From its beginnings as a playwright’s gathering spot to its present-day charm, Cajy Bar is a legacy brought to life. The Goan explores the heartwarming revival of this cherished family-run gem in Arpora that is steeped in history and rooted in love
Tucked along a serene road in Arpora, Cajy Bar is more than just a place for food and drinks; it’s a living testament to tradition, resilience, and the power of family. A weathered signboard outside proclaims its heritage proudly: “Started in 1970.” Today, the bar thrives under the care of siblings Eligio and Evelyn Fernandes and their mother, Philomena, lovingly known as Philu.
The beginning
“This bar was started by my grandfather, Caetano Domingo Fernandes,” Eligio shares, his voice warm with pride. “Later, my dad, the late Damien Fernandes, carried it forward. After he passed away, my mom stepped in to keep it running. But with us in college and times getting tough, we had no choice but to rent it out. Then COVID happened—and with it, destiny brought us back here.”
A moment of rediscovery
The pandemic, though challenging, gave the Fernandes family a moment of reflection and rediscovery. Eligio, an accountant; Evelyn, an MBA student; and Philomena, a receptionist, decided to embrace their roots and revive the family bar. “COVID taught us that nothing is permanent,” Eligio says. “It gave us the chance to breathe new life into the bar my grandfather started.”
Creative touch
Evelyn, the creative soul behind Cajy Bar’s décor, infused the space with charm and personality. “I’m a Pinterest junkie,” she laughs. “We reused old tyres for tables and salvaged furniture from our home. Everything you see here, from the bar counter to the windows, has a story. It wasn’t planned, but it’s ours, and that’s what makes it special.”
Struggles of reopening
But reopening the bar wasn’t without its struggles. “We didn’t even know how to stock the bar,” Eligio admits with a laugh. “We pooled whatever savings we had, went from one wine store to another asking for credit, and just hoped for the best.”
Community support
Thankfully, the community rallied around them. Cajy Bar grew into a vibrant hub of connection and camaraderie. “Growing up, I remember my grandfather serving feni to villagers after a long day’s work,” Eligio recalls fondly. “It was a place where people came together to share stories and build friendships. We wanted to bring that spirit back.”
A unique bar model
To honour their grandfather’s vision, the siblings introduced a self-service bar model. “It’s about connection,” Eligio explains. “My grandfather believed in this approach, and it worked beautifully to bring people together.”
A culinary legacy
Cajy Bar isn’t just known for its drinks—it’s also celebrated for its food, a labour of love that pays homage to Philomena’s culinary roots. “My mom used to run a small food cart called Philu’s Food Cart,” Eligio shares. “She made sorpotel, stew, and chicken gravy for village feasts. It felt right to bring those flavours here.”
Crowd favourites
Today, dishes like Philomena’s tongue roast, admaas, and stew have become crowd favourites. Evelyn beams with pride, saying, “She cooks like she’s cooking for family. You can taste the love in every bite.”
A place of connection
Over time, Cajy Bar has transformed into a place where laughter fills the air, stories are shared, and memories are made. “People celebrate their birthdays here, and their happiness becomes ours,” Eligio says. “There’s something magical about watching strangers become friends here.”
Customer bonds
For Evelyn, it’s the bond with their customers that makes Cajy Bar unique. “They’re like family,” she says. “Even on tough days, their kind words and hugs keep us going. Some even bring us gifts.” Eligio adds with a grin, "The shirt I'm wearing right now was one of those gifts!"
Love stories
The bar has even been a witness to love stories over the years. “Back in the day, couples would exchange letters and arrange to meet here,” Eligio shares with a smile. “Some even fell in love and got married because of this place. It’s incredible to know we’re still creating those moments.”
Rooted in heritage
As Goa continues to evolve into a bustling tourist destination, Cajy Bar remains rooted in its essence. “I want to keep this place the way it is—a community bar that honours our heritage,” Eligio says. Despite offers from investors to expand, the family stays true to their vision. “This isn’t just a business. It’s our heart.”
Changing perceptions
Evelyn believes Cajy Bar is helping shift perceptions of traditional bars. “When we started, bars weren’t seen as spaces for everyone, especially women. Now, they’ve become places where communities gather.”
Hidden history
The story of Cajy Bar stretches further back than even the family initially realised. “We thought the bar started in 1970,” Eligio says. “But when my mom found old files, we discovered it actually began in 1964. Back then, it was called Cajy Taverna, a small spot where my grandfather, a playwright and tiatrist, would sit with a drink and some chana packets. Other tiatrists would gather there, and he’d help them refine their scripts. It was a space for creativity and community.”
A living legacy
This spirit of bringing people together is what continues to inspire the Fernandes family. “It’s been a blessing,” Eligio says. “Being the elder brother, I’ve always felt a responsibility to provide for my family. This bar has been God’s way of helping us do just that.”
A family’s strength
Evelyn agrees, saying, “We’ve been through so much—the ups, the downs, everything. But spending so much time together has only made us stronger. Cajy Bar is a reflection of who we are as a family and not just a business.”
Advice for dreamers
For anyone dreaming of reviving a family business, Eligio offers heartfelt advice: “Go to the root of why it was started. Whether it’s a bar, a shack, or a restaurant, there’s history and purpose behind it. Embrace that, and you’ll find success.”
A space for connection
At Cajy Bar, the past and present don’t just coexist—they embrace each other, creating a space where history, love, and community intertwine. From its simple, heartfelt décor to the warm smiles of its owners, the place is a home for everyone who steps inside.
A dream for the future
Eligio dreams of the future with a twinkle in his eye. “One day, I hope to be here with a walking stick, still serving tongue roast and stew,” he says with a laugh. But behind his words is a deep sense of pride and purpose—a commitment to carrying forward a legacy built on love and belonging.
