By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

Jay Yarbrough brought Bahama Buck’s to Pelham High School this winter.

Yarborough’s business was under construction in Pelham. At a Chamber meeting, he mentioned to Butch Byrd that he wanted to connect with the schools. Those are words that our Literary Magazine Staff loves to hear with Write Night quickly approaching. Byrd sent contact info our way.

When senior literary magazine staffer Tania Garcia contacted Yarborough about Write Night, he responded to both of us. Not only was this new Pelham business owner excited about Write Night, Yarborough wanted to share information with the students about his new business, Bahama Buck’s.

On April 27, the day before the official grand opening, Bahama Buck’s had their ribbon cutting and a VIP Grand Opening offering educators, clergy, business owners, city government and employee families a chance to celebrate.

Many employee families are families of PHS students.

“The line was out the door almost the entire night,” said Sarah Sansom. “We were incredibly busy, but we had a great time.”

Students love their new jobs at Bahama Buck’s. Many trained over spring break at the first store to open in Cahaba Heights. Even before the Pelham store opened, these students had so much fun at work that they didn’t mind the drive.

“For many of these kids, their job at Bahama Buck’s is the first one that they’ve ever had,” said Yarborough. “We want this environment to be inviting for employees and customers alike.”

“We have so much fun at work,” PHS senior Katie Grace Terry reports. “You have to come. Bahama Buck’s has shaved ice desserts with ice cream in them. They are amazing—and I know my ice cream.”

“We have snacks in the back—and I am always hungry so those snacks really help me,” said senior Trey Smith. “Bahama Buck’s is a fun place for everyone.”

“We want to bless this community,” said Jay Yarborough following the ribbon cutting. “Our corporate office exciting school programs that we hope to initiate.”

Bahama Buck’s is a welcome additional to the Pelham community.