stops idolizing this delusional dude whose sleaziness is clear to anyone who's been in town more than a few years.

He's not even a running joke in the F&B community only, but in the music one too. Hard to not be when you insistingly put yourslef and your cajon at the front of event without even having the slightest sense of rhythm.

And he still goes around group chats advising people on how to do their thing. Holly balls. The dude has only had failed ventures in Beijing, and he's now leaving with his tails between his legs. I sure would like some advice from him hahaha.

The "smile at you but cuts you when you turn your back" attitude, the oiliness, and general desperate need for attention has been a pain to witness all this time. Please let his "legacy" die in peace.

Chefjef did you catch the title of the piece genius?

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 1, 2020 2:34am by xz576

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the comment section for this article. This drama is so much more fun to read than the usual comments, which are Giovanni Martini talking to himself. I would like to encourage the Beijinger and all commenters to keep up this level of excitement and action in the future.

Personally, my favorite comment was by admin, when he asked a commenter to prove a point by providing admin with links to the Beijinger articles, which is the site of which he is the admin. Would love to hear everyone else's opinions as well.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Mar 1, 2020 2:05am by chefjeff
(Reply to a previous comment)

Come out from behind your curtain and show yourself. If you are man enough to publicly diss someone in this very small community of food and beverage people you should make yourself known. By your name only on this site you are also tarnishing the name of another person in this community who does not deserve it. You are hurting their business as well and the poor guy is just trying to do the same thing we all are.

Nemanja wrote:

Ah, always the oily salesman this dude.

More like "first victory for Corona"

He tried to sell the place to a friend of mine just recently, knowing it was all going to shit, and now that he failed he plays the victim on the way out? It's high time this website stops idolizing this delusional dude whose sleaziness is clear to anyone who's been in town more than a few years.

He's not even a running joke in the F&B community only, but in the music one too. Hard to not be when you insistingly put yourslef and your cajon at the front of event without even having the slightest sense of rhythm.

And he still goes around group chats advising people on how to do their thing. Holly balls. The dude has only had failed ventures in Beijing, and he's now leaving with his tails between his legs. I sure would like some advice from him hahaha.

The "smile at you but cuts you when you turn your back" attitude, the oiliness, and general desperate need for attention has been a pain to witness all this time. Please let his "legacy" die in peace.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 29, 2020 9:30pm by admin

Beijing Boyce just reported this:

The Caravan space will reopen tomorrow with a limited menu and temporary hours of 11 AM to 2 PM for lunch and 5 PM to 8 PM for dinner. Four employees plan to keep the restaurant going.* There is 30% off for those dining at the venue or doing takeout. Delivery is available via Meituan. If you have any questions, get in touch with the general manager, Andy. This info comes courtesy of Frank Siegel, who has the lease for the Caravan and other F&B spaces in that building.

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 29, 2020 9:24pm by imbeijingbob

Well....I don't think anybody can say that Caravan and Badr weren't pretty damn interesting this week!!

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 29, 2020 2:29pm by Nemanja

The line of been and gone egotistical overinflated sense of self importance expats in Beijing is longer than the Great Wall itself, one shuffles out, another shuffles in.

Quotes like;
"For now, I just hope Beijing history judges me kindly.", give you an insight into their deluded sense of grandeur.

I mean seriously does whoring yourself out as a public figure in incestuos Beijng expat circles make one worthy of a place in "Beijing history"?

Dear me, I am speechless

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 29, 2020 2:09pm by Bloodycocknhat

Wow, quite an inflammatory comments section here. Though I usually stay away from the Beijinger and most expat magazines I do keep a tab on what is going on as they provide an insight into the ideas trends and attitudes of a portion of the expat community which I am part of. Although I do not wish to get involved in character assassination or showing satisfaction at the closure of someones business, I did however feel compelled to write something here. I have lived in Beijing close to 30 years and previously spent a considerable amount of time travelling across the Middle East and parts of North Africa. The food and culture of these regions has stayed very dear to me til this day. For this reason I did venture out and try the food over at Caravan some time back and I have to say I was highly disapointed. The food was the poorest imitation of Moroccan cusine I have ever tried. The key to a lot of Arabic cusine is the cooking and preparation time, particularly of the sauces. The recipes are often simple in nature. There have been a bunch of very good and authentic Arabic restaurants in Beijing over the years, run and frequented by Arabs and they are often not mentioned in most of the expat magazines. I was therefore appalled to find that the venue which was held in such high esteem by Western media offered such bland and flavourless dishes whose only authenticity was in their name and form. Given that many of the magazines spend such a large portion of their content on restaurants shouldnt it be a case of finding the best venues and then highlighting their excellence rather than highlighting the restaurants who are forthcoming with their offerings. Any restaurant that is spending so much time and energy to tell you how good their food is is surely spending less time making sure their food is good. Surely the point of food journalism is to get out their and find that good food and share these discoveries with your readership. What I find most irking with all of this is that there were surely many people who had their first experience of this type of cuisine and are now left with an impression that this is the flavour and taste of middle eastern cuisine, when I can assure you it is not. It was worse than the second rate chinese restaurants you find in China towns across the world, a poor gimmick of a restaurant that I for one am glad to see the back of.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 29, 2020 11:22am by Mr. Yan
(Reply to a previous comment)
mesagirl wrote:

