Rooted in Island Spirit and Healthy Living
Barefoot Buddha isn’t just a café. It’s a community cornerstone, a soulful sanctuary, and for many, their “Favorite Happy Place” on St. Thomas. Tucked in Havensight — near shopping and cruise ship docks — this island gem has been serving good vibes and delicious healthy food for 20 years.
Since 2021, Cory Baker, Amy Gurlea, Patty Chagas and Jack Gibbons have thoughtfully carried its legacy forward — blending tradition with their own fresh artisan twists.
Barefoot Buddha’s Chiefs & Chefs
Chef Cory Baker >>>
The culinary alchemist and chef behind the Barefoot Buddha and its fresh, healthy eating legacy, Chef Cory crafts food with intention, joy and flavor. From nourishing vegan options to scratch-made comfort food, she and her kitchen crew turn healthy into heavenly — one delicious bite at a time. Now at the helm of Buddha on the Fly, the airport café in the back far left corner near Gate 8 in the Departures Terminal of STT is definitely taking flight.
AMY GURLEA >>>
With more than 35 years of service here in the Virgin Islands — as a nurse, Antilles School facilities director, and now entrepreneur — Amy brings heart, hustle and harmony to everything she touches. She’s the spirit of connection and collaboration, creating cafés that feels like community and healthy living, whether you’re grabbing coffee or lunch, catching up with friends or flying out of the St. Thomas airport.
Patty Chagas >>>
Patty Chagas, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, moved to the United States more than 30 years ago. A Bentley University alumna, she spent two decades in New York City and five years in Los Angeles before relocating to St. Thomas in 2016. Here she has helped Amy, Jack and Cory reopen the beloved Barefoot Buddha and became a partner at Buddha on the Fly. Patty manages all administrative operations, ensuring everything runs seamlessly.
Jack Gibbons >>>
A champion of fresh, healthy eating on St. Thomas, Jack is a driving force behind Barefoot Buddha’s evolution from cozy coffee shop to a growing eco-friendly artisan enterprise, now with two locations — in Havensight and at St. Thomas’ Cyril E. Kin Airport. After arriving with FEMA after the dual back-to-back hurricanes of 2017, Jack stayed to help rebuild the Virgin Islands and give back to the island community he loves.
Together with our amazing and friendly team at both locations, we serve up fresh, wholesome meals, organic coffee and teas, energizing smoothies and irresistible baked goods —
always made with love, and always with options for every lifestyle.
Barefoot Buddha’s Chiefs & Chefs
Chef Cory Baker
The culinary alchemist and chef behind the Barefoot Buddha and its fresh, healthy eating legacy, Chef Cory crafts food with intention, joy and flavor. From nourishing vegan options to scratch-made comfort food, she and her kitchen crew turn healthy into heavenly — one delicious bite at a time. Now at the helm of Buddha on the Fly, the airport café in the back far left corner near Gate 8 in the Departures Terminal of STT is definitely taking flight.
Amy Gurlea
With more than 35 years of service here in the Virgin Islands — as a nurse, Antilles School facilities director, and now entrepreneur — Amy brings heart, hustle and harmony to everything she touches. She’s the spirit of connection and collaboration, creating cafés that feels like community and healthy living, whether you’re grabbing coffee or lunch, catching up with friends or flying out of the St. Thomas airport.
Patty Chagas
Patty Chagas, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, moved to the United States more than 30 years ago. A Bentley University alumna, she spent two decades in New York City and five years in Los Angeles before relocating to St. Thomas in 2016. Here she has helped Amy, Jack and Cory reopen the beloved Barefoot Buddha and became a partner at Buddha on the Fly. Patty manages all administrative operations, ensuring everything runs seamlessly.
Jack Gibbons
A champion of fresh, healthy eating on St. Thomas, Jack is a driving force behind Barefoot Buddha’s evolution from cozy coffee shop to a growing eco-friendly artisan enterprise, now with two locations — in Havensight and at St. Thomas’ Cyril E. Kin Airport. After arriving with FEMA after the dual back-to-back hurricanes of 2017, Jack stayed to help rebuild the Virgin Islands and give back to the island community he loves.
Together with our amazing and friendly team at both locations, we serve up fresh, wholesome meals, organic coffee and teas, energizing smoothies and irresistible baked goods —
always made with love, and always with options for every lifestyle.