New York Couple Quit Jobs, Open Restaurant in St. John

ST. JOHN — New York couple John and Sarah Joyce recently quit their jobs and followed their dream of moving to the Caribbean to open a restaurant.  The Danforth, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant serving seafood and local cuisine is located on the waterfront in Coral Bay. It will have its grand opening on Friday, according to a release issued Tuesday.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Sarah and John Joyce left behind the stability of successful careers, the comfort of a lovingly restored fixer-upper, and the support of close-knit families to live the dream of becoming restaurateurs on the tiny island of St. John.

“Millions of people dream about quitting their job and moving to a tropical island but very few people actually do it. The last 8 months have been quite the adventure,” said owner, Sarah.

The Danforth takes its name from a common type of boat anchor and the name fits perfectly with the vibe of the restaurant, which serves upscale food in a casual, family friendly setting. “We want diners to feel fully immersed in the Caribbean experience,” said owner, John. “To us that means indulging in the highest quality Caribbean food, listening to local music, and enjoying a breathtaking view. All without having to dress up for the occasion.”

“Food is a huge part of Caribbean culture and we have always felt that local cuisine was underrepresented in the St. John dining scene. Our goal at The Danforth is to create a unique culinary experience where you can indulge your senses in Caribbean flavors, sights, and sounds,” added Sarah.

In the kitchen, Executive Chef, Gil Turturici, who is known for seamlessly blending local cuisines with modern cooking techniques, has created a refined selection of dishes that highlight the best flavors of the Caribbean.  

“Our menu was created by drawing inspiration from the vibrant flavors found in traditional Caribbean dishes and elevating them using the freshest local ingredients. The result is an unparalleled dining experience; it is unlike any other on St. John,” Turturici said.

The restaurant is situated on the waterfront in Coral Bay.  The view from the dining room is unsurpassed; sailboats rock gently in the harbor, donkeys amble down the road, and tribes of goats chew grass at the water’s edge.  It feels tranquil and undiscovered and it is the perfect spot for an unforgettable meal, according to the release.

The restaurant will be open daily for happy hour from 3pm-6pm at the large outdoor bar overlooking Coral Bay. The happy hour menu includes fun, shareable dishes like lobster tostones and fresh sushi rolls. More adventurous diners can try crispy Fungi Fries (Caribbean polenta fries) or local Saltfish Ceviche. The cocktail menu is full of island inspiration including a drink called the Peter Bay, which blends island celebrity, Kenny Chesney’s Blue Chair Rum with mango and fresh lime juice, for a bright tropical flavor.  

Dinner service runs from 5pm-9pm and features creative dishes with a heavy Caribbean influence. Live Caribbean lobster, fresh mahi mahi, and grouper are brought in from the sea every day and feature prominently on the menu. Entrees like Braised Oxtail and Pepper Shrimp are complimented by local sides dishes like savory plantain mash and mofongo. While island fruits like ripe mango, papaya, and pineapple add a delicious finish to every dish.

The nightly dining experience is made complete through live performances by local musicians playing reggae, soca, and beach music.

Find out more about The Danforth at our website: www.TheDanforth.vi. Stay up to date on our hours, dinner specials, and events by following The Danforth on Instagram and Facebook @TheDanforthVI.