A Rum Bar?

So, what is this Rum Bar thing?

The down islanders in the Caribbean refer to most any alcohol as Rum…no matter whether it’s Vodka, Whiskey, Scotch or even Rum, it’s all referred to as rum – a generic term for liquor.  Think about calling tissue Kleenex or even Xerox me a copy when the machine is Toshiba.  So, down in the islands, the locals refer all alcohol as rum and the local neighborhood type bars, are called Rum Shops or rum shacks, depending on the area in the Caribbean.

Rum Shops are where the local islanders go to socialize, relax, drink and shoot-the-breeze…nothing fancy, very basic, it’s really just an easy-going local hang out.  A lot of places offer up Dominoes, a local favorite, so the locals will spend a  lot of time in these places.  May visitors to the islands will seek these places out to get the “local” experience.

So, since we loved the American Cheeseburger in Paradise concept in St. Croix, and believe in their low overhead idea of a limited menu of only burgers and drinks, we are doing our version of a Rum Shop and calling it a Rum Bar…keep it simple, easy and fun and kick it up a notch.  Make it a place where the locals are still comfortable and the visitors will enjoy themselves as well.  Want Creole food, there is a place on every corner. Want the best burger and chicken wings in the Caribbean, then come on over to Skeeterz Rum Bar.

We are blending a Caribbean style rum shop with a couple upgrades, a few extra’s and an aggressive marketing initiative with American style management.   To make the atmosphere more visually appealing, we are using a lot of heavy foliage, bamboo, coconuts, drift wood, palm fronds, local arts & crafts and so on to create a really lush tropical atmosphere that is 100% St. Lucia.

A few of the ways we will upgrade is to install a wireless network, big screen TV’s and cool zones, creating the ultimate laid back, easy going atmosphere with a lil’bit of comfort. And of course, there’s the tropical music, reliable hours of operation, friendly service, quality food and beautiful St. Lucia excitement…oh yeah, and the SkeeterGirlz.

The local professionals will appreciate a decent place with fair prices, and the visitors will feel welcomed and comfortable with real world Caribbean experience with St. Lucia local culture, island charm and the friendly island people…but, we’re going to run it like an American business behind the scenes; training, marketing, promotional events, and so on.

Unlike the large resorts, our answer is not an expensive location with high dollar architecture, expensive menu, over-priced drinks and over commercialization…it is quite the opposite, although those people who stay at the high end resorts will want to venture out and visit a cozy Caribbean Rum Bar for some local fun!