We got lots of entries in localshops1's blogger contest, and we narrowed down the field to six Local Shopper candidates.
We need your help choosing the best!
Check out their entries, on www.localshops1.com, and vote for your favorite.
You may vote once every 12 hours, and need to be logged in to do so.
Contest ends Oct. 15.
We love them all ... Who's your favorite?
* LENA HUNT
* LEAH DALLAIRE
* RHONDA POTTS
* LAURA BLAKE
* ROY DA COOK
* EMPORIUM EMPRESS
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
September contest
Last month we asked you to tell us about your favorite vacation souvenir. And many of you did! We could pick only one winner, but loved quite a few of the entries, so we're posting some of our favorites here.
Can you tell which one we picked?
You can find out, of course, on localshops1.com
While there, check out October's contest!
Now, for our favorite entries from some of our favorite local shopper members ....
Kristel Bilgen
My favorite vacation souvenir is an umbrella. This isn’t just any umbrella though, it’s from London, England and it has a map of the tube (their subway) system on it. Not only is it cool and unique, but it’s also practical. Since London is a rainy city what better thing to spend your money on than an umbrella and you will never get lost in this rainy city with a map of the tube! I’ve used the umbrella numerous times and each time I’ve been asked what city it is. It’s a great conversational piece!
Geoff Buchanan
Not another stinking tee shirt!
Having grown up in the Smokey Mountains, it's hard for me to be impressed with sights. Then my wife and I went on our honeymoon to Kauai. I was shocked with each day's adventures in paradise. As I was laying on the beach I looked to my left and saw a two thousand foot waterfall, straight ahead a glass top bay. To my right, four-foot breakers crashed on the reef that protected the bay and protected me from
Great Whites! I realized that I was TRULY in paradise. When I see my Hanalei Bay tee shirt, it does what souvenirs are supposed to do--take me back in time.
Lena Hunt
Being a photojournalist, I get to do some serious traveling. This has allowed me to acquire lots of souvenirs. It should be difficult to pick a favorite but it isn't. I went to the famous Crater of Diamonds, the world's ONLY public diamond mine where you can keep what you find. I didn't find a bling but what I found was my most treasured gem: Shirley Strawn-Wagner who fought to keep the mine public. If only I could fit the world's only-flawless-rated-diamond finder into a jewlery bag. Her continued friendship is my most favorite souvenir.
Elizabeth Brackman
The chartreuse bag summoned me upon entering the tiny gift shop at Westwind Inn, Sanibel Island. Two rope style straps create a perfect circle across the top of the bag, cowrie shells zigzag across one side, and glaring green canvas is decorated with brown Tiki gods who refuse denial. Yet I ignored their call all weekend, despite six visits to the little shop to admire them. Repenting my foolishness of ignoring their demand for the paltry sum of $12, I relented the last vacation day, and now the Tiki gods tote for me each day.
Catherine Culbertson
Easily the best souvenir I've ever returned home with was one I didn't actually buy. Several years ago, I was in Key West for a friend's wedding. Despite the fact the festivities were to occur at the break of dawn the following day, the bridal party and I hit Duval Street while the bride slumbered peacefully. Little did she know we were
getting ourselves into trouble and working our way towards some powerful headaches.
Did I mention Key West has Frozen alcoholic slushies for $4 on almost every block?
They call the walk home the "Duval Crawl" for a reason. Severely inebriated and less a few members of the gang, we headed home--slowly. Along the way we came across Duval Street's famous roving Elvis. Why was there a 6'2 Elvis in Key West? Many have asked, and few know the answer.
Regardless, he knelt down on his knee directly in front of me, broke into a serenade, and finally produced a small plastic ring. I was perplexed.
Everyone loves Elvis. Everyone loves tall men. Everyone loves plastic rings--but what in the hell was Key West Elvis doing?
My brain, befuddled by alcohol, had no idea until the legendary songbird uttered simply, "Will you marry me?"
"Yes," I replied as he picked me up and swung me around. Once he returned my feet to the ground, he placed the ring on my finger and abruptly walked away. I haven't seen him since, but have received reports that there is still a man in Key West dedicated to love -- the love of many, many drunken tourists.
So far, it's been the best relationship I've ever had, and that ring is easily the most amazing souvenir I have ever gotten.
Can you tell which one we picked?
You can find out, of course, on localshops1.com
While there, check out October's contest!
Now, for our favorite entries from some of our favorite local shopper members ....
