Spot On 

If you’re looking for quick eats on Shelburne Road, but don’t want to nosh on noodles of the Asian or Italian variety, there’s not much to choose from. But hungry commuters will soon have a new option. In mid-June, the old gas station on the corner of Shelburne Road and Alfred Street — near Dunkin’ Donuts — will reopen as The Spot, a “surf-style” restaurant with a relaxed island vibe.

By day, owner Russ Scully builds websites for Propeller Media, but when he’s not swimming in code, you may find him dreaming about saltwater. Sports such as windsurfing are a “passion of mine,” he says.

Although Lake Champlain is no ocean, Scully guesses that many Burlington residents have a connection to the big blue. “A lot of people here used to live near the ocean. You never really lose that ocean touch; it’s in your blood,” the former SoCal resident surmises.

But, while he’s handy with surfboards, Scully decided to leave the cutting board to others. He’ll run the business side of things and let sisters Chantal and Lia Beliveau, who also own Outer Space Café on Flynn Avenue, whip up the food. “They’ll do everything in the kitchen and front of the house,” Scully says. “They’re very creative.”

The plan is to offer “a very nutritious menu,” he divulges. “We’re not going to be doing burgers and fries.” Or booze. Instead, Scully mentions sandwiches, salads, fruit plates and, of course, fish tacos.

According to Chantal Beliveau, The Spot will be, well, the spot for egg dishes, baked goods and soup, and vegetarian options will abound. The menu will draw heavily on local products, save for some tropical fruits and seafood.

In the future, Scully is considering adding a drive-through with a limited menu, but he isn’t sure the city will approve the ambitious plan. Dinner is definitely in the works, as is a kiosk that allows busy patrons to place their own orders.