volume 6, number 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
executive editor
Joshua I. Manning
publisher Dawn Rivera
creative director
Stephanie Rodriguez
graphic designer
Yolanda Cernicky
account managers
Betty Buglio
Evie Edwards
Joetta Palumbo
administration
Shanta Daibee
Jill Kaskel
Carol Lieberman
photography
Frank Koester
Abner Pedraza
contributors
Shannon Anastasio
Denis Eirikis
Denise Fleischman
Margaret Hunt
Mike May
Patrick Sherry
Fiona Slusarev
12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33 Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: (561) 793-7606
Fax: (561) 793-1470
www.royalpalmthemagazine.com published by Royal Palm The Magazine Inc.
chairman/ceo
Barry S. Manning
Royal Palm The Magazine is published six times a year in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Copyright 2026, all rights reserved by Royal Palm The Magazine Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.
Senior citizens at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center do far more than knit and play bingo. From line dancing to yoga, the village’s team is working to keep local seniors as young as they feel.
BY PATRICK SHERRY
“Something wicked this way comes” this Valentine’s Day weekend when the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival presents the Shakespeare by the Palms VI production of Macbeth. Come celebrate the holiday with the couple who shows that those who “slay” together, stay together.
Charm Pop Party, Palm Beach County’s original “charm bar” experience, had a banner year in 2025, catching a trending wave and turning it into a thriving business. BY JOSHUA MANNING
Royal Palm Beach residents will head to the polls on Tuesday, March 10 to vote in a contested election for one seat on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council. BY JOSHUA MANNING
Happy 2026! We start our first issue of the new year with a look at the many programs available for senior citizens in Royal Palm Beach. We chat with Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas to learn about all the exciting opportunities available, from luncheons to line dancing. On our cover this issue is Benjamin Lusk, who stars in the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s production of Macbeth this Valentine’s Day weekend at the Veterans Park Amphitheater in Royal Palm Beach. Don’t miss this wonderful cultural opportunity sponsored by the village!
Also in this issue, we preview the upcoming Royal Palm Beach municipal election set for Tuesday, March 10. The election features two candidates seeking the Group 1 seat on the council — the incumbent, Councilman Adam Miller, and the challenger, former Councilwoman Selena Samios. Next, we visit two new local businesses. The first is Charm Pop Party, which opened recently in the Mall at Wellington Green, bringing a fun and creative experience for everyone to enjoy. Finally, we visit Euroland, a new boutique supermarket on State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach that offers a wide variety of hardto-find items from dozens of countries. If you’re a foodie, this is the place for you!
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something to do, check out the village’s calendar to learn more about community events at www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov/calendar. See you out and about in the community!
Dawn Rivera, Publisher
BY
DENIS EIRIKIS
Euroland, a boutique supermarket featuring a wide variety of European delights, has arrived on State Road 7. The hard-to-find items on display at the store are a boon for food
Winter Festival Brings Holiday Fun To Commons Park In Royal Palm Semper Fi Service Dogs Holds Annual Turkey Trot At Commons Park RPB Seniors Celebrate Holiday With Annual Ugly Sweater Contest CAFCI Rings In New Year With Party At Royal Palm Cultural Center
The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual Winter Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Attendees enjoyed a full afternoon and evening of musical entertainment with plenty of fun for youngsters, such as arts and crafts, rides, ice skating, photos with Santa Claus and performances featuring local groups. As night fell, it was time for the Royal Palm Beach Village Council to light the Christmas tree with help from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
By Timothy O’Neill, Partner
Real estate transactions, especially in South Florida’s high-value market, often involve strict timelines, contingencies, and significant financial risks. When closings do not go as planned, the consequences can be costly and contentious.
A recent lawsuit regarding the proposed sale of the Polo West property in Wellington, Florida, highlights a typical dispute in complex real estate transactions: what happens when a deal fails to close?
According to public reports, a buyer has filed a lawsuit against an entity associated with the seller, alleging that the company refused to close on a signed $20.75 million purchase agreement. While the litigation is ongoing and these are merely allegations, the situation exemplifies a frequent occurrence in commercial and high-value residential transactions. In December 2025, BH Polo West LLC, an affiliate of Aventura-based BH Group, filed a lawsuit in Palm Beach County seeking to force the sale of the 150-acre former golf course. The buyer is requesting “specific performance,” asking a judge to compel the transfer of the property rather than award monetary damages.
The allegation is that BH Group claims Wellington Equestrian Estates LLC, refused to finalize the deal despite having a signed purchase agreement and nearly $500,000 held in escrow. There may be many reasons for this.[1] It is common to see disputes about financing contingencies, preexisting code violations and fines, and sometimes, the seller believes they can get a better deal. Often, buyers face a seller’s assertion of contract “cancellation” on dubious grounds. So, why do real estate closings fall apart? Even when both parties intend to complete a transaction, closings can collapse for various reasons, including:
• unresolved title defects or liens;
• incomplete or disputed contingencies, such as zoning, financing, or inspections;
• permit or code compliance issues discovered late in the process;
• missed deadlines or disagreements over extensions; or
• breakdowns in communication between parties or their representatives.