Dude. Very sorry to tell you that you are gravely mistaken. First, just stop with your insider information about the restaurant biz in BJ. That's real Morroccan food, and anyone who has been there will testify to it-even the way that locals put their heart into their food is there, so suck it buddy.

Further, there is a very large group of musicians all over BJ and China who are loyal friends and fans of Badr, his incredible ear and sensibility when it comes to all things music. Meet them. They are in every bar in town. Maybe your ear is the one that sucks.

Finally. This person of whom you speak is a visionary human whose work has centered around bringing people together in a world which seeks to tear anything of beauty down. IT'S A THING. Stay anonymous, realize the absolute error in this bizarre desire to harm someone who has done no injustice to you personally. And then find a way, dude, to take some step in life which will draw you closer to others rather than tear at them. It's gonna be good. That's what my 'bro from the Maghreb does every day. Catch up.

Dude. Very sorry to tell you that you are gravely mistaken.

I’m mistaken to voice my opinion based on my experiences?

First, just stop with your insider information about the restaurant biz in BJ.

What insider information are you referring to?

That's real Morroccan food, and anyone who has been there will testify to it-even the way that locals put their heart into their food is there, so suck it buddy.

I didn’t talk about the food. Are you replying to me?

Further, there is a very large group of musicians all over BJ and China who are loyal friends and fans of Badr, his incredible ear and sensibility when it comes to all things music. Meet them. They are in every bar in town. Maybe your ear is the one that sucks.

Fans of Badr’s music, are they really musicians?

My ear? What would you know about it?

Maybe they have been brainwashed by Badr’s overrepresentation in the local media.

Finally. This person of whom you speak is a visionary human whose work has centered around bringing people together in a world which seeks to tear anything of beauty down. IT'S A THING. Stay anonymous, realize the absolute error in this bizarre desire to harm someone who has done no injustice to you personally. And then find a way, dude, to take some step in life which will draw you closer to others rather than tear at them. It's gonna be good. That's what my 'bro from the Maghreb does every day. Catch up.

Visionary? Please elaborate.

You presume a lot in this final paragraph. What could you possibly know about any of the assumptions you make there.

Would you be so angry if I said something nice about Badr on an anonymous forum?

I’m glad you like the guy, I hope ‘bro from the Maghreb’ brightens up your life.

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 29, 2020 11:05am by admin
(Reply to a previous comment)

Nemanja wrote:

the constant building of a fake legend by him and you

Although he’ll tell whoever will listen it’s “the best in Beijing” Im not making a judgment call here like he prétendant I do in his reply. Im comparing things everybody heard him say, to an objective reality. And the fact that this clearly biased narrative is being pushed down our throats.

Whatever he might tell you in his private communcations with you is not something we control nor have an interest in.

Please show me where our articles are making him into a "legend" and pushing a "clearly biased narrative that he is the best in Beijing" down your throat.

Your conspiracy appears to be around the fact that he gets mentioned frequently on our blog. 

That is easily explained:

The vast majoirty of what is up there about Badr is about him opening and closing F&B venues and holding events both in and outside his own venues, which he did constantly for about nine years. In the time he has been running F&B venues (which has been about 7-1/2 years by my calculation), dare I say he has been one of the most active promoters for all of his venues, holding promotions and events virtually every week. For 7-1/2 years.

In the past 7.5 years we've written about 16,000 blogs. If you read the blog, you will find a huge percentage -- somewhere around a dozen stories a week -- are all about events and the opening and closing of F&B venues. It's our bread and butter.

I sense that some of this commentary (or some lurkers here) might be fellow members of the F&B industry or event organizers.

I'm going to tell you the secret to how to get mentioned a lot on The Beijinger, the recipe to Badr's success:

-- Open and close venues interesting venues. Remodel them or revamp the menu on occasion, and when you do, TELL US ABOUT IT
-- Do food and and drink promotions constantly, and UPLOAD THEM TO OUR EVENTS SECTION
-- Organize special events every month, and UPLOAD THEM TO OUR EVENTS SECTION
-- Occasionally buy some ads or pay for a table at our events, so we can pay our bills (Badr was a very occasional client of ours, participating in several of our food festivals).

