Friday, June 3, 2016

The Field Bar and Restaurant in Palau: Great Atmosphere and Food

By: Ltelatk Fritz
Service Center Director/Business Advisor
(Palau SBDC)

Spectacular sunset views at dusk overlooking the bay towards Ngarkebesang Island. The Field Bar & Restaurant is owned and operated by Wilbur “Olu” Williams. It is a family-friendly, full-service restaurant with a semi-formal, relaxing atmosphere. The Field is also a chic bar, open nightly from 6 pm to Midnight on weekdays and until 1 am on Saturday nights.

With the help of his family, Olu officially opened The Field for business in July 2013.  Although he did not have a lot of experience in the food & beverage industry, he has always envisioned owning and running a bar and restaurant.  He is extremely grateful for the support and knowledge he gained from watching his in-laws run their restaurant. After 24 years working for Palau’s national government, Olu was able to lease the old Peleliu Club—the original location on the ground floor at Uchul a Ngas in Medalaii—as well as obtaining capital to renovate, re-wire, and re-furnish the place with the help of his family. 

In 2015, he came to the Palau SBDC to seek assistance in expanding his business. Olu needed additional capital to increase his inventory and revitalize the business operations.  Palau SBDC was able to help The Field successfully retain three (3) existing jobs and maintain its operations, in addition to the acquisition of new capital obtained from the Palau National Development Bank.

Owner Wilbur "Olu" Williams
Today, The Field is thriving and riding the current waves of increased business from the locals celebrating the many holidays and annual festivities. As a restaurant, The Field serves up a great selection of delicious local and international cuisines. During the work week, The Field is open for lunch from 11 am to 2 pm. In the evening, it re-opens at 6pm for dinner every evening except for Sundays. Some of the local favorites include the Kangkum Tuna and the Sizzling Steaks.  The field also offers catering for in-house events such as birthday parties, baby showers, workshops, luncheons, office dinners, family reunions, class reunions, and even local customs.

The Field is a very family oriented business, as Olu and his family are very supportive of one another. The management is flexible and is often able to meet with the needs and requests of their clientele.  The Field also allows guests to book the venue and bring in their own food and drinks, with prior arrangements.  There’s a separate smoking area within the restaurant to make it convenient for everyone.  It is spacious enough to comfortably fit 70-75 guests.  

As for entertainment, The Field has two extra-large flat screen televisions—one at the bar and one in the dining area.  Live, local entertainment is available upon request for additional charges. 

The Field is open six days a week—Monday through Saturday. It is located at the Peleliu Club Building, next to Bai ra Maiberel and Palau Conservation Society, across from Happy Landing Shell Station. You can contact them at (680) 488-1888; e-mail  olu.medorm@gmail.com; or follow them on Facebook. 

For more information on how the Palau SBDC can assist you whether starting or expanding your business, contact their office at 680-587-6004 or visit www.pacificsbdc.com.