Hello Pork or is it Mr. Chop?

I can hook you up with the right contacts for all of that. Not sure if it would be considered approvalable by the powers that be, but who knows.

There are several patty wagons here on the Island that serve much of the same thing, except, I haven't seen a Bar B Q anywhere around here yet. So, maybe that's the ticket.

You see, you will have to make your case that you bring something to the island that no one is doing and if you have all the right channels (know the right people), you are in like Flynn.

What is your nationality? What housing arrangements will you need? and can you put together a package report of your business now, with pics, references and the like?

I'll help you all I can.

Joey

Post a Reply

00abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

Hi to the Chops.
Is there any connection to the other couple looking to bring a mobile BBQ from the USVI , that are already on this forum.
I see your on the Belize forum. so assume at this moment you casting a wide net. You really need to decide where you want to be , then make a recce. There are BBQ mobiles on the island already , I think you will have a hard time getting permits etc. If your part of CARICOM you might find it easier , but think you would face a long haul here

Post a Reply

00abuse

Thanks Joey for your quick response.
You and Bobby are definitely St Lucia expat gurus. Your advise and comments are appreciated.
Our current business looks like this:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147404-d3851169-Reviews-Off_The_Grid-St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

I think best/easiest way to share our brand with you.

We absolutely have, and can customize a package report, as we know will be necessary when we indeed find the welcoming island.

We are Americans. We will look to rent a home, one with a yard for our 140lb bull mastif- and a home that will welcome our hopes to finally start a family!

We are planning a trip to the island in March. We have some fortunate local contacts. Once on island, in person- we will run the whole thing through the model.

At this point- my wife and I are considering several (almost all with decent economy) as the next Caribbean adventure. Although we understand its not QUITE as simple as parading through the islands while living on a sail boat... WE DO HOWEVER, embrace the entrepreneur whims of our hearts and do not shy away from the journey of it all.

We are young, far from settling down per se- and have made the biggest step already (from leaving everything behind in Las Vegas to OffTheGRiD 6yrs ago). We like to think any things pissible! We've seen and overcome some serious sh*t down here in the VI.

We are excited to keep the journey rolling!!!! Caymen islands are very organized, and St Maarten (french) is the culinary capital of the Caribbean. My wife and I make a good team. Don't let our modest food truck fool you :). We've been restauranteurs for years. In the last 10 years, we've earned Michelin stars, diamond awards, overseen restaurant groups, etc. The food truck is a fun and relaxing way to do business (and blend in) yet requires tactful business sense to stay alive.

Time will tell. We are freelance culinary mercenaries looking for the next fun place to do business, make friends... And start a family :)

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hi bobbyvee.
In short:
We will not choose an island- an island will choose us

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hi. I think in the end it boils down to two things. Can you get a work permit and can you get permission to park up and 'fire up' . There are many mobile set ups here all run by locals. I think when your here in march , if you like the island then a chat face tpo face with some officials would give you the answers.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Since folks on this thread are somewhat comparing islands, I thought I would weigh in here also (and also seek opinions). Recently went to Belize (to do due diligence there), and posted on the Belize forum my thoughts on what we saw. We also went to USVI over new years for a week also to conduct due diligence (and have fun also), so I thought I'd share a bit of my first impressions there (and ask others to weigh in on anyone with experience). I know I need to give St Lucia a shot next on due diligence from all the recommendations for there. But here are just my shot at USVI for what it is worth (just St Thomas):

1) Was impressed with the price of real estate there (how relatively low it was, based on my expectations), in particular on the ocean homes. I didn't really have a sense of real estate values, but it seemed plenty of homes say of 5000sf, on the water (cliff or beach), nicely finished out, in the $1M to $1.3M range. Not that everyone is looking for that, but I just figured that for those type houses and those views, was expecting in the several million range, so was surprised it wasn't higher, given that it is in the US
2) Homes seemed good construction, lots of solid masonry, relatively recent construction.
3) At least being a US person, not having to hassle with the language barrier and immigration and taxation was a nice advantage
4) Real estate taxes seemed pretty low (again just compared to the US)
5) No state income tax (just the same federal tax you would pay anywhere in US)
6) Seemed a nice blend of beach/island feel (lots of beautiful beaches), without feeling crowded at all (and we were there over New Year and relatively close to where the cruise ships come in), but also lots of regular stores, Home Depot, etc for when you need that kind of stuff
7) Lots of restaurant choices, that didn't seem too high priced (and we pretty much hit the tourist ones without looking very hard for "bargain local places" which I suspect we could have found)

So overall was pretty impressed, but again this was just based on one week of due diligence, so anyone with other thoughts (plus or minus) of USVI (and comparison to STL since this is the forum) would be great

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hi Olorin.
Think you should have put under new heading, as moderator I can only delete or change, but cant change the heading. Very good write up How about a heading Island Comparisons

Post a Reply

00abuse