In other words: do interesting stuff, tell us about them, and every once in a while, support us for the efforts we make.

Badr did this. He made it easy to write about what he was doing.

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 29, 2020 10:44am by admin
(Reply to a previous comment)

Mr. Yan wrote:

admin wrote:

and which of those blogs offends you? 

None of them in particular.

Thank you. Case closed and now I suggest you stop with your Badr obsession. He's obviously gotten into your head. Shouldn't you be obsessing over the coronavirus instead, like the rest of us?

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 29, 2020 10:13am by Nemanja
(Reply to a previous comment)

By your own metrics:

Badr Benjelloun : 101 blogs

you can try to deflect with shitty teenage rethorical stuff like “hurr durr you artracted to the dude gay haha”, but he’s right and you know it.

And like I said many times, it’s not even that as much as it is the constant building of a fake legend by him and you, when reality is just an oily dude overcharging for meh food, failed concepts, and poor music environment. Although he’ll tell whoever will listen it’s “the best in Beijing” Im not making a judgment call here like he prétendant I do in his reply. Im comparing things everybody heard him say, to an objective reality. And the fact that this clearly biased narrative is being pushed down our throats. You can do better.

admin wrote:
Mr. Yan wrote:

LOL Thanks for clearing that up. Those links I posted were from the Badr tag (of which not all of the celebrities you mentioned have of their own), the search you just directed me to yielded 127 blogs with the sun and stars here. WOW! 14 blogs per year! Is it unhealthy to point out obvious blatant preferential treatment of bros by bros in the media?

and which of those blogs offends you? You seem much more sensitive about Badr mentions than we are, I'd like to know which ones you found offensive

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 29, 2020 12:53am by mesagirl
(Reply to a previous comment)

Dude. Very sorry to tell you that you are gravely mistaken. First, just stop with your insider information about the restaurant biz in BJ. That's real Morroccan food, and anyone who has been there will testify to it-even the way that locals put their heart into their food is there, so suck it buddy.

Further, there is a very large group of musicians all over BJ and China who are loyal friends and fans of Badr, his incredible ear and sensibility when it comes to all things music. Meet them. They are in every bar in town. Maybe your ear is the one that sucks.

Finally. This person of whom you speak is a visionary human whose work has centered around bringing people together in a world which seeks to tear anything of beauty down. IT'S A THING. Stay anonymous, realize the absolute error in this bizarre desire to harm someone who has done no injustice to you personally. And then find a way, dude, to take some step in life which will draw you closer to others rather than tear at them. It's gonna be good. That's what my 'bro from the Maghreb does every day. Catch up.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 9:18pm by Mr. Yan
(Reply to a previous comment)
admin wrote:
Mr. Yan wrote:

LOL Thanks for clearing that up. Those links I posted were from the Badr tag (of which not all of the celebrities you mentioned have of their own), the search you just directed me to yielded 127 blogs with the sun and stars here. WOW! 14 blogs per year! Is it unhealthy to point out obvious blatant preferential treatment of bros by bros in the media?

and which of those blogs offends you?

None of them in particular. You came back with numbers to prove a point and failed.

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 9:14pm by admin
(Reply to a previous comment)

Mr. Yan wrote:

LOL Thanks for clearing that up. Those links I posted were from the Badr tag (of which not all of the celebrities you mentioned have of their own), the search you just directed me to yielded 127 blogs with the sun and stars here. WOW! 14 blogs per year! Is it unhealthy to point out obvious blatant preferential treatment of bros by bros in the media? 

 

and which of those blogs offends you? You seem much more sensitive about Badr mentions than we are, I'd like to know which ones you found offensive 

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 9:07pm by Mr. Yan
(Reply to a previous comment)
admin wrote:
Mr. Yan wrote:
admin wrote:

Let's see ... we first have to determine: how many people have opened or been involved in 3 or more different F&B venues over the course of their time here? The list narrows from there, but several names come immediately to mind: Chad Lager, Ignace Lecleir, Jeff Powell, Alan Wong, Gaby Alves ...

Admin (a personal friend of Badr for many years) I read the Beijinger every day. Never heard of any of them. Could you share the 25 articles with their names for each of them so can we gain more in-depth focus on their unique China perspectives?

Cheers

Interesting ... now I see your problem, you seem to be drawn to stories about Badr like a moth to a flame, but somehow have not seen the following:

Ignace Lecleir (64 blogs)

Chad Lager (41 blogs)

Alan Wong (39 blogs)

Jeff Powell (37 blogs)

Gaby Alves (27 blogs)

Have you considered that perhaps you're the one who has an unhealthy obsession with the guy, and not us?

