Two bright tropical smoothies on the Drifters bar with the St. John hillside behind them

Our Story

From Colombo's to Drifters: a St. John hilltop's next chapter.

Four drifters, different roads, one 760-ft view above Cruz Bay.

Guests enjoying burgers and smoothies at a colorful Drifters picnic table at sunset on St. John

Colombo's, reborn

A St. John landmark, kept alive at 760 feet.

For decades, the hilltop above Cruz Bay was known simply as Colombo's — the panoramic pull-off between where you were and where you were going on St. John. Drifters is its next chapter: a restaurant, bar, and gathering space at 760 feet elevation, run by four people who came from different corners of the map and drifted onto the same view.

This is the story of how a legacy St. John, USVI restaurant site became something new without losing what made it worth keeping.

The name "Drifters" represents a welcoming, panoramic stop at 760 feet elevation for island residents, commuters, beachgoers, and visitors looking to relax, recharge, and take in the view. Beyond geography, the name perfectly represents the literal journey that brought our leadership team together. Each came from different places and entirely different backgrounds, eventually "drifting" together to pool their talents, build this space, and share their vision with the St. John community.

We believe in trust, travel, exploration, and letting the universe guide you to exactly where you are meant to be.

Colombo's Legacy

Stepping into the historic footprints of Colombo's, we are dedicated to keeping the positive energy of this location alive while building a space that tourists and locals alike will deeply appreciate.

Leadership

Meet the team behind the hill.

Matthew "Skinny" Howell

Horizon Chaser & Founder

Business strategy, resource management, community relations, infrastructure oversight, and long-term vision.

Matthew brings a remarkably diverse, hands-on background shaped by grit and operational complexity. Over the years, he has worn many hats: commercial crab fishing in Alaska, serving as a translator for the military, working as a facilities engineer at a resort in Colorado, and successfully building an independent cannabis cultivation business from the ground up in Oregon.

Building a business from the roots up in highly regulated industries taught Matthew how to be exceptionally resourceful — a problem-solving mindset he brings to the unique infrastructure challenges of island living to ensure Drifters is built to last.

"He views Drifters as a collaborative ecosystem and places his utmost confidence in the incredible team — Will and Dario — and the distinct attributes they bring to the table."

In honor of Swayze: as a dedicated dog owner, Matthew is committed to ensuring Drifters is a welcoming haven where people can relax with their dogs.

William Forsythe

Master of Wizardry, Spirited and Pop-Up Surprises

Beverage program, drink menus, pop-up dinners, special events, private event planning, bar setup, and food-truck grab-and-go beverages.

William brings nearly three decades of restaurant and hospitality experience spanning Colorado, Massachusetts, St. John, and the wider U.S. Virgin Islands. He has operated in virtually every tier of the food and beverage industry, bringing immense wizardry, creativity, and deep operational knowledge to the brand.

After college in Massachusetts, William moved to Vail, Colorado, starting as a busser in a fine-dining Italian restaurant and quickly advancing through food running, expediting, serving, banquets, bar backing, and bartending — mastering every facet of hospitality over the years.

"Custom-crafted cocktails for daily enjoyment and themed event experiences — that's the wizardry."

The St. John Connection

Making the leap.

Matthew and William's friendship began in Vail in 2006 and deepened over years of trading ideas. When William relocated to St. John in 2016, Matthew became a frequent visitor and fell in love with the island. The concept was primarily inspired by Matthew, with Will shaping the creative vision and the day-to-day operations.

That foundation of collective industry experience, deep personal bonds, and local community connection was the ultimate catalyst to acquire the property and build a venture that tourists and locals alike will deeply appreciate.

Aerial view of Drifters on the St. John hilltop at sunset — lush green ridges, the venue, and Caribbean islands on the horizon

The deck at dusk

Where the next chapter unfolds — gatherings, music, and quiet moments under the island sky.

Loved your visit?

Leave us a Google review

A few kind words help fellow travelers find us on the hill — it means the world to our team.

Leave a review on Google