The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE old Stoned Crab Restaurant property on Taino Beach has been purchased and will be restored to its former glory through a capital investment of $2.4m.

A formal announcement was made on Tuesday at the law firm of Branford Christie, the attorney for the new owner Oliver Paige, who after three years was finally able to convince the former owner to sell it.

The Stoned Crab was built and opened in 1971 and has changed ownership several times. The restaurant closed its doors six years ago and became dilapidated over the years.

Ms Paige purchased it in December 2014. The name will remain the same and there are no plans to change the look of the original structure, which served a landmark for boaters cruising along the island’s southern shore.

Freeport Construction Ltd will carry out the renovations, employing 20 persons during the project. The restaurant is expected to open in the first quarter of 2016.

Mr Christie indicated that some 25 Bahamians will be employed full-time during the first year of operation of the restaurant.

“The former SCR was well known locally and internationally, and Olivia will endeavour to restore to its former glory. The original facade of the building, the distinct shape of the roof, will be restored as it was a landmark for boaters,” he said.

He said all government and regulatory approvals have been granted, and extended special thanks to Prime Minister Perry Christie, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville, and the Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited for their assistance.

Ms Paige, Mr Christie’s stepdaughter, said she intends to hire an all-Bahamian staff and use fresh Bahamian seafood and products as much as possible.

Bringing the restaurant back to its original state is a longtime dream of Ms Paige, who fondly remembers going there with her parents during her childhood.

“When I was here, I was always taken to SCR which was always a great event,” she recalled.

Three years ago Mrs Paige approached former owner Mario Donato about buying the old, run down property.

“I asked him if he was willing to sell and he said ‘no’. It was a three-year battle to get it from him, but finally we managed and I would love to bring it back in shape,” she said.

“We will have nice lounge chairs at the beach so people can hang out there on the weekends, we will have fresh seafood from Bahamian waters, except the shrimp and steak which will be imported,” she said.

Bruce Silvera of Freeport Construction, whose father was the original builder of the Stone Crab Restaurant, was pleased that they have been contracted to renovate the structure.

“We want to thank Olivia for her decision…the island needs new business and we thank her for giving us the opportunity to work on this project,” he said.