Kristel Bilgen
My favorite vacation souvenir is an umbrella. This isn’t just any umbrella though, it’s from London, England and it has a map of the tube (their subway) system on it. Not only is it cool and unique, but it’s also practical. Since London is a rainy city what better thing to spend your money on than an umbrella and you will never get lost in this rainy city with a map of the tube! I’ve used the umbrella numerous times and each time I’ve been asked what city it is. It’s a great conversational piece!
Geoff Buchanan
Not another stinking tee shirt!
Having grown up in the Smokey Mountains, it's hard for me to be impressed with sights. Then my wife and I went on our honeymoon to Kauai. I was shocked with each day's adventures in paradise. As I was laying on the beach I looked to my left and saw a two thousand foot waterfall, straight ahead a glass top bay. To my right, four-foot breakers crashed on the reef that protected the bay and protected me from
Great Whites! I realized that I was TRULY in paradise. When I see my Hanalei Bay tee shirt, it does what souvenirs are supposed to do--take me back in time.
Lena Hunt
Being a photojournalist, I get to do some serious traveling. This has allowed me to acquire lots of souvenirs. It should be difficult to pick a favorite but it isn't. I went to the famous Crater of Diamonds, the world's ONLY public diamond mine where you can keep what you find. I didn't find a bling but what I found was my most treasured gem: Shirley Strawn-Wagner who fought to keep the mine public. If only I could fit the world's only-flawless-rated-diamond finder into a jewlery bag. Her continued friendship is my most favorite souvenir.
Elizabeth Brackman
The chartreuse bag summoned me upon entering the tiny gift shop at Westwind Inn, Sanibel Island. Two rope style straps create a perfect circle across the top of the bag, cowrie shells zigzag across one side, and glaring green canvas is decorated with brown Tiki gods who refuse denial. Yet I ignored their call all weekend, despite six visits to the little shop to admire them. Repenting my foolishness of ignoring their demand for the paltry sum of $12, I relented the last vacation day, and now the Tiki gods tote for me each day.
Catherine Culbertson
Easily the best souvenir I've ever returned home with was one I didn't actually buy. Several years ago, I was in Key West for a friend's wedding. Despite the fact the festivities were to occur at the break of dawn the following day, the bridal party and I hit Duval Street while the bride slumbered peacefully. Little did she know we were
getting ourselves into trouble and working our way towards some powerful headaches.
Did I mention Key West has Frozen alcoholic slushies for $4 on almost every block?
They call the walk home the "Duval Crawl" for a reason. Severely inebriated and less a few members of the gang, we headed home--slowly. Along the way we came across Duval Street's famous roving Elvis. Why was there a 6'2 Elvis in Key West? Many have asked, and few know the answer.
Regardless, he knelt down on his knee directly in front of me, broke into a serenade, and finally produced a small plastic ring. I was perplexed.
Everyone loves Elvis. Everyone loves tall men. Everyone loves plastic rings--but what in the hell was Key West Elvis doing?
My brain, befuddled by alcohol, had no idea until the legendary songbird uttered simply, "Will you marry me?"
"Yes," I replied as he picked me up and swung me around. Once he returned my feet to the ground, he placed the ring on my finger and abruptly walked away. I haven't seen him since, but have received reports that there is still a man in Key West dedicated to love -- the love of many, many drunken tourists.
So far, it's been the best relationship I've ever had, and that ring is easily the most amazing souvenir I have ever gotten.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Go Bucs!
I know this is a little off the subject of shopping and such, but I felt I needed to say something about the Buccaneer's kicker Matt Bryant. A few days ago Bryant had lost his 3 month old child. It happened in their home overnight, but there are no details as to what happened, yet. The Bryant family is very much into the community, constantly helping those that are less fortunate than them. Today, Bryant played in Raymond James Stadium, just days after this horrific tragedy. I found it to be amazing and very brave. I believe it shows what type of person he is. This is the type of attitude we all need to have. To be able to look beyond our own situation and be able to still be there for the people that need us. Thank you Matt Bryant!
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Faith (in businesses) restored.
We've always loved Cafe Bohemia. The coffee shop on Central Avenue, just a few blocks west of downtown, is artsy and casual, with comfortable couches and little bistro tables. It hosts films and art exhibits and poetry readings, and it has great coffee and fun sandwiches and salads. And free wi-fi, too. And it has a sign, reminding customers that it's not Starbucks. No ventis or grandes or talls here.
