CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE RE-LAUNCHING DINING SERVICE IN ST. CROIX UNDER LEADERSHIP OF AWARD-WINNING NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

Chef Matt Thole to bring southern cooking spin and “Lowcountry Fare” to new kitchen

ST. CROIX, USVI – MAR. 20, 2024 – Cheeseburger in Paradise today announced the re-opening of its St. Croix kitchen with a new Executive Chef at the helm. Matt Thole, a chef with more than 25 years of culinary experience, is joining the Cheeseburger in Paradise team to lead the launch of its new menu and dining service this spring. Thole, a veteran of multiple AAA four-diamond rated restaurants, is revamping the menu to feature a fusion of Cruzan/Caribbean and Southern/Lowcountry cuisines. The new menu will offer gluten-free and vegetarian options as well as favorites from the original menu such as burgers, barbecue pork ribs, and jumbo fried shrimp. The updated menu and experienced new culinary team will offer customers a fresh option for delicious food on St. Croix.

“I’m thrilled to join Cheeseburger in Paradise and have the incredible opportunity to bring ‘lowcountry flair’ to the island with a new spin on the already successful menu,” said Matt Thole, Executive Chef, Cheeseburger in Paradise. “Both the family that owns the establishment and myself are from Charleston, South Carolina but we also have a deep love for St. Croix, so I’m excited to bring some of our tastes from home to the island.”

Thole attended culinary school at Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina before embarking on a multi-decade career cooking in restaurants across the world from New Orleans to Melbourne, Australia. Notably, Thole worked in the kitchens of multiple AAA four-diamond restaurants including Circa 1886 in Charleston, SC, Restaurant August in New Orleans, LA, and the Dining Room at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

“To be able to re-open the Cheeseburger in Paradise kitchen that so many customers have loved over the years under the leadership of our tremendous new Executive Chef is a dream come true,” said Theron Sandy II, Owner. “We’re confident that our patrons will absolutely love Matt’s new dishes featuring his signature Lowcountry spin as well as our classic offerings that so many customers remember quite fondly.”

In his newest role at Cheeseburger in Paradise, Thole will be using fresh ingredients and making all sauces and dressings fresh and from scratch. Thole comes to Cheeseburger in Paradise from Grapetree Bay Hotel, also in St. Croix, where he served as Executive Chef for multiple years. Thole wants to imbue a community atmosphere into the new dining experience at Cheeseburger in Paradise with plans to host pig roasts and to offer spatchcock chicken, to be cooked on an open pit over hardwood charcoal. Knowing the importance of great-tasting food along with the convenience of speedy service, Thole will prioritize quality, taste, and timeliness when it comes to the preparation and delivery of all dishes.

Cheeseburger in Paradise will also be offering a special late-night menu for dining after 10 p.m. featuring multiple menu items at a 50 percent discount. The restaurant and bar will also offer several food and drink specials for food and beverage workers.