Ben's Cafe and Motel

Despite its proximity to the E39 motorway, Bens's Kafé og Motell AS is located in peaceful and scenic surroundings. There are many great opportunities for hiking, inland fishing and more just outside the doors.

Ben’s Café started in 1958, in the basement of Ben and Amanda Hetland’s home in Helleland. In 1969, a dedicated café building was constructed across the street. The café is still located there. In 1988, there were further expansions – a motel with 20 rooms, as well as new conference and event facilities.

The magazine Motor.no named Ben’s Café as one of the finalists for Roadside Meal of the Year in 2016. They write the following: Simple and proper. The fish is served freshly fried with sour cream and onions. The meatcakes and lasagna are homemade, and the generous omelette is made with eggs from the neighboring farm. Clean and pleasant.

The story

Ben's Café (and later Motel) has and has always had a central place in the local community. The café is a regular meeting place for all age groups. In 2013, we renovated the café and the outdoor area was refurbished. Its popularity extends far beyond the local area, not least among professional drivers both at home and abroad. Much of the credit for this popularity goes to Amanda Hetland, whose daughter and son-in-law - and eventually the third generation - have taken over the main responsibility. Amanda has also become the nickname of the café - many people may not know where Ben's Kafé is located, but if you mention "Amanda", many will recognise it. There are many stories of Norwegians abroad who have had problems explaining their place of origin in Norway, but everything was cleared up when "Amanda" was mentioned. "Amanda" has also got her own song. In 1987, local C&W band Tennesee released an LP/cassette entitled "Ben's Kafé" - where the title track is a warm tribute to the modern cowboys' (trailer drivers') popular stopping place at Helleland. "I'm gonna sit right down an rest my soul in old Bens's Kafé where Amanda is always waiting with a smile as sweet can be." Several column metres have been written in newspapers and magazines. Vestlandsfanden has also written a song about us. Bens's Kafé/Amanda has also been honoured in local revues. Lars Magne Hannisdal painted a picture for Hellelandsrevyen in 1991, and it still hangs in the village hall as a source of pride and joy.

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