Entrepreneurial Minded

Why is the presence of a Starbucks "progress". Why does anyone want Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook or Cruz Bay or Christianstead for Frederickstead to look like every other American beach town?
Can't "those entrepreneurial souls" come up with their own business ideas instead of mindlessly going along with someone elses franchise? Why can't we think outside the box?

I am also of an entrepreneurial mindset, so good for you in looking at a franchise opportunity with a business like Starbucks that has a huge success rate in the states. I am not sure about STT. I recently moved to STX and my boyfriend and I have also thought of Starbucks. The economy on STX is very low and so we are thinking in the future (hopefully the economy picks up). As for Why oh Why's opinion (we all know about opinions!!) It is not always due to lack of mindlessness, but just another way to look at business. Looking forward to a good cup of Starbucks, next time I'm on STT. Good Luck!!!!!!!!

BTW, last I checked, Starbucks did not franchise. Ever heard of Peet's?
Mmm mmm good!

i was thinking about becoming an avon rep. in st. croix. does anyone know if that could be profitable?

Personally, I'd be happy to see a Dunkin' Donuts on STT! In my opinion, a business I believe could be very lucrative on STT is a boarding kennel for cats and dogs - one with fenced-in runs and a qualified and loving staff. Residents are always travelling, and boarding is usually less stressful than airflight. Just a thought - I'd pursue it myself if I planned to live here permanently.

Kisha, Avon and MaryKay reps exist here - and there are some that do it as a part time or side job... often selling it to co-workers at their 9-5 jobs. Some folks do real well but I don't know their secret, seems like I know more that did it as a part time thing rather then full time, some that have hair salons or nail shops sell the avon creams and some of the makeup on the shelves - things they know their regular customers buy.

Marley - There are oppurtunties for opening new businesses here. You really have to do your research see what is needed or could be improved. Make a plan and be determined. But good planning and research is key. The local government has several incentives for new businesses to be started and for exisiting businesses to relocate offices here, there are EDC benefits and tax benefits so they welcome businesses. But they of course have the ability to block big business ventures or smaller ones that they don't want for whatever reason. Red tape is the norm but it is stronger of course when its a bigger business and when there are people against it. If you are going to open a lemonaid stand somewhere off the wall or not of much concern - perhaps no-one will say anything.... if you are going to open a lemonaid stand next to a senator's cousin's lemonaid stand you may draw a bit to much attention to your venture. If you are going to open a huge resort on a beach of course you will encounter all sorts of things to deal with... So it depends on the venture, the size, who your compeition is, where you are putting it, what its about.... there are other considerations besides the two mentioned that might cause more red tape; but some are necessary (environmental concerns) and some uncessary(someone who just doesn't want it there and has the connections to create problems).

Americanization is an issue depending on the island you are on.... St. Thomas and St. Croix have more American type businesses - Kmart, McDonalds, KFC... St. John does not and there is a general concensus that it should stay that way, but even there - their are folks that open restaurants, bars, inns, tours... so overall no Americanization is not an issue.

"Why oh Why" - I have to say that to some degree, I agree with your sentiments. When I travel I like to see new things, although there is a certain comfort level to the familiar - ohhhhhh a McDonalds when you walk down an alley in Paris... too many of such establishments becomes a distraction from the true allure of the place; the originality I suppose. Interesting topics Globalization, development, Americanization...

--Islander

I know there are places to get Starbuck's Coffee around here. The Westin's Delly in St. John is oneof them.
Ronnie

Thanks everyone, Chris,

By no means do I want to imply that Starbucks automatically = progress, I do agree somewhat with Why Oh Why who does not want to see St. Thomas end up looking like the Jersey shore. I think there is room for convenience without creating strip mall after strip mall. But, as Starbucks can be found on just about any city street corner in the states now, the logical question is "Why not on STT?"

Actually I threw out the Starbucks idea only b/c I read that there were no Starbucks on STT. And as Onika pointed out- Starbucks may not franchise. But it was to illustrate a point that there seemed to be many opportunities waiting for anyone who wanted to "take the bull by the horns." It seems the most frequent advice on this board to those thinking about relocating to the VI is that convenience and service is not what it is in the states, so get use to it. Some may disagree with me, but I think eventually STT will have a Starbucks of it's own, and a Peets, and a 24 hour pharmacy and many of the conveniences we enjoy in the states. Since this seems to be the natural progression of things, the key for the entrepreneur is figure out how to take advantage of the opportunity. That was the intent of my original post.

By the way, where can I get a cup of Starbucks or Peets on STT?

Thanks again all,
Marley

Doglover, great idea about a boarding kennel! I would just add that it should have day care capabilities as well.

Marley,

Definately there are oppurtunties, your comments are accurate. Requires research into whats needed... like Doglover and Onika are pointing out based on their experiences. And then a plan of action and the determination to make the venture work and work well!!

All the best to the entrepreneurs!

--Islander

Marley: You can buy Starbuck beans at Marina Market and brew your own! I always thought that one of those wagons downtown with coffee and bush tea, bagels and dumb bread would be a good idea! The ladies who sell the peanuts seem to do a business! One thing for your entrepenurial reflection... St Thomas has 60,000 people give or take...what kinds of businesses can you think of that can make money on that small a population?

Has anyone been to the new restaurant/coffee bar in Market Square East next to the movie theater? I'm not sure if it's open yet but from what someone told me it sounds like the closest thing to a Starbucks in terms of atmosphere. Personally the fact that Starbucks beans are available in the VI doesn't excite me all that much, as I much prefer all their specialty drinks, Frappucino's and the like, which you can only get in a real Starbucks. I also think the best thing about Starbucks is the atmosphere inside the place, the fact that they have comfortable furniture, good work spaces and sometimes even internet access in the states. Those are the elements I'd most like to see here, but I have a hard time imagining that coming to fruition. I'm not sure a Starbucks would do as well here as it would in the states in an area of this size. Starbucks are typically found in big population centers and near universities and offices. I am just not sure the climate, demographics and lifestyle of the islands would make it a great success here. It would probably still be profitable though, considering their prices!!

So what are our best coffee houses at present? I'd say Grateful Deli, Frenchtown Deli, and perhaps this new place by the movie theater. Are there others?

The Dunkin Donuts idea reminds me, is there anywhere to get a good bagel down here? Again, I could care less about Dunkin Donuts coffee, but I would love to get some of their bagels, donuts and coolattas. Yum!