LOL Thanks for clearing that up. Those links I posted were from the Badr tag (of which not all of the celebrities you mentioned have of their own), the search you just directed me to yielded 127 blogs with the sun and stars here. WOW! 14 blogs per year! Is it unhealthy to point out obvious blatant preferential treatment of bros by bros in the media?

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 8:40pm by admin
(Reply to a previous comment)

Mr. Yan wrote:

admin wrote:

Let's see ... we first have to determine: how many people have opened or been involved in 3 or more different F&B venues over the course of their time here? The list narrows from there, but several names come immediately to mind: Chad Lager, Ignace Lecleir, Jeff Powell, Alan Wong, Gaby Alves ... 

Admin (a personal friend of Badr for many years) I read the Beijinger every day. Never heard of any of them. Could you share the 25 articles with their names for each of them so can we gain more in-depth focus on their unique China perspectives? 

Cheers

Interesting ... now I see your problem, you seem to be drawn to stories about Badr like a moth to a flame, but somehow have not seen the following:

Ignace Lecleir (64 blogs)

Chad Lager (41 blogs)

Alan Wong (39 blogs)

Jeff Powell (37 blogs)

Gaby Alves (27 blogs)

Have you considered that perhaps you're the one who has an unhealthy obsession with the guy, and not us?

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 7:51pm by Mr. Yan
(Reply to a previous comment)
admin wrote:

Let's see ... we first have to determine: how many people have opened or been involved in 3 or more different F&B venues over the course of their time here? The list narrows from there, but several names come immediately to mind: Chad Lager, Ignace Lecleir, Jeff Powell, Alan Wong, Gaby Alves ...

Admin (a personal friend of Badr for many years) I read the Beijinger every day. Never heard of any of them. Could you share the 25 articles with their names for each of them so can we gain more in-depth focus on their unique China perspectives?

Cheers

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 7:38pm by admin

Let's see ... we first have to determine: how many people have opened or been involved in 3 or more different F&B venues over the course of their time here? The list narrows from there, but several names come immediately to mind: Chad Lager, Ignace Lecleir, Jeff Powell, Alan Wong, Gaby Alves ... 

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 7:16pm by Mr. Yan
(Reply to a previous comment)
admin wrote:
admin wrote:
Mr. Yan wrote:
the way the Beijinger regularly presents it in its almost bi-monthly Badr eddiitons.
could you present to us some evidence of our alleged slavish devotion to Badr?

Ok so your evidence links date back to 2013 .... that’s almost four posts every year! Shocker!

Let’s dive deeper into this scandal:

Posts about the opening or remodeling of a new F&B venue
(which we for F&B venues all the time, usually several times every week)
5 posts

Posts about the permanent or temporary closing of a venue
(which we do for almost every F&B venue that is on our readers' radar screens)
4 posts

Posts about events that badr has organized
(we write about events literally all the time)
4 posts

Post that quotes/source multiple F&B venues
(which we do all the time)
3 posts

Posts about him being nominated in one of our bar/restaurant awards by our readers
(which we did all the time when we used to do awards):
2 posts

Post about participation in one of our events
(which we do for most of our clients):
1 post

Leaving Beijing farewell
(which we do all the time when a well-known expat in the entertainment scene leaves):
1 post

Other:
3 posts

So I gotta admit, you got us on those last three posts. Shame on us

Ok Admin, if you are implying that this is completely normal, could you provide another example of an expat business owner with as much sustained attention in the Beijinger as your shining star Badr?

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 6:52pm by admin
(Reply to a previous comment)

admin wrote:
Mr. Yan wrote:
the way the Beijinger regularly presents it in its almost bi-monthly Badr eddiitons.
could you present to us some evidence of our alleged slavish devotion to Badr?

Ok so your evidence links date back to 2013 .... that’s almost four posts every year! Shocker!

Let’s dive deeper into this scandal:

Posts about the opening or remodeling of a new F&B venue
(which we for F&B venues all the time, usually several times every week)
5 posts

Posts about the permanent or temporary closing of a venue
(which we do for almost every F&B venue that is on our readers' radar screens)
4 posts

Posts about events that badr has organized
(we write about events literally all the time)
4 posts

Post that quotes/source multiple F&B venues
(which we do all the time)
3 posts

Posts about him being nominated in one of our bar/restaurant awards by our readers
(which we did all the time when we used to do awards):
2 posts

Post about participation in one of our events
(which we do for most of our clients):
1 post

Leaving Beijing farewell
(which we do all the time when a well-known expat in the entertainment scene leaves):
1 post

Other:
3 posts

So I gotta admit, you got us on those last three posts. Shame on us

 

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 6:19pm by badr
(Reply to a previous comment)

It's not often that I am speechless and I find myself reading this and literally feeling like throwing up.