So, yeah, we're there a lot. And we didn't really need another reason to love them more.
But today, we found one.
Dropped by to meet a friend there, for an afternoon cafe con leche. A sign on the door said the coffee shop was closing early so the staff could attend a fundraiser benefit for another local coffee shop, Local Coffee + Tea. The sign also asked their customers to go to the other fundraiser, too.
You might have read our blog a couple of days ago: Owner of Local Coffee + Tea was calling it quits, but the three 20-somethings who work at the shop weren't ready to give up. They planned to take over, save it, revive it. And the fundraiser tonight was the first step toward that.
Now, purely in economic terms, one coffee shop closing might be good news for the remaining coffee shops. Cuts down on competition, frees up customers.
So why did Cafe Bohemia close early, cutting into its daily profits, to help another coffee shop just a few blocks away? Why did it send its customers to a competing shop?
"They're our friends," we were told.
A few blocks north, we drove by a Starbucks. There, it was business as usual.
So, yeah, we're there a lot. And we didn't really need another reason to love them more.
But today, we found one.
Dropped by to meet a friend there, for an afternoon cafe con leche. A sign on the door said the coffee shop was closing early so the staff could attend a fundraiser benefit for another local coffee shop, Local Coffee + Tea. The sign also asked their customers to go to the other fundraiser, too.
You might have read our blog a couple of days ago: Owner of Local Coffee + Tea was calling it quits, but the three 20-somethings who work at the shop weren't ready to give up. They planned to take over, save it, revive it. And the fundraiser tonight was the first step toward that.
Now, purely in economic terms, one coffee shop closing might be good news for the remaining coffee shops. Cuts down on competition, frees up customers.
So why did Cafe Bohemia close early, cutting into its daily profits, to help another coffee shop just a few blocks away? Why did it send its customers to a competing shop?
"They're our friends," we were told.
A few blocks north, we drove by a Starbucks. There, it was business as usual.
Save calories so you can eat out more.
We love eating out (at independent restaurants, of course! www.localshops1.com for cool choices), and we don't always choose the healthiest options. So when we're home we're always looking for ways to cut back on calories and stick to a healthy diet.
We got an e-mail recently from sparkpeople.com, with tons of tips. Here are some of our favorite suggestions from their list. For more suggestions, you can go to their site, here:
Beverages
* Drink 1 cup of diet soda instead of 1 cup of regular soda. Save 97 calories!
* Swap a 12-oz. glass of whole milk for skim milk. Save 96 calories!
* Drink two 12-oz. light beers this weekend instead of two regular beers. Save 100 calories!
* Prepare your coffee with 4 oz. of fat-free half and half instead of regular half and half. Save 88 calories!
Breakfast
* Spread your whole grain waffles with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup instead of 1 tablespoon of margarine or butter. Save 110 calories!
* Substitute 3 oz. of turkey sausage for a serving of pork sausage. Save 120 calories!
* Grab a small bagel instead of a medium bagel. Save 99 calories!
Snacks and Sides
* Dip 1 cup celery into your favorite salsa or hummus instead of 1 oz. of tortilla chips. Save 125 calories!
* Eat an entire medium apple instead of a small (5 oz.) candy apple. Save 118 calories!
* Bake 2 oz of oven fries in lieu of 2 oz. of fast food fries. Save 88 calories!
* Try 1.5 oz. of fresh grapes instead of 1.5 oz. of raisins. Save 98 calories!
* Choose 3 oz. of mozzarella cheese for your sandwich instead of Swiss cheese. Save 108 calories!
Lunch and Dinner
* Substitute a fat-free beef hot dog for a regular beef hot dog. Save 104 calories!
* Build a sandwich with 1.5 oz. of deli turkey breast instead of an equivalent of hard salami. Save 119 calories!
* Forget broccoli cheddar soup. A 7-oz portion of vegetable soup is better. Save 119 calories!
* Unwrap your 13-inch tortilla wrap and make a sandwich on a 3-oz. whole grain bagel instead. Save 96 calories!
* Eat only half of your hamburger or sandwich bun. Save 100 calories!
Condiments and Sauces
* Dip your salad in a side of ranch dressing (2 tsp.) instead of pouring 2 Tbsp of dressing on the salad. Save 97 calories!
* Add flavor to vegetables with 3 oz. of hot sauce—not 1 oz of bleu cheese dressing. Save 117 calories!
