LOOKING TO RELOCATE

Derek,

Most of the time, when a bar/restaurant comes on the market on St. Croix, it is only the "business opportunity" that is for sale and does not include the building and real estate. In such situations, it is best to be certain that the lease also is transferrable with the business and is for of long enough duration to give you a chance to recoup your investment even if the lease is not renewed by the landlord when it expires.

There are sometimes buildings for sale that have had (or could have) bars and/or restaurants operate within them. Some of the buildings in downtown Christiansted do also have room for apartments above the business establishment on the ground floor. That would not meet your request to purchase an established business, however.

There are several business opportunities currently on the market on St. Croix. If you really want to own your own building, you would probably be looking at opening a new business within a property you purchase. If you have other questions you feel I might be able to help you get answers for, you can reach me directly at stcroixhomes@hotmail.com

Contact Alexandra Marshall, she is a great realator,and was great working with her since we are still on the mainland. She is a posted on this board.

As far as safest place, she could help out there, but you didn't say what price range you were looking in.

And, one caveat for you, make sure to do a PMV before you decide to sink your life savings into such a big move. Read "Don't Stop the Carnival" by Herman Wouk. You just may find some glaring similarities between yourself and Norman Paperman.

Anyone who has ever been to the islands should read, "Don't Stop the Carnival." All the characters in the book still roam the streets with different names and faces. What a great read.

I read Don't Stop the Carnival before moving to St. Croix. It is indeed amazing how the eccentricities of the characters in that book are truly and regularly to be found in people you meet all over the islands. Herman Wouk certainly grasped the soul and flavor of the Caribbean. It's even funnier to read again after you have lived here for a while.

Good Afternoon Derek,

OTW at Cane Bay is for sale! It's actually listed on the menu at $1,000,000. Fun place!

-Larry

There are quite a few restaurants and bars listed for sale on STX right now.. in addition to the ones that would be available if the right offer walked in the door, such as Off The Wall.

A few offerings at the moment:
Sunset Grill
Le St. Tropez
Bacchus
Bongos
Ole's Deli & Grill
Shenanigans
Just 'n Case Deli
The Melting Pot
Morning Glory Coffee

...and a few buildings that could be refit and turned into restaurants.

I think Truffles might still be for sale, too... gotta check on that one.

Rhythyms at Rainbow, north of Frederiksted is also for sale if the price is right.

Derek,

We were just in St. Croix last month looking to relocate from Stamford, CT. We arranged to look at houses with a realtor and she was great. I am sure they do commercial property as well. She was born on the island and her business is family owned and operated for I want to say 40 years. She was very helpful with anything that you might want to know about the island before, during and after our visit. I hope I am allowed to post this on here but her and her husband (whom met with both my husband and I) were absolutely wonderful. www.ayervirginislands.com.

I would highly recommend a premove visit if you have not done that already.

If I can answer any more questions please feel free to get back to me. abanks@odysseyre.com.

Thanks for all the input so far.

I think after getting advice from people and reading the posts, we plan on living on the island for 6 months before we buy a business, to see what it is like.

I also think we might be leaning towards STT. instead of STX.

From what I have been reading and hearing the best time to move is right before the "Season" begins, if you want to work in the bar/ rest. field?

Hello Derek,

Yes, that’s correct. The time of year the most hiring in bar/rest. work happens is high season; which typically gets going around mid-November and last through May or thereabouts. Off Season doesn't mean no visitors, just fewer and the months that are slowest are August-September.

--Islander

Living here for a while before buying a biz is a very good idea, as alot of people move here and, within a year's time, move back because they couldn't fit in with "island life" (couldn't fit in, didn't like it, got bored, oh, this list could go on and on!).

Choosing STT over STX is a personal preference. You might wanna try both to decide which is for you.

Getting here before "season" is the only way to go, IMHO. If you get here in January or February, the apartments/jobs/cars/P.O. Boxes/etc. are much harder to find. You might want to try a PMV in September, and another one in February, just to get an idea of the big differences here (STT).

Good luck to you!

Thanks Marty and Islander.

My girlfriend are trying to do a PMV in Jan. and then one more next year right before we move, if we like our first visit.

Does anyone have any information on CARPENTRY or CONSTRUCTION jobs in the USVI? Also, are carpenters (with 20 years mainland experience) overlooked for Caribbean-trained carpenters? Thank you for any information you may have!

Carpentry jobs don't usually make it into the Trader here due to the fact that most of themknow each other, and can refer each other, without going thru the paper. There seems to be plenty of work to keep the carpenters here busy, but remember, we don't build our homes and such with wooden frames, like in the States. I mean, sure, we still use carpenters for SOME building of the homes and such, but cement is the preferred choice for building. E-mail clayton@surfvi.com and ask. He does kitchens for some major players here, and he may have some advice for you. I'll e-mail him and tell him to be on the lookout for your mail.