I've been called many things over the years and have had many disagreements with folks and I'm fine with that. Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. I don't make it a habbit to comment or feed the trolls. At my age, it's hard to be a running joke: Too many years on bad knees! Maybe more of a walking or crawling joke.

Somehow, that didn't stop me from being involved in either the F&B or the Music communities just to mention a few. The proof is in the pudding as they say and there's no reason to even try to argue with judgement calls. Through the years, I've been blessed and honored to cooperate with some amazing people in both industries and no amount of negativity can change or take that away. This is specailly true in cases where someone is hiding behind the safety of their keyboard.

That's as much as I will say on anything that is not facts

Nemanja wrote:

What do you call someone whose business is “successful” but who doesn’t repay debts after years? Either a liar or a cheat. This headline makes him sound like a victim.

Now this is where things get serious: This is straight up lie and character assasination!

Even with its millions of people, Beijing remains a small village where all can be checked and verified.
In 17 years in China, I have only ever occured a debt once in 2006 to a dear friend while travellingand it was repaid. As I stand today, I can honestly say I have no outstandng financial debt to anyone as a person or a business other than what might come out of this virus issue. None to landlords, none to suppliers, none to friends or customers and none to employees. So please substantiate your allegations.

Nemanja wrote:

but you think he didn’t try to sell his tanking venue to some poor bastards the last couple months? If it was so successful I wonder why it didn’t work out.

How is that relevant to anything? Buying & selling is part of business operations. It's no indication that a business is tanking or succeeding. There is no connection or whatsoever. As a matter of fact, I tried selling the business a few times but the price was not right. If you had any understanding of the nature of F&B inner workings in Beijing, you wouldn't be making these blanket statements.

Cheers

The Noodle Diaries: Tales of Food & Noodles from China & the World

Catania Vibe: Tales, hacks and reviews for Expats in Catania, Sicily

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 5:37pm by Mr. Yan
(Reply to a previous comment)
admin wrote:
Mr. Yan wrote:
the way the Beijinger regularly presents it in its almost bi-monthly Badr eddiitons.
could you present to us some evidence of our alleged slavish devotion to Badr?

Well sure. Here we go.

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2020/02/27/caravan-confirmed-one-first-major-coronavirus-venue-casualties

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2019/12/31/beijing-bids-farewell-one-its-most-prominent-expats-badr-benjelloun

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2019/01/15/dine-celebrity-these-five-beijing-restaurants

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2018/04/14/feel-burn-caravans-badr-benjelloun-dishes-hot-moroccan-harissa-spicy-fest-rolls

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2017/09/07/badr-benjelloun-bids-adieu-gulu-bazz-drink-bar-dry-farewell-sept-25-26

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2017/07/20/fun-weekend-ahead-photography-aficionados-ramo-bookworm-and-crossroads-center

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2017/01/10/see-ya-cuju-say-hello-gulu-bazz-badr-benjellouns-new-vermouth-bar

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2016/09/08/whats-next-cuju-award-winning-hutong-sports-bar-begins-reinvention-sep-9

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2016/06/04/beijing-book-swap-celebrates-8th-anniversary-saturday

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2015/09/18/tickets-now-sale-jing-x-caravan-kitchen-takeover-oct-22

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2015/05/14/shake-it-best-bartender-nominee-badr-benjelloun-cuju-caravan

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2015/03/09/whats-new-restaurants-caravan

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2015/02/28/few-words-badr-benjelloun-manager-cuju-moroccan-bistrot-and-rummery

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2015/01/07/first-glance-caravan

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2014/12/17/cuju-creator-ride-new-venue-caravan-jianwai-diplomatic-compound-area

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2014/08/29/cu-ju-beijing-gets-new-paint-job-keeps-same-name

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2014/08/15/cu-ju-sail-new-direction-get-new-name-renovation-starts-august-18

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2014/05/23/how-spend-your-beijing-weekend-staying-cool-these-chilly-cocktails-and-more

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2014/05/21/personalities-year-exposed-somewhat-badr-benjelloun-cu-ju

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2014/05/09/final-dazefeast-announced-set-june-14

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2013/11/12/salt-team-ready-open-factory-december

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2013/09/03/why-rum-always-gone-cu-ju-close-current-location

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2013/06/28/exclusive-cow-confirmed-dazefeast-2013

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 4:50pm by admin
(Reply to a previous comment)

Mr. Yan wrote:

the way the Beijinger regularly presents it in its almost bi-monthly Badr eddiitons.

could you present to us some evidence of our alleged slavish devotion to Badr?

