Shupe’s Celebrates 10th Year on the Boardwalk

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - When you head down to the Boardwalk on St. Croix, there’s really only one name that comes to mind when you’re looking to have a good time, catch a brew, chill out on the harbor view, and have the juiciest burger and fries on the Big Island, that name is Shupe’s! 

For ten years, Derek Shupe and his wife Jenn have built STX’s Go-to gathering spot, for locals and tourists alike. Shupe’s on the Boardwalk was created in the same cozy space as the iconic old Stixx joint.  

After all these years of great success, this guy Shupe is still quite a hands-on type of owner-operator. His father, a farmer, taught him well: Grit, humility and hard work were non-negotiable. On any given day you might find him scrubbing the floors, taking out the trash, dripping in sweat as he runs boxes of goods between Shupe’s and his other Boardwalk ventures, Brew STX and Estera, his newly opened eatery in the Pan Am Pavillion. He’s a guy who thinks the best way to lead the pack is to lead by example. Put your head down, work hard and smart, use your God-given brains and talents, and treat people the way you’d want them to treat you - with kindness and understanding.

By day, Shupe’s is known for its easygoing, waterfront vibe - serving fresh-made burgers from top-notch meat, a variety of sandwiches, veggie options, and hand-cut fries in his signature “to-go style” in brown paper bags. By night, the upstairs shifts into a high-energy nightclub featuring local DJ’s, visiting artists, and performers from around the world. It’s become one of the island’s most reliable spots for great music and jumpin’ nights that spell out the Caribbean experience. 

What causes Shupe’s on the Boardwalk to shine bright in the eyes of many Crucians is its welcoming heart. As soon as you sit down, you can feel the vibes of a staff that is truly friendly, bent on making your dining experience top-rated, and a group of island people that exude that island-cool panache.    

The business has grown into a true community staple basically due to its family atmosphere. Every decision by Derek and Jenn is made as a family. Six employees have been with the Shupes since day one, and many others have been part of the team for 6 to 8 years, with all managers promoted from within the company - a true testament to a successful operation especially in a day and age where looking over your shoulder for the next opportunity seems to be the rule of employment.

Shupe’s regularly hosts private events, wedding receptions, community gatherings, and celebrations of every kind. 

After ten great years, Derek and Jenn Shupe are proud to be a part of Christiansted’s waterfront legacy - a place where locals gather, tourists create lifelong memories, and families feel at home. Their dream has stayed the same: Good Food, Good Music, Good People, and a space where everyone feels they belong.

Kudos Shupe’s! Congrats on Ten Great Years! We can’t wait to see how the next ten roll out!