* Try either cheese or croutons on your salad—not both Save 72-116 calories!
Sweets and Desserts
* Serve ice cream in a dish instead of a waffle cone. Save 121 calories!
* Finish dinner with 1 cup of low-fat frozen yogurt instead of regular ice cream. Save 121 calories!
* Instead of 4 oz. of regular chocolate pudding, enjoy a sugar-free portion. Save 92 calories!
We got an e-mail recently from sparkpeople.com, with tons of tips. Here are some of our favorite suggestions from their list. For more suggestions, you can go to their site, here:
Beverages
* Drink 1 cup of diet soda instead of 1 cup of regular soda. Save 97 calories!
* Swap a 12-oz. glass of whole milk for skim milk. Save 96 calories!
* Drink two 12-oz. light beers this weekend instead of two regular beers. Save 100 calories!
* Prepare your coffee with 4 oz. of fat-free half and half instead of regular half and half. Save 88 calories!
Breakfast
* Spread your whole grain waffles with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup instead of 1 tablespoon of margarine or butter. Save 110 calories!
* Substitute 3 oz. of turkey sausage for a serving of pork sausage. Save 120 calories!
* Grab a small bagel instead of a medium bagel. Save 99 calories!
Snacks and Sides
* Dip 1 cup celery into your favorite salsa or hummus instead of 1 oz. of tortilla chips. Save 125 calories!
* Eat an entire medium apple instead of a small (5 oz.) candy apple. Save 118 calories!
* Bake 2 oz of oven fries in lieu of 2 oz. of fast food fries. Save 88 calories!
* Try 1.5 oz. of fresh grapes instead of 1.5 oz. of raisins. Save 98 calories!
* Choose 3 oz. of mozzarella cheese for your sandwich instead of Swiss cheese. Save 108 calories!
Lunch and Dinner
* Substitute a fat-free beef hot dog for a regular beef hot dog. Save 104 calories!
* Build a sandwich with 1.5 oz. of deli turkey breast instead of an equivalent of hard salami. Save 119 calories!
* Forget broccoli cheddar soup. A 7-oz portion of vegetable soup is better. Save 119 calories!
* Unwrap your 13-inch tortilla wrap and make a sandwich on a 3-oz. whole grain bagel instead. Save 96 calories!
* Eat only half of your hamburger or sandwich bun. Save 100 calories!
Condiments and Sauces
* Dip your salad in a side of ranch dressing (2 tsp.) instead of pouring 2 Tbsp of dressing on the salad. Save 97 calories!
* Add flavor to vegetables with 3 oz. of hot sauce—not 1 oz of bleu cheese dressing. Save 117 calories!
* Try either cheese or croutons on your salad—not both Save 72-116 calories!
Sweets and Desserts
* Serve ice cream in a dish instead of a waffle cone. Save 121 calories!
* Finish dinner with 1 cup of low-fat frozen yogurt instead of regular ice cream. Save 121 calories!
* Instead of 4 oz. of regular chocolate pudding, enjoy a sugar-free portion. Save 92 calories!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Need a job? New shopping center looking for workers
Considering the economy I figured it would be a good idea to get this information out there.
I was watching BayNews9 this morning and saw that there is a new "high end" shopping mall opening up in Wesley Chapel.
They are having a job fair today in Wesley Chapel at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites at 8310 Galbraith Rd from 10am - 7pm.
They say to come dressed to impress, and bring your resume. The jobs they are hiring for range anywhere from managers to retail shop help. There was no information on which stores would be going into this center, but let's all hope they are independently owned! You can check out the information on BayNews9.com under local news in Pasco. Good luck to you all.
Your Local Shopper,
Jenn
localshops1
I was watching BayNews9 this morning and saw that there is a new "high end" shopping mall opening up in Wesley Chapel.
They are having a job fair today in Wesley Chapel at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites at 8310 Galbraith Rd from 10am - 7pm.
They say to come dressed to impress, and bring your resume. The jobs they are hiring for range anywhere from managers to retail shop help. There was no information on which stores would be going into this center, but let's all hope they are independently owned! You can check out the information on BayNews9.com under local news in Pasco. Good luck to you all.
Your Local Shopper,
Jenn
localshops1
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Shop in Brandon?
One of our favorite members, Mary Berg, recently alerted us about a really cool local shopping campaign taking place in Brandon.
