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Random STJ Facts: Fast Food on St. John

Did you know that there used to be a Wendy’s in Wharfside Village?

Can I be honest for a moment? It’s not easy being creative every single day. It’s especially not easy being creative every single day when you live on a teeny tiny island in the middle of the Caribbean, and it’s low season, and not too much is happening. So, I’ve decided to share some random facts that I know about St. John with all of you. Today we’re talking fast food!

St. John does not have a single fast food restaurant or any sort of chain business for that matter. (I know you’re all thinking- thank goodness!) But that hasn’t alway been the case. Imagine wandering through Wharfside Village, gazing out toward the beautiful turquoise waters of Cruz Bay and passing by a Wendy’s fast food restaurant. Sounds terrible, right?! Well back in the early 90s, this is exactly what would have happened! Wendy’s was located in the section of Wharfside Village where La Tapa is today. It closed in 1992 after a fire caused extensive damage to the restaurant, and never reopened.

Subway was the second and only other fast food chain to operate on St. John. It was located in a trailer across from Woody’s where Tap & Still is today. Subway closed in 2008, and then was transformed briefly into a campaign office. Since then, numerous restaurants have been in that spot including Iguana Grill, Across the Street, Umami and currently Tap & Still.

Pusser’s Bar used to be located on the second floor of Wharfside Village. I guess that can somewhat be considered a chain considering there have been several in the British Virgin Islands, there’s one in Ponte Vedra Florida, and there’s even one in Germany! Greengo and Tap & Still are technically chains too, but I was really referring to more mainstream chains, and Wendy’s and Subway are the only two that come to mind.

Another random fact: I lived in an apartment on the second floor of Wharfside Village from 2017-2018, and we had an original  Pusser’s pendant lamp in our hallway – so fun!

That’s it for today, folks. As the island ramps up, so will may creativity. 🙂 Have a fantastic day, everyone!


Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

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