The irrepressible operator of Gladys’ Café met the aftermath of 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria with optimism and industry. While many in the territory were battling the feeling of being overwhelmed by disaster, Gladys was hard at work, feeding people, caring for her staff and getting her restaurant ready to reopen.
The iconic eatery, tucked neatly within the charming walls of Royal Dane Mall, lost electricity and took on over two feet of sand and salt water in the dining area and kitchen. Once the water was removed the damage to the equipment could be assessed. Two ovens, the deep fryer, a beer cooler and a freezer were ruined and the floor was badly damaged. The electrical wiring and the plumbing had to be checked, and there was much cleaning needed to prevent mold and rust on the tables and chairs that had been partially submerged in harbor water.
Always a strong community advocate, the Antigua-born chef and business person could be seen standing on Veterans Drive with a handmade sign inviting hungry passersby to drop in for a free meal.
“This is so tough on everyone,” said Gladys. “We must all do what we can to support our neighbors. I can keep people fed, so that is one of my immediate goals.”
Gladys’ Cafe offered a limited menu just three days after Hurricane Irma. Gladys worked with Royal Dane Mall management to get a generator going and was serving a substantial number of guests a month after Hurricane Maria. The insurance payments were slow to come but Gladys arranged for delivery of the essential equipment necessary to get back up to speed.
Today one would be hard pressed to imagine a storm surge that almost covered the tables. The meals are being served with the usual speed and the positive attitude is pervasive. Now Gladys is moving to the next phase of recovery. The new tables and chairs are on order and with the kitchen fully functional, the dining area will be moved across the alley into the old Royal Anchor Bar space.
“The existing space will be totally upgraded with new electrical, plumbing and flooring. That should take about a month and by then the new furniture will be here,” Gladys said. “Our goal is to keep serving breakfast and lunch without interruption. Royal Dane management has been very helpful in the process.”
Gladys’ loyal staff, including her sister Pauline (a server at the café for 26 years), show no hesitation in making the longer walk from the old kitchen to the new temporary dining area. They are all in support of the plan for seamless service, optimizing a less than ideal situation and maintaining the St. Thomas café that has garnered almost 2,000 “excellent” TripAdvisor reviews.