The Osprey Observer is encouraging its readers to shop at local, small businesses. How? By giving gifts! Check it out:
SHOP LOCAL AND WIN WITH NEW CAMPAIGN"
We want to keep our local small businesses open and in business. We all recognize that we need to make a change in our habits, including transportation, driving and more, but how about making it a point to shop local to keep our local, small businesses open?
Osprey Observer staff, advertisers and local small businesses have been meeting and developing a Shop Local Campaign which will encourage residents to consider shopping at a local, small business first to show support in the community.
Each edition, residents can enter the contest by answering the trivia questions correctly. In addition, any reader who has a receipt from a local, small business can bring it into the Osprey Observer offices for a free gift, recognizing their contribution to the economy.
For every receipt brought in - which can also be scanned in and e-mailed to editor@ospreyobserver.com, subject line containing Shop Local - residents will be entered to win the grand prize and runner-up prizes. The grand prize is a one-night stay in a tropical suite at the Tradewinds Resort valued at $400, with a runner-up prize of a night's stay at Palmer House Bed and Breakfast or Cross Creek Ranch.
"We are a local business, and we want to support our local businesses," said Michelle Colesanti, Osprey Observer office manager. "We are developing a campaign that starts right in our own offices and with our own spending, and we hope to continue this trend throughout the community."
Afterimage Salon owner Donna Froncillo wants to get involved with the shop local campaign and says she would like to see, "one coupon for 15 percent off and get a list of merchants that are willing to participate or merchants who will agree to make dontations to a green foundation for every customer that brings the coupon in." She suggests making the coupons available online or through email.
Subscribers to the weekly community update newsletter at www.ospreyobserver.com will also begin receiving a link to community specials or community coupons as an added feature of the Shop Local campaign.
To get involved in the campaign, email Marie Gilmore at editor@ospreyobserver.com or call 657-2418.
---
Me again! After shopping, please let us know about your favorite shops so we can add them to Tampa Bay's most comprehensive directory of independents: www.localshops1.com
Remember, it's free to get listed, free to browse, free to join!
The Osprey Observer is encouraging its readers to shop at local, small businesses. How? By giving gifts! Check it out:
SHOP LOCAL AND WIN WITH NEW CAMPAIGN"
We want to keep our local small businesses open and in business. We all recognize that we need to make a change in our habits, including transportation, driving and more, but how about making it a point to shop local to keep our local, small businesses open?
Osprey Observer staff, advertisers and local small businesses have been meeting and developing a Shop Local Campaign which will encourage residents to consider shopping at a local, small business first to show support in the community.
Each edition, residents can enter the contest by answering the trivia questions correctly. In addition, any reader who has a receipt from a local, small business can bring it into the Osprey Observer offices for a free gift, recognizing their contribution to the economy.
For every receipt brought in - which can also be scanned in and e-mailed to editor@ospreyobserver.com, subject line containing Shop Local - residents will be entered to win the grand prize and runner-up prizes. The grand prize is a one-night stay in a tropical suite at the Tradewinds Resort valued at $400, with a runner-up prize of a night's stay at Palmer House Bed and Breakfast or Cross Creek Ranch.
"We are a local business, and we want to support our local businesses," said Michelle Colesanti, Osprey Observer office manager. "We are developing a campaign that starts right in our own offices and with our own spending, and we hope to continue this trend throughout the community."
Afterimage Salon owner Donna Froncillo wants to get involved with the shop local campaign and says she would like to see, "one coupon for 15 percent off and get a list of merchants that are willing to participate or merchants who will agree to make dontations to a green foundation for every customer that brings the coupon in." She suggests making the coupons available online or through email.
Subscribers to the weekly community update newsletter at www.ospreyobserver.com will also begin receiving a link to community specials or community coupons as an added feature of the Shop Local campaign.
To get involved in the campaign, email Marie Gilmore at editor@ospreyobserver.com or call 657-2418.
---
Me again! After shopping, please let us know about your favorite shops so we can add them to Tampa Bay's most comprehensive directory of independents: www.localshops1.com
Remember, it's free to get listed, free to browse, free to join!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Founders Day Celebration in New Port Richey
It's that time again. This Friday September 26th through Sunday the 28th downtown New Port Richey will once again go back in time and celebrate the founding of our little town. The city was founded in 1924 and every year we celebrate with a little festival that lasts for 3 days. There are so many different things going on that you just have to go and check it out. Some of the highlights will be the music at the band shell, the NASCAR virtual simulator, and they even have "Leashes and Lunch by the Lake", which is a picnic that you can have with your doggy. And they even state that if you dont have one, you can "borrow" one for lunch. You can check out all of the details at their website, www.nprmainstreet.com. Hope to see you there!