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 3:46pm by Mr. Yan

I guess there are just a lot of people who aren't important enough to be treated with the same respect that Badr offers to those more important people who can help him help to enhance his online image or promote his business interests. It seems like there are a lot of people who see his story differently from the way the Beijinger regularly presents it in its almost bi-monthly Badr eddiitons. Perhaps they are those people who Badr stepped over to sharpen his edge, simply unsatisfied customers or disgruntled musicians who played at his venue. Regardless, it is obvious that the Beijinger certainly has close personal ties with the man, and it is obvious that these relationships have given him and his mundane deeds special attention and embellishment. The Admin posted it himself. That admission further supports the point many are making here.

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 3:31pm by admin

Nemanja, can you point out:

1. the constant praise he allegedly received here? We've certainly mentioned his venues a lot, mainly because he has been one of the most active in terms of actually organizing and publicizing events.

2. the numerous dubious awards he allegedly recieved from us? Please name the year and the specific award you found dubious.

 

Feel free to do a search for "badr" "cuju" or "caravan" or "gulu bazz"

 

 

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 12:48pm by Nemanja
(Reply to a previous comment)

Im not a troll, I’m a punter commenting on what me and many others know.

The man has been around a while indeed, as a lot of us have. And like you said, many know the sham behind the fancy appearance this magazine insists on peddling us. You might not know it, but in most of the F&B and music circles, he’s just a running joke. To see him being constantly praised here (in a magazine for which he worked, and then received numerous dubious awards from) is quite amusing. But you can’t prevent reality from popping its head out once in a while.

What do you call someone whose business is “successful” but who doesn’t repay debts after years? Either a liar or a cheat. This headline makes him sound like a victim, but you think he didn’t try to sell his tanking venue to some poor bastards the last couple months? If it was so successful I wonder why it didn’t work out.

Begging for favors to get on festival stages didn’t hide the painful lack of talent. Although stories about filling in for famous names, or being flown here and there to play, or being part of major acts all were heard.

Really it’s not about the music or the business. You can totally express yourself and have fun even if you’re not good, everybody should respect that. Business isn’t easy, many go under, nobody blames him for that either. Rather it is the constant manufacturing of a fake legend by him and this magazine. Trying to ram this crap down our throat like some sort of legendary epic, when the reality couldn’t be farther removed from it.

Whatever, I said my piece, and I know many will recognize themselves in my words. Apologies to those who buy the legend for having stained it a little.

the man is gone, let it be so.

Hutong Pirate wrote:

wow! Why all the hate?

Why is it that everytime an article appears on this website about Badr or Caravan there are invariably two trolls that show up with all sorts of personal attacks? The man has been around for quite sometime and is very much a public figure so if he were to be so evil or full of shit as it's made up to be here, I don't believe for a second his businesses would have lasted this long.

I have followed his life in Beijing from watching hockey in the hutongs to seeing some world class bands at Caravan. Two businesses that have lasted longer than most in our dear capital. I have seen him behind the bar, in the kitchen and even on stage at a few festivals. I have seen him on TV talking about tea, morocco food and even recently in a chef competition. Was all that a lie and an act? We must all be very stupid to have fallen for it along with everyone else.

From what I've seen, it seems that some bad blood from badr's music days just keeps following him around and keeps being brought up at every possible chance, especially on this magazine.

His life and actions in Beijing are very much public knowledge and yes, the guy probably never sleeps to be able to do all he's been doing. Still, he has done it as far as I have been able to see and hear. In a world of copycats, he did stand out in a city of 25 million plus. I guess to do that, you must rattle a few feathers.

Good luck Badr. We will miss the couscous, the rum and those strong opinions about music.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 28, 2020 1:20am by Hutong Pirate

wow! Why all the hate?

Why is it that everytime an article appears on this website about Badr or Caravan there are invariably two trolls that show up with all sorts of personal attacks? The man has been around for quite sometime and is very much a public figure so if he were to be so evil or full of shit as it's made up to be here, I don't believe for a second his businesses would have lasted this long.

I have followed his life in Beijing from watching hockey in the hutongs to seeing some world class bands at Caravan. Two businesses that have lasted longer than most in our dear capital. I have seen him behind the bar, in the kitchen and even on stage at a few festivals. I have seen him on TV talking about tea, morocco food and even recently in a chef competition. Was all that a lie and an act? We must all be very stupid to have fallen for it along with everyone else.

From what I've seen, it seems that some bad blood from badr's music days just keeps following him around and keeps being brought up at every possible chance, especially on this magazine.

