Dec. 26, 2006 — Wanting locals and tourists alike to know the unique charms Frederiksted has to offer, the Frederiksted Economic Development Association (FEDA) has recently compiled a guide of all Frederiksted businesses.
According to FEDA President Rupert Ross Jr., the purpose of the compilation was "to identify the businesses in the town of Frederiksted and surrounding areas to get a feel of the type of businesses and clientele Frederiksted has to offer."
The association also wanted to "provide businesses with a directory," Ross said, adding that the idea for a business guide came to FEDA members last summer after the association had completed a survey of area businesses.
Packed with more than 170 business names and contact information, the guide also features pictures of the beautiful landscape that makes up Frederiksted town.
The businesses in Frederiksted have a lot in common, according to Ross. "We have a majority of businesses geared to residents and overnight visitors in the community — not cruise-ship traffic," Ross said.
Tropical Java, a Frederiksted coffee store, has been in the area for two and a half years. "Frederiksted is where we live," said co-owner Kendra Gaston. "We like this side."
Gaston and her husband, Adam, have lived in Frederiksted for five years, and they say the town feels like home and is more comfortable to them than any other part of the island. Tropical Java's clientele is 90 percent local, according to Gaston. "We sell coffee, so we get a lot of regulars."
"Ever since we've opened, we've catered to locals," said Blue Moon restaurant owner Nancy Cotter. She and her husband, Allan, have been in Frederiksted for more than 10 years. Cotter called Frederiksted "a nice little town" and said local business is what keeps them going, even though parking on Strand Street has been restricted.
For more than 40 years, the restaurant Pier 69 has been in Frederiksted; and owner Unise Tranberg said she wouldn't "dream of being anywhere else." According to Tranberg, Frederiksted is "quaint" and "unique." Businesses in Frederiksted, according to Tranberg, are open for all types of clientele and do not limit themselves to catering to either locals or tourists.
"If you are opening a business in Frederiksted, you are opening for everyone," she said. "You cater to locals and welcome tourists." Tranberg said no business would survive in Frederiksted any other way. The difference between Frederiksted and other areas of St. Croix, according to Tranberg, is the abundance of "mom-and-pop-owned" stores versus tourist-oriented businesses.
The business guide has been mailed to all the businesses in Frederiksted, and Ross said the association's next step is to send the guide to tourist and governmental agencies. "Once the incoming administration identifies its committees, we will provide each agency with a copy," Ross said.
The number of guides are limited, so any other businesses or persons interested in obtaining copies will need to contact FEDA at 773-3332.
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