“First Stop”: Convenience store and deli
Cruz Bay is days away from a fully stocked convenience store. “First Stop” (like the first place you stop) will open at Raintree Court, next to the Fish Trap restaurant, soon. Karim Salem, standing in front of the future store, already owns a First Stop convenience store on St. Thomas, near the old Hard Rock Café. His St. John location will include convenience store stuff , as well beer and liquor, beach gear, cigars, frozen food and produce. And he tells us he also plans to include a deli and coffee bar. Karim’s son, Karim Salem, Jr. will be in charge of the First Stop St. John outpost. Oh, and that window behind Karim will soon be a door. He says he wants street presence.
They’re busy painting and building out in there. Karim says the store will be open in a week or two.
January 30th, 2008 00:49
Great NEWS Karim! WISH YOU MUCH SUCCESS! Please consider: carry as many organic foods and foods without preservatives or hydrogenated fats or artificial ingredients as possible. Organic produce would also be a great seller- at any price- I’ll pay it!!!
January 30th, 2008 01:13
hummmm….. let me guess, all cash operation ?
January 30th, 2008 07:30
‘Unrelated’: Is Hard Rock Cafe back on St. Thomas? I can’t recall which store is First Stop on STT. Good luck in his business venture.
We are planning our vaca to STJ and my list of places to go on STJ is long! Do you think you could do a top ten?
Teresa
January 30th, 2008 07:40
good morning, happy hump day
now that sounds like a great idea.
its always great to have a store as
close to the dock as possible, to pick
up a few items then get to your villa.
i think he will have a great business.
myself, i have always used Christy.
“its so easy”
qball
January 30th, 2008 08:16
Is that where I park when I’m in town (across the street from St John Car Rental)? It looks like it is. That would be good because we won’t be driving past the Dolphin on our way back from town this summer and could use a quick place to pick up a lime and hot dog buns (to be eaten separately of course)
January 30th, 2008 09:20
Hey this is great news! Good luck Karim! Please carry diet sodas and diet lemonaide for my boy. Can’t wait to check out all your goodies!
January 30th, 2008 11:14
I hope you will be open on easter Sunday. We arrive that day and are renting from St. John Rent A Car. It would be very helpful to make a quick stop at your store to stock up for the evening.
January 30th, 2008 16:36
I keep wondering about the “P Word”……
Parking.
-Ruth
January 30th, 2008 17:52
I was wondering that too, Ruth! I think it’s “you hop out and I will circle the block” deal.
January 30th, 2008 18:28
Yes, MB! If you’re already in town (as I am), this a hugely convenient and exciting thing. If you are just driving by and see it and say “Hey! Look, a convenience store, we need to go there!”, then I am hoping there might be a parking spot or two designated there.
-Ruth
January 30th, 2008 19:53
I agree Mary Beth. By the time I get around the block, Chip should have a lime, diet coke, a bag of doritos, and some water for the morning. With Rum back at the villa, life is good!
January 31st, 2008 06:41
Looks good. I think this is by Fishtrap Restaurant where they sell fresh fish also. An easy walk from the dock. While someone is doing the paper work the vehicle or picking it up another person could do some shopping. Very close to Slim man’s parking lot too. As for paying at any price …. you will!
February 3rd, 2008 00:05
If the new tenant wants a street presence by knocking out a window to make a door, doesn’t this mean one less parking space?