Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
Around the island . . . Many places are closing, some are moving and others are opening. This is the normal flow of small business, according to one of my previous employers, the US Chamber of Commerce, and will probably continue in 2014.
Stein Marts on Sadler is closing sadly…no more 75% off sales. When they opened a few years ago, there was not as much competition for high end clothing, according to one of the employees, and now there are a lot more choices. Their target closing date is February 20th, so stop by for some great sales. China Buffet next to Winn-Dixie on the island is closed and will be missed by this reporter and many who frequented the business over the years. TA Sports has been closed and is not expected to reopen, but many of us who ordered custom embroidered items are sad to see them go.
Beech Street Grill closed last year, but was sold to Ernie Saltmarsh in December and is being remodeled for a group of small stores. The first to open, The Dove Cote, a classy antique shop, opened this week. Arte’s Pizza has reopened with expanded space and is doing a great business at the intersection of North 3rd and Alachua.
Horizons, which was in Palmetto Walk on First Coast Highway is now open in the strip mall further south on First Coast Highway in the old Gennaro’s space. Bar Zin is rumored to be moving to Horizon’s old restaurant, but seems to be operating as usual at their original location in Palmetto Walk.
Also moved, is Re/Max from the Pelican Shopping Center on 8th Street to 3391 South Fletcher (the old Watson Real Estate building) and is now operating as Re/Max Sterling under broker Lazaro G. Marganon. Staples is in the process of moving from 8th Street to the old Beall’s location in the Publix Shopping Center.
Open on Centre Street are a branch office of Keller-Williams Real Estate and Island Real Estate. Also opened recently is a new branch of Edward Jones (financial advisors) at 1403 Park Avenue at the entrance to Amelia Park. Contact Kim Harding-Boylan at 321-2044 for information.
Although it has been open for a few months, Scally Wags in the Stein Mart shopping center next to Cold Stone Creamery is a new approach to pet grooming. Owner Allison Congliano has 11 years of experience and moved here with husband Bryan from Ocean County, New Jersey. She describes her business as “upscale at a reasonable price” and sells accessories as well. Need a security blanket for your pet? She also grooms cats.
Now, if you are a foodie like this reporter, you will be interested to know that weekend brunch menus are now available at a number of restaurants like Café Karibo, 29 South, Bar Zin,and La Mancha on Sadler, as well as off island at Dick’s Wings and Four Seasons Bistro (where Ciao’s used to be).
If you are looking for a steakhouse, Branding Iron Steakhouse and BBQ has opened in the Tyler shopping center off island in the eastbound lane near Meadowfield Bluff and has great steaks as well as other menu items, including a bread bar, Italian items, and catfish.
It looks like it could be a big new year for many of the businesses in our area and don’t forget to patronize our local restaurants during Amelia Island Restaurant Week starting January 17th.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.
January 13, 2014 6:09 a.m.