Owner of Town Restaurant Passes On

The local hospitality industry is mourning the loss of one of its long-standing figures following the death of restaurateur Bissoondath “Sharma” Basdeo, co-owner of the well-known Town Restaurant and Bar on Cipriani Boulevard, Port of Spain.

Basdeo died peacefully on Friday at the age of 78, his daughter Jenna Sharma confirmed. He had been ill in recent times, according to persons familiar with the matter. Funeral arrangements are still being finalised.

For decades, Basdeo was a familiar presence along the Cipriani Boulevard corridor, where Town Restaurant and Bar established itself as a popular dining and social space for professionals, families, and long-time patrons. Together with his daughter, he helped shape the restaurant into a fixture of the Port of Spain dining scene, known for its welcoming atmosphere and consistency.

Beyond the business itself, Basdeo was widely remembered for his personable nature and ability to connect with people. Friends, customers, and colleagues often described him as charismatic, warm, and approachable; someone who made guests feel at ease and valued, whether they were first-time visitors or regulars.

In reflecting on her father’s life, Jenna Sharma described him as a man whose journey was rooted in humility, ambition, and perseverance. From modest beginnings, he worked diligently to build a successful business, earning respect within the competitive hospitality sector. Yet, she emphasised that his greatest pride lay not in his professional accomplishments, but in his role as a father.

She recalled his steady guidance, support, and humour, noting that his presence and daily routines, including the jokes they shared before the end of each day, were among the moments she would miss most. Her reflections highlighted a man who balanced entrepreneurship with deep family commitment, offering both mentorship and affection to those closest to him.

Basdeo was previously married to Jenny Dan-Sharma, herself a prominent figure in the local restaurant industry and the operator of Jenny’s on the Boulevard, another well-known establishment in Port of Spain. Together, their work helped shape a stretch of the capital that has long been associated with dining, nightlife, and social gathering.

News of Basdeo’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from members of the business community and longtime patrons who recall Town Restaurant as more than just a place to eat, but a space defined by familiarity and connection.

As Trinidad and Tobago reflects on his life and legacy, Basdeo is remembered not only as a restaurateur and businessman, but as a figure whose personal warmth and work ethic left a lasting impression on those he encountered. His contribution to the country’s hospitality landscape, and the relationships he built along the way, remain part of that legacy.