His life and actions in Beijing are very much public knowledge and yes, the guy probably never sleeps to be able to do all he's been doing. Still, he has done it as far as I have been able to see and hear. In a world of copycats, he did stand out in a city of 25 million plus. I guess to do that, you must rattle a few feathers.

Good luck Badr. We will miss the couscous, the rum and those strong opinions about music.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 10:52pm by admin
(Reply to a previous comment)

nishta wrote:

...

how many days you been in quarantine man? I think you might be in need of an intervention 

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 10:48pm by Nemanja
(Reply to a previous comment)
chefjeff wrote:

To Nemanja,
I don't know you and you sound like you think you are a "player" in the f&b industry in Beijing. I have lived in Beijing for over 17 years and I'm guessing you probably are not nearly as important as you think you might be. But you should be ashamed of yourself. Negativity breeds negativity. Badhr is so far from the type of person you describe in your post it isnt even funny. I am heavily involved in Beijing and Shanghai f&b and have been since early 2003 I have not once until now heard one negative word about this man. Badhr is one of the most genuine people I know in this city , he is a close friend and I have known him as long as he has been here. I found your post very disappointing.

that's a bit rich, I've never pretended to be anything, or to be important.

If you haven't heard the stories, either you're not as involved as you think you are, or you need to step out of your expat magazine bubble.

You've been here 17 years. Great. Genuinely happy for you. And?

You haven't disproved a single one of my points.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 10:29pm by nishta

No offence Beijinger admin, but your website has the right to block content seen as unfair or offensive, however freedom of speech is one I feel that supposedly you should still uphold??? Therefore I do see it as fair that, in this case, people are able to express and share the experiences on a venue and proprietor that you yourselves have so chosen to highlight. However I do find it strange that admin should allow themselves to become personally embroiled in such discussions, to the extent that they would defend or vouch for a given venue/proprietor/service whilst supposedly remaining in a purely administrative role. Unfortunately here within lies the problem, the oily greasy proprietor becomes all the more greasy/oily when dealing with the media who exist only through the existence of venues. Therefore the often frequently I'll greasily rub your back if you greasily rub mine relationship between media personnel and business proprietors continues to exist. Often lubricated with free drinks and food, in some cases, underpaid and underqualified journalists become part of the sad and tragic faliure to impartially assess the quality of venues and their products and in many cases paint a misguided or false impression of the proprietors or background workings of said instituions/services. The end result is reviews far removed from the mark, and thus exaggerated antipathy from customers who feel short changed by such misleading reviews and contempt within the industry for such faliures on behalf of the media. In a nutshell; Caravan was crap for many, deceivingly great for some. Try harder The Beijinger!

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 10:22pm by nishta
(Reply to a previous comment)
admin wrote:

I've known Badr for years. Call him what you will but the guy gave his heart to Beijing and did stuff that no one else really dared trying.

No, he didn't turn his mini empire into the next coming of Element Fresh or Blue Frog, but he's always been a true original and all of his venues have been unique.

I particularly appreciated his dedication to opening his venues for crack-of-dawn sports matches like the Super Bowl and the World Series, even when no one else would bother.

You may not have liked his food, or his rhythm, or his style or whatever... but you can't deny he is a one of a kind character and his departure from Beijing leaves us all the poorer.

Maybe there is a reason he left such a good impression with a person of such high esteem as yourself. Your extensive years in Beijing, connection to the Beijinger and your apparent higher status in the Beijing f&b industry may be the very reason you are so oblivious to the other side of the Badr story. The old 'I've been here longer than you' chestnut and your tit for tat attitude is quite unprofessional since you are not speaking as a friend but as admin of the Beijinger at the moment.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 10:06pm by nishta

Basically the last few years have been hard on me, the fall in the number of new expats to Beijing means it has become increasingly harder for me to bullshit my customer base. That and the fact that long established legitimate venues have managed to stay open means it is more difficult for me to convince people that I manage Beijings premium live house/sports bar/middle eastern restaurant etc. What with the advancement of social media etc it doesnt take long for people to find venues such as School, Temple or DDC, or get reccomendations for real quality dining spots, all this easy acces to quality entertainment doesnt really leave me with any space for Caravan to exist. The magazine awards I worked so hard to achieve dont carry the clout they used to anymore. I miss the days when I was picking up awards left right and centre, a crowd of newbies would walk into the bar I could point to the awards plastered across my wall and reel off any old cock and bull story. I'd tell them I was a Michelin star chef, almost made it as a quarterback for the 49ers, was a well established musician back home in Morroco, an avid antiques collector, a tea expert, or simply just share with them the inspirations behind any of my numerous international cocktail awards. Whatever the topic, whatever the story, they would lap it up, like camels at an oasis, and it would be I, me, Badr B*lls**t Bejelloun at the head of that weary caravan of desperate drinkers. Recently its harder to pitch such stories, I
I just miss the naivety of the old days, Beijing really has lost that, what I would call the age of innocence. Back in the day I could pull a cocktail recipe off the internet, brand it as my own and have people singing my praises the next day. The standards have raised, consumers are more aware these days, its just not the same anymore. Sure I can pull in a couple of random embassy workers during the day and overcharge them for subpar food but its just not enough to survive, and besides most of them are too busy talking shop to listen to my stories, or even worse meet them with suspicion. I just dont have the same connection with my customers anymore and so finally I've decided to move on in search of a less discerning crowd, wherever that journey may be. One thing is for sure, the caravan will continue to march on.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 9:34pm by Nemanja
(Reply to a previous comment)

