Busy season starts strong on LBK
JEANETTE BILLINGS
Staff Writer
jbillings@lbknews.com
While many residents, the Chamber of Commerce and even some Commission candidates speak of the demise of business on Longboat Key, the word on the street offers strong signs of hope and a different story. In fact, more than a dozen island businesses told Longboat Key News that early indicators indicate a strong busy season in 2010.
We visited 10 of those businesses to learn how this year stacks up to previous years, and what their strategy for success on the Key is for 2010.
A newcomer to business on the key, Petar Sibinkic, owner and trainer at Your Fitness Instructor at 20 Avenue of the Flowers, said that Longboat Key had a need for a personal training studio and he had the desire, drive and direction to meet that need.
Sibinkic, a 1996 and 2000 Olympic athlete, said that before he even opens his doors, he has more clients enrolled than he ever expected.
Slated to open in early February, Sibinkic is looking forward to helping Longboater’s enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of professional training with state-of-the-art equipment.
Two years ago, Joanne Nicolson, owner of Panache Salon and Spa, also at Avenue of the Flowers, bought the business while working at a spa in England. What was her impetus for a leap across the pond? The beauty of Longboat. Joanne attributes Panache’s survival and success to a talented staff, smart advertising and focus on the client.
“Especially in spa services, it is absolutely necessary to know your client, and expand on the services to which they may be most accustomed,” said Joanne.
The veteran staff at Nosh-A-Rye, a long-time Key eatery, attribute the restaurant’s success to owner and operator Barbara Bowman. Another Avenue of the Flowers business, Bowman’s restaurant changes her business-operating model with the seasons. In the winter she expands staff, extends business hours and offers fare that goes right to the heart of Longboaters.
“She talks to everyone that comes in this restaurant; that’s what built her business,” said Sharon Jagger, a longtime friend and server at the restaurant.
Jose Ayala, manager and 12-year veteran, said, “We know what they want. They come in sit down and say, ‘I don’t need to order, you know what I want.”
For Barb and staff it is attention to clients, remembering their likes and dislikes, remembering names and serving good, wholesome food.
Across the breezeway, Re Frederico Restaurant owners Alessandro Danieli and Massimo Murri purchased the restaurant in June 2009 when you could literally throw a bowling ball down the corridor of the shopping center and not hit a person or potential client. The duo knew that the Key was a very seasonal place. They used the summer to entrench themselves in the business community, partner with local business to cater and host events all in anticipation of the return of the snowbirds.
Re Frederico has focused on good, home-cooked, locally grown and seasonal produce and fish to prepare simple food at an affordable price. Not your typical Italian restaurant, they focus on homemade ingredients. A peek into their kitchen does not show a glimpse of canned goods lining selves; rather, you see fresh veggies and fruits as well as homemade pastas. They have recently partnered with new neighbor, Petar Sibinkic, to develop a menu of light, heart-healthy fare that people can enjoy after a good workout.
Alessandro spoke of the outpouring of support from Longboat residents.
“We need this restaurant. We want you to make it,” said Alessandro when asked what he hears most from clients.
A mile and a half north of Town Hall on the east side of Gulf of Mexico Drive you will find Swim City. The Assistant Manager, whom introduces herself with her southern charm as Marilyn, summed up the season.
“Business is really picking up this season. I have opened and stocked box after box of new swimwear and accessories and everyday more and more Longboaters and visitors are coming into the store to shop. It’s wonderful to help the clients, they are a real joy to work with,” said Marilyn.
Mid-Key, Pattigeorge’s General Manager Sandy Wooten says it’s been a steady build of customers as the busy season approaches. She said the numbers are looking strong and their busiest season is just ahead. To position themselves, the restaurant is trying something new and unquestionably indulgent this year. The month of February will feature an onslaught of chocolate; everything from chocolate desserts and pastries to entrees such as mole.
“Obviously this works wonderfully with Valentines,” said Wooten.
Wooten also spoke of a recent study of 800 Harvard grads that showed chocoholics outlived those who refuse to indulge.
Wooten says their niche in the area dining market is emphasis on fine coastal cuisine from across the world, be it Thailand, Italy, Europe and more.
Gregory Koss, new co-owner of The David Gregory Salon, formerly Don Frank Salon, at the Centre Shops claims that he and his staff live for season.
“It is busy and fun, more fun than someone should have while working. Since season has kicked in, the shop is fully staffed and now open six days a week.
Gregory claims that morphing their business model to meet the needs of the changing season is an integral part of operating a business on the Key.
Andrew Hlywa, owner of the Whitney Beach Plaza deli and liquor store, has certainly weathered the stormy economically-challenging environment on the north end of the Key.
Hlywa recently turned over management of his deli and bar to longtime Longboat eatery owner Linda Loscalzo. Loscalzo’s claim to fame on the island is Isabelle’s, a former tenant of Hlywa’s.
“Linda knows what resident’s like to eat and she can deliver good food at a price point that makes sense,” said Hlywa.
Chef Donald McCoy is working with Loscalzo to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“Breakfast and lunch are really strong right now. Andrew was closing earlier than we are so we are working to get the word out to residents that we are now open until 10 p.m.. It’s the kind of restaurant where everyone knows your name, a place on the Key, for the Key,” said McCoy.
Her most popular lunch items are burgers and the half-sandwich and soup lunch.
Loscalzo plans to add entertainment to liven-up the evening hours.
The common thread among the businesses interviewed was complete attention to detail, offering goods and services that are appropriate and in demand to Longboaters and adjusting business models on a season-to-season basis.
If these newcomers and long timers are any economic indicator for 2010, perhaps they can best be compared to a ray of sunshine peaking between clouds parting after a heavy, rainy season. They are a welcomed beacon of hope amid sour and dire news bites.
