Jennifer Robinson Is New Owner of Connections East

 

 

Jennifer Robinson outside of Connections East in Coral Bay.

CORAL BAY — More than two decades after opening Connections East at the Skinny Legs Bar & Grill complex in Coral Bay, owner Cid Hamling recently sold the venture to long-time St. John resident Jennifer Robinson.

Robinson officially took over the Connections East reins on June 26 and, after working at Lime Inn for 25 years, is hanging up her apron this August.
A director and volunteer for St. John Kids and the Sea and an accomplished painter, Robinson feels blessed to be able to take over the Coral Bay community hub that is Connections East, she explained.

“I feel blessed to do this and blessed that Cid gave me this opportunity,” Robinson said. “Without Cid this wouldn’t have happened. Without her having faith in me that I would carry on the spirit and the community of Connections East, I wouldn’t have this opportunity.”

Both Robinson and Hamling call the new Connections East owner “the perfect fit.” Perfect timing played a part in this situation as well, Robinson added.

“We were at a baby shower and some of us old timers were standing around chatting and I said how my knees had been bothering me,” said Robinson. “I said it was time for me to stop waitressing, but I didn’t know what I would do after the Lime Inn. Cid had been thinking about downsizing but she really wanted it to be the right fit.”

Hamling, who opened Connections East 24 years ago, wanted to have the right person take over the business, she explained.

“Last year it became clear to me that I was an ‘absentee landlord’ at Connections East and the customers and the Coral Bay community deserved better,” said Hamling. “It isn’t often in life — or in business — that you get the opportunity to make the perfect fit actually happen. I hand-picked Jennifer Robinson because she is Coral Bay.”

Robinson was a little hesitant at first to make the switch from night time waitress to day time Connections East own, she explained.

“At first I wasn’t entirely sure because it would be such a big change going from working nights,” said Robinson. “So I decided to start by working one day a week and see how it felt. As things went on, I took more shifts and it just made sense.”

“I have to work for a number of more years but the restaurant business just was not working for me anymore,” she said. “After playing with some numbers and doing my homework, I decided ‘yes, this is what I want do.’”

Since taking over the helm of Connections East, Robinson has added some of her own touches while maintaining the long-standing traditions of the business including mail service, newspapers, computer services and internet use.

New are Robinson’s original artwork pieces which now grace the walls, and customers have been encouraged to share their ideas for new services they would like to see offered at Connections East.

“I will entertain any idea as long as it has nothing to do with food or drinks,” said the new Connections East owner. “I don’t want to have to get my V.I. Health Card ever again.”

While change will be gradual over time, Robinson is considering offering a shredding service and a packing option in addition to shipping. One thing which won’t be changing, however, is the relationship between Connections East and Connections in Cruz Bay.

“Connections East and Connections are still sister businesses,” said Robinson. “Even through they are separate entities, they will maintain a connection.”

Hamling also stressed the connection between the Cruz Bay and Coral Bay companies.

“Jennifer, Mary Pat and I are committed to continuing the sister-ship between the two offices, working together to keep everyone connected on this amazing rock we get to call our home,” said Hamling.

Decades-long Connections East customers have been whole-heartedly supporting Robinson’s new position, she added.

“The reaction from customers and the community has been so supportive,” she said.

Robinson is a true “Connectorita,” Hamling explained.

“Long ago, Bob ‘Papa’ Davis coined the term ‘Connectorita’ to describe the many amazing, gifted, wonderful women who have worked at both Connections over the past 33 years,” said Hamling. “Jennifer is a natural Connectorita.”

A surprise champagne reception celebrating Robinson’s venture had the new Connections East owner in tears.

“It was great seeing so many people come out and support me,” Robinson said. “I just feel so blessed.”

Connections East is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information or to get a mailbox at Connections East, call the business at (340) 779-4994.