Oct. 21, 2004 – Violet Mahabir opened her Vie's Snack Shack way out on St. John's East End for the same reason many mothers go into business for themselves.
"My four children were young. If I had to go to town and work, I would have had to leave my children with my mom and that was too much for her," she said.
Those children are long ago grown up – she now has five grandchildren – but she continues to sell her famous garlic chicken and crispy conch fitters along with hot dogs, cold drinks and wedges of coconut tart from her tiny alfresco eatery on the East End Road. A handful of tables under the trees sit adjacent to Vie's Snack Shack, providing a shady respite for visitors touring one of St. John's more remote regions.
It's located across from the beach right past the spot where the tree sits in the middle of the road. When you get to Vie's Snack Shack, you'll soon run out of road. Chickens and goats wander at will along with a couple of stray cats.
Mahabir started out back in 1979, the year the road was paved, and a time when only one restaurant existed in Coral Bay. Hungry and thirsty visitors had to trek a long distance if they wanted something to eat and drink. She began by selling cold drinks from a cooler placed under the same tamarind tree that now shades one of the tables. Since she lives just up the hill from Vie's Snack Shack, she could keep tabs on her kids.
The building came the next year, and she's been at it ever since. The original Vie's Snack Shack suffered a bad blow when a limb from that tamarind tree fell on it during 1989's Hurricane Hugo, but Mahabir rebuilt and was soon back in business.
The customers continue to come, and over the year's she's expanded Vie's Snack Shack to include access to her family's beach across the road and a small campground a few minutes drive away on the East End Road.
She charges $2.50 to use the beach, which includes the use of chairs and a changing room.
The campground is a beach lover's dream. It sits right on a crescent of white sand at Hansen Bay. Shady places for your tent – you must bring your own – are tucked back under the trees. The facilities are basic with outhouses and solar showers. With only six spaces, peace and quiet are a given.
Rates run $25 a night for two people and $15 for one person.
Mahabir said she learned to cook from her mother, Louise Sewer, but conjured up her own recipes when she opened Vie's Snack Shack.
With 25 years of experience at the stove, this Miss St. John 1963 continues to enjoy her job.
"I like meeting the people from all over the world," she said.
To make a camping reservation, call Vie's Snack Shack at 693-5033.
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