London-based nightlife impresario, CEO of Cinemoi and over-all media mogul Oliver Bengough has some serious Hawaii roots. His French-Italian father Francois Provenza has built quite the reputation here in Oahu as the fun-loving owner and operator of the ever-so-popular Fat Greek restaurant. Bengough is definitely a “dash of local” having regularly visited Hawaii since the age of 10. It’s safe to say he considers the islands to be his second home. “Hawaii has a magical difference than anywhere else in the world. There’s energy and simplicity with the natural beauty in Hawaii that you could never get in London so its the perfect counter balance to my usual the fast pace 24-7 dynamic,” Bengough says.
Known by family and friends as Olly, Bengough is an entrepreneur in the media, film, music and entertainment business. He has spent the last 10 years building one of London’s biggest nightlife and entertainment empires. His company, Mint Group, operates five bars and nightclubs in South England. Each venue provides its patrons with a unique experience from the live music at KOKO to the “dark bar” atmosphere at Elk.
Bengough overhauled Camden Palace into London’s top live music venue, KOKO, that has hosted top International talent including Madonna, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, and Coldplay. KOKO has achieved such success in London that Bengough has begun building the KOKO brand in Asia and launching KOKO POP, which is set to launch series two in the United States next year.
Bengough’s entrepreneurial talent, impeccable drive and appreciation for all things a la francais led him to launch a cable TV channel dedicated to French film, Cinemoi.TV. Cinemoi is the first and only of its kind completely devoted to French cinema. Highly regarded notables such as Michael Caine, Monica Belluci, Vincent Cassell and Jane Birkin have all endorsed the channel. The Italian version, Cinemia, is currently in the works and don’t be surprised to see both channels boast international cable carriers within the coming year.
As if Bengough weren’t busy enough, the equally dutiful son is also part-owner of his father’s restaurant, The Fat Greek, that’s positioned for expansion in 2011. Comments Bengough, “I would have nothing today if it weren’t for my father. Living with someone who has told you your whole life that you can achieve whatever you want, never have fear and live all your dreams is something quite special. I also watched him turn things into something out of nothing with his multiple business ventures.”
You can catch Olly each year in December when he comes to Oahu on his month-plus holiday to spend time with his family, indulge in his papa’s pasta, and of course unwind at the beach. Exclaims Bengough, “Diamond Head is my favorite place in the world and I look forward to spending time at San Souci beach every year.” Hawaii is absolutely Bengough’s haute paradise escape from the hustle and bustle from his daily grind and jet-set media mogul life.
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