Closing Of Churches Chicken on St Croix

I heard WAPA bills always over $5000 were the killer.

I know the owner. In my talks with him Wapa was a big part of it. Franchise fees was another part. One thing I've sort of learned here is that the franchise name doesn't mean as much in STX as in other places, people here know where to go from word of mouth and experience. This changes the value equation on paying a franchise fee which is why you see more independent establishments.

It's very hard to "own" a business in STX, it seems like many, including the owner of Church's, work in a business they owned.

The good news is the owner found another job quickly and AFAIK is doing well.

Sean

$6,000/month.......well, I guess that's what happens when you have a big 10,000 sq/ft facility with huge generators and boiler systems running around the clock.

Editors note: Even though it might not come through as clear on a computer, I am laying the sarcasm down PRETTY heavy here!

So glad he found a new job!

stiphy---thanks for the information and good news the owner landed on his feet.

Looks like the "rumor" information I heard was pretty reliable--same as what stphy posted. Sadly, allot of us on STX enjoyed Churches Chicken. As a former owner of a few ice cream/snack bars which also served food in the states, I can understand why the numbers didn't support staying open during this tough times----not enough VOLUME to support all the overheard cost.

Best of luck to the owner of Church's Chicken---always had good experiences with quality of food and customer services when we visited the STX one.

Since WAPA is so expensive, I always wonder why businesses keep the a/c on so high (or do I mean low?) They are often so cold it is uncomfortable to be in them. Seems odd.

I agree, Linda. Like movie theaters!!!! Government offices are usually freezing, too. The service reps at WAPA all have sweaters or wraps....but I guess they can afford it. LOL

To discourage mold growth?... (A/C dries the air)

What this island needs is a good Dairy Queen.

Article on the front page of The Avis this morning says 11 restaurants have closed in the last 6 months. It cites WAPA and gross receipts as the culprits. Also says the average US kwh rate is 9 cents, while ours is currently 44 cents. 🙁

Franchises are probably inflexible with their lighting/ac specs too. What is the norm stateside, bright light, very cool interior temps, due to average much lower kw costs. The owners have to run it exactly as specified by the main office, and the main office doesn't care what WAPA charges. They could probalby sell a LOT more chicken if they would look into "green" options for their franchisees trying to branch out into new markets with much different kw pricing...

11 restaurants!? 😮
I've been hiding in the theatre for the last couple of months - haven't seen the light of day, who else has closed?

Recent closings I can come up with:
Case Place in Gallows Bay

older closings:
Styxx on the boardwalk
Trudy's near Hovensa

Recent change of ownership (which might count as a closing - re-opening):
Sam Woo BBQ
Topside - Chicken Charlies
Sunset Grill -> ?
Cultured Pelican
Anna's - The Bistro in Gallows Bay

What this island needs is a good Dairy Queen.

The island definitely do not need them. We already have our very own Armstrong's Ice Cream in Frederiksted. The best ice cream in the world.....in my opinion. Try the gooseberry flavor.

And we can also do without Church's Chicken and the rest American franchises.

Yes...I called next door at Auto Zone to ask why and I was told about the whole franchise deal also. I was always impressed with customer service and quality. I actually liked it every once in a while. And convenient.

This WAPA ting has got to stop...

I was in the area of Cost-U-Less yesterday and again today. Just in the area around Sion Farm light, there is a new BBQ place about to open, with a big deck just a few yards off the main road (which I don't get), with very little parking evident. There is a brand new bakery, with a very specialized product line, obviously marketing to the Arab population, and I just noticed a new exercise place attached to the gas station at the light. Now, I'm always curious about how people develop their plan before going out on that very expensive limb. There are obvious issues with each of these businesses, which they may, or may not, be able to overcome, BUT..... don't know about WAPA?

Another observation, too...while Churches has closed, KFC is remodling. I assume that must be a franchise requirement.

La Reine Chicken Shack has been in business for probably over 20 years or more. Maybe they're using coal and have the perfect business plan. Also they're outdoors.

Chocolate BBQ in Princess/St. John been in business for years also. Another outdoor establishment.

Consumer Reports just rated KFC the WORST chicken in the fast food industry...

cruz does not like anything american?

What this island needs is a good Dairy Queen.

The island definitely do not need them. We already have our very own Armstrong's Ice Cream in Frederiksted. The best ice cream in the world.....in my opinion. Try the gooseberry flavor.

And we can also do without Church's Chicken and the rest American franchises.

At the risk of being chocolated and sprinkled, I'm not a fan of Armstrongs. There are so many excellent icecream parlors in the states, that I hestitate to mention my favorite, but Graeter's Ice Cream makes Armstrong's taste like Island Dairy.

Church's was tasty. Some of the chicken shacks on island serve up a bland bird.

cruz does not like anything american?

*-)

What this island needs is a good Dairy Queen.

The island definitely do not need them. We already have our very own Armstrong's Ice Cream in Frederiksted. The best ice cream in the world.....in my opinion. Try the gooseberry flavor.

And we can also do without Church's Chicken and the rest American franchises.

At the risk of being chocolated and sprinkled, I'm not a fan of Armstrongs. There are so many excellent icecream parlors in the states, that I hestitate to mention my favorite, but Graeter's Ice Cream makes Armstrong's taste like Island Dairy.

Church's was tasty. Some of the chicken shacks on island serve up a bland bird.

To each their own in regards to the ice cream, but there's nothing in the world like the Gooseberry or Soursop flavors of Armstrong's Ice Cream. As for Island Dairies, it's a lot different now than the Island Dairies of old.

In regards to chicken, best tasting chicken that I last had on island was at Spicy Grill located just off of Queen Mary Highway, west of UVI. It's the first left , heading west, after the UVI intersection and will be on the left side. It's usually best to call ahead and it's not a glamorous place to eat in at, but their food is GREAT.

cruz, where is the best place on stx for stew beef

cruz, where is the best place on stx for stew beef

There was a place where I used to get some great stew goat with rice and also goat water in a bowl. I'm not 100% sure if they're still open though because I heard that one of the owner's died. I forgot the name and not sure how to explain where it's at, so I mapped it for you in the link below. I think it's Estate Peter's Rest and they were located across from the old Thomas Hyll Funeral home. That description wouldn't be much help for the newer islanders. It's another outdoors spot.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=17.723855,-64.73402&hl=en&ll=17.723814,-64.734557&spn=0.011916,0.01929&sll=17.72363,-64.734492&sspn=0.011916,0.01929&z=16

Brady's Restaurant in C'sted has good food. Not sure about the beef stew, but I enjoyed my meal there.

Villa Morales in Estate Whim has good food also.

There was one other place in C'sted that I liked I think it was Kendrick's, but that was a long time ago.

Johnny Mango in Sunny Isle by WAPA had some good food too, and it was fast. That's usually my first meal on STX, after I leave the airport.