Find it hard to believe you are as heavily involved as you say you have if you have never heard about all this. Very hard.

chefjeff wrote:

To Nemanja,
I don't know you and you sound like you think you are a "player" in the f&b industry in Beijing. I have lived in Beijing for over 17 years and I'm guessing you probably are not nearly as important as you think you might be. But you should be ashamed of yourself. Negativity breeds negativity. Badhr is so far from the type of person you describe in your post it isnt even funny. I am heavily involved in Beijing and Shanghai f&b and have been since early 2003 I have not once until now heard one negative word about this man. Badhr is one of the most genuine people I know in this city , he is a close friend and I have known him as long as he has been here. I found your post very disappointing.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 9:08pm by admin

I've known Badr for years. Call him what you will but the guy gave his heart to Beijing and did stuff that no one else really dared trying.

No, he didn't turn his mini empire into the next coming of Element Fresh or Blue Frog, but he's always been a true original and all of his venues have been unique.

I particularly appreciated his dedication to opening his venues for crack-of-dawn sports matches like the Super Bowl and the World Series, even when no one else would bother.

You may not have liked his food, or his rhythm, or his style or whatever... but you can't deny he is a one of a kind character and his departure from Beijing leaves us all the poorer. 

Books by current and former Beijinger staffers

http://astore.amazon.com/truerunmedia-20

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 8:41pm by Nemanja

Nah he's the butt of many jokes really...and he screwed many over so he deserves it.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 8:25pm by chefjeff

To Nemanja,
I don't know you and you sound like you think you are a "player" in the f&b industry in Beijing. I have lived in Beijing for over 17 years and I'm guessing you probably are not nearly as important as you think you might be. But you should be ashamed of yourself. Negativity breeds negativity. Badhr is so far from the type of person you describe in your post it isnt even funny. I am heavily involved in Beijing and Shanghai f&b and have been since early 2003 I have not once until now heard one negative word about this man. Badhr is one of the most genuine people I know in this city , he is a close friend and I have known him as long as he has been here. I found your post very disappointing.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 8:21pm by Mr. Yan

Nemanja just scratched the surface, there is certainly another side to the story that is constantly rammed down our necks by the Beijinger. How many awards did this platform present that guy over the years?

Chez

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 8:03pm by WaqarOptimist

Benefit of doubt to both of you, since I don't know you people personally. 

~~“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~~.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 7:59pm by WaqarOptimist

Oh, that's so harsh. I am not saying that you are not being truthful, just that you could spare him and really let this sink, peacefully! Maybe personal dislikeness! Maybe something incubating since long, that you just vented out in public.. Diablo

~~“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~~.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 3:38pm by Nemanja

Ah, always the oily salesman this dude.

More like "first victory for Corona"

He tried to sell the place to a friend of mine just recently, knowing it was all going to shit, and now that he failed he plays the victim on the way out? It's high time this website stops idolizing this delusional dude whose sleaziness is clear to anyone who's been in town more than a few years.

He's not even a running joke in the F&B community only, but in the music one too. Hard to not be when you insistingly put yourslef and your cajon at the front of event without even having the slightest sense of rhythm.

And he still goes around group chats advising people on how to do their thing. Holly balls. The dude has only had failed ventures in Beijing, and he's now leaving with his tails between his legs. I sure would like some advice from him hahaha.

The "smile at you but cuts you when you turn your back" attitude, the oiliness, and general desperate need for attention has been a pain to witness all this time. Please let his "legacy" die in peace.

Re: "Done in by a F**king Corona": Caravan Bar and Restaurant...
Posted Feb 27, 2020 2:50pm by WaqarOptimist

Sad to see Caravan virtually shut as well. There's is a saying that  "we plan for hundred years and uncertainity is always such that we even can't be sure about the next second". 

~~“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~~.