Sunshine’s Beach Bar owner attends 2024 US Open Tennis Championship, sparks buzz on social media

The owner of the renowned Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Restaurant on Pinney’s Beach, Nevis, Llewellyn “Sunshine” Caines attended the 2024 US Open Tennis Championships in New York. His attendance at the tournament signifies a great opportunity to promote the diverse offerings of the island nation and attract a large number of tourists to the country.

The US Open Tennis Championships, also known as the US Open, is a hardcourt tennis tournament organized annually by the United States Tennis Association in Queens, New York City.

The Sunshine’s Beach Bar on Pinney’s Beach is considered one of the liveliest beach restaurants on Nevis. It is famous for its tasty rum punch, the Killer Bee, and the best food on the island.

After his pictures from the Championship went viral on social media, people went crazy and shared their excitement about seeing him in New York. One person commented “Alright Now Mr. Killer Bee! The US Open is located in Corona, Queens, NY. You can walk to my house from the US Open.”

Another person commented “Nice break from his business operation. I recalled seeing this gentleman decades ago in SK as a youngster. He moved to Nevis and opened a business which appears to be well established. I marvel at his success to-date. This is what entrepreneurship is all about. Nothing is impossible. PASSION AND AMBITION WILL GET THE WORK DONE!”

“Congrats my brother represent to the fullest let them know that small islands have BIG talent,” wrote another user named David Stevens.

The Sunshine Beach Bar is considered as the top of the island’s “must-visit” list which has played a huge role in attracting several celebrities for whom Nevis is the Caribbean getaway of choice.

The celebrities who have made their visit to the Pinney’s Beach Bar, includes, Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta, Sarah Jessica Parker, Edie Falco, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, Lady Sarah Ferguson, Julian Lennon, Wayne Gretzky, Kelly Ripa, Michael Strahan, Regis Philbin, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Michael Douglas and the list goes on.

Though the journey for its owner, Llewellyn “Sunshine” Caines, was never easy, he had a friend with a boat who used to carry him and his food, drinks, and barbecue across The Narrows to Nevis every morning and drop him off on Pinney’s Beach next to the ritzy Four Seasons Resort and scores of well-heeled patrons.

While shedding light on his journey, Sunshine stated that this all used to be his daily routine since the construction of Four Seasons. He noted that he used to completely rely on his friend with the boat to bring customers in front of where the resort now stands, with palm trees for shade and upturned beer crates for seats.

He noted that when the work started on the Four Seasons in the late 80s, he used to cater to the needs and demands of its hungry construction workers. He stated that he waited for five long years to get his Four Seasons guests ‘brave’ enough to venture off his property and check out his place.

He added that the wait was worth while for him, as Sunshine had begun to slowly expand, adding a few picnic tables for his guests and then a thatched palm-leaf roof for better shade. He added that soon the place, became a popular hangout for locals and tourists.

Today, Sunshine’s Beach Bar on Pinney’s Beach still carries its local vibe and serve simple succulent food, offering memorable experience to all its visitors. And, the visit of the owner in New York and in such a crucial championship can play a huge role in fostering the delicacies of the island nation and position Nevis on a global map.