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1
A plea: Help save a coffee shop
Just read a story in the St. Petersburg Times, and can't decide if I should be sad or inspired.
Turns out the owner of one of my favorite coffee shops has decided to call it quits. Michael Duranko, who has owned the cafe for about 18 months, last week told his staff that he just couldn't carry the financial burden, writes Waveney Ann Moore.
We've seen this happen before, unfortunately. Too many times. The little shop on First Avenue South in downtown St. Pete has gone through several owners in the past few years. Each time, new guys move in, add new furniture, new fixtures, make it all even prettier than before. There's a cute courtyard in the back, nice artwork by local artists on the walls, and great coffee and other treats. Lots of organic, lots of vegan, even.
So what happened? Don't we all still drink coffee?
Maybe the location is to blame? It's convenient to the Times, and a lot of us go there quite often, but maybe it's just a few blocks too removed from the real center of downtown?
Maybe it's the economy? More people just drinking coffee at home?
Maybe it's competition: two Starbucks within walking distance.
No matter the reason, we're sad to hear it's not working out ...
But now, the inspirational part:
The coffee shop's three employees -- Kyle DeStefano, 24, Nathalia Estrada, 25, and Ellen Auger, 26 -- aren't giving up on the shop. They plan to take over, keep it going, liven it up, the Times reports. They're planning a game night, jazz night, all sorts of fun things.
The owner hopes to help them with the transition, and is optimistic the three 20-somethings will make it. The landlord isn't so sure, Rent's $3,000 a month, he tells the Times, and three budding entrepreneurs might have a hard time paying that.
Of course, I hope they make it. From what I've seen, the three all work really hard, and seem ambitious and dedicated. And the coffee there is great.
So, here is a plea: If you're downtown, stop by their coffee shop, Local Coffee+Tea, at 330 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. And if you can make it there Saturday, they're having a benefit to raise money for the shop. $10 gets you in, for music, snacks, fun.
I know we all have our own budget issues, and I know we can't save every business out there. But independent businesses keep our communities going, they keep our neighborhoods unique, and they keep our local economy going.
So anything you can do to keep them afloat is definitely most welcome.
Turns out the owner of one of my favorite coffee shops has decided to call it quits. Michael Duranko, who has owned the cafe for about 18 months, last week told his staff that he just couldn't carry the financial burden, writes Waveney Ann Moore.
We've seen this happen before, unfortunately. Too many times. The little shop on First Avenue South in downtown St. Pete has gone through several owners in the past few years. Each time, new guys move in, add new furniture, new fixtures, make it all even prettier than before. There's a cute courtyard in the back, nice artwork by local artists on the walls, and great coffee and other treats. Lots of organic, lots of vegan, even.
So what happened? Don't we all still drink coffee?
Maybe the location is to blame? It's convenient to the Times, and a lot of us go there quite often, but maybe it's just a few blocks too removed from the real center of downtown?
Maybe it's the economy? More people just drinking coffee at home?
Maybe it's competition: two Starbucks within walking distance.
No matter the reason, we're sad to hear it's not working out ...
But now, the inspirational part:
The coffee shop's three employees -- Kyle DeStefano, 24, Nathalia Estrada, 25, and Ellen Auger, 26 -- aren't giving up on the shop. They plan to take over, keep it going, liven it up, the Times reports. They're planning a game night, jazz night, all sorts of fun things.
The owner hopes to help them with the transition, and is optimistic the three 20-somethings will make it. The landlord isn't so sure, Rent's $3,000 a month, he tells the Times, and three budding entrepreneurs might have a hard time paying that.
Of course, I hope they make it. From what I've seen, the three all work really hard, and seem ambitious and dedicated. And the coffee there is great.
So, here is a plea: If you're downtown, stop by their coffee shop, Local Coffee+Tea, at 330 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. And if you can make it there Saturday, they're having a benefit to raise money for the shop. $10 gets you in, for music, snacks, fun.
I know we all have our own budget issues, and I know we can't save every business out there. But independent businesses keep our communities going, they keep our neighborhoods unique, and they keep our local economy going.
So anything you can do to keep them afloat is definitely most welcome.
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