When these issues are not resolved within the contract terms, litigation may follow.
Under Florida law, the remedies available when a real estate closing fails depend heavily on the contract language and the specifics of the transaction. Potential remedies may include:
• return of the deposit;
• specific performance with a forced transfer of title; damages for breach of contract; or
Not every failed closing will lead to litigation, but when the stakes are high, court intervention is sometimes necessary. Disputes, such as the Polo West case, remind us that careful planning and documentation are essential. Early legal guidance can often prevent misunderstandings from turning into lawsuits.
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we represent clients throughout Florida in real estate disputes, contract interpretation, and litigation arising from failed or contested transactions.
[1] Phillips, H. (2025, December 16). Polo West buyer lawsuit. The Palm Beach Post. https://www. palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/wellington/2025/12/16/polo-west-buyer-lawsuit-glenn-straubstalled-wellington-deal/87731057007/
On Saturday, Nov. 23, Semper Fi Service Dogs held its annual Turkey Trot 5K at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. About 120 people registered to help raise funds and awareness for the local nonprofit, which rescues dogs and trains them as service dogs for military veterans. Other organizations, such as Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, partner with Semper Fi to support its mission. To learn more about Semper Fi Service Dogs, visit www.semperfiservicedogs.org.
Theatregoers coast-to-coast and worldwide are familiar with Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Driving Miss Daisy, which tells the story of an unlikely, life-changing friendship between Daisy Werthan, a 72-year-old Jewish widow, and Hoke Coleburn, a Black chauffeur hired by her son Boolie.
Driving Miss Daisy is generally considered sweet and sentimental – which it is – but it is so much more than that. The play premiered in 1987, but speaks in numerous ways to these fraught times. There have been so many articles published in recent years about the loneliness that often accompanies aging, a reality beautifully realized by Uhry. It’s also a play about friendship, about communicating, about listening to each other, about breaking down walls, about learning to respect one another, about empathy and trust, about overcoming prejudice.
It is for all these reasons that Palm Beach Dramaworks Producing Artistic Director William Hayes chose to stage Driving Miss Daisy as part of the company’s 2025-26 season. PBD is a nonprofit theatre company founded in 2000 and located in the heart of West Palm Beach. Each season, the awardwinning company produces five plays, offering entertaining, edgy, and enthralling classics, contemporary works, and world premiere plays – what PBD calls “Theatre to Think About.” This season, audiences have already seen Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop, and Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer, with Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and the world premiere of Steven Dietz’s Vineland Place following Driving Miss Daisy, which runs from February 6 through March 1.
& Ann Brown Theatre
“ …a touching exploration of friendship and mutual respect
”
— The New York Times
Driving Miss Daisy is presented in association with Barrington Stage Company and will be directed by Julianne Boyd, Barrington Stage’s founding artistic director.
The production stars theatre veterans Debra Jo Rupp and Ray Anthony Thomas, both making their PBD debuts. Daisy’s son, Boolie, is played by PBD veteran Matthew W. Korinko.
The Royal Palm Beach Senior Activity Group held a holiday luncheon on Friday, Dec. 12 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. The event included food, music and the return of the ever-popular “ugly sweater contest.” Contest winners included Ann Sipes, Kim Raab, and Dale and Dianne Verner.
CAFCI held its annual New Years Eve Gala on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Attendees rang in the New Year with food from Piquant Cuisine, dancing, raffles and a midnight toast. Learn more about CAFCI at www.cafcipbc.org.
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Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas has been with
STORY BY PATRICK SHERRY | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN
Senior citizens at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center do far more than knit and play bingo. From line dancing to yoga, the village’s team is working to keep local seniors as young as they feel.
The Village of Royal Palm Beach aims to have some of the most diverse and lively senior programs in Palm Beach County. As soon as they walk into the recreation center, staff members try to make every person feel welcomed and valued.
Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas organizes these activities to remind older residents that they matter to the community.
“These programs give seniors purpose, dignity and connection,” Thomas
said. “Many live alone and feel overlooked. Our programs remind them they are valued, needed and still an important part of the community.”
Through its recreation department, Royal Palm Beach offers dozens of programs to hundreds of seniors. Many of the programs aim to help seniors find ways to engage with others through creativity, exercise and social gatherings.
During the pandemic, the village paused most of its senior programs. In 2021, when Thomas joined the village, she worked to restart them by using her creative skills to come up with new ways to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Thomas explained that she has used
suggestions from local seniors, along with her own experience with her parents, to create programs that senior citizens like.
“That is my biggest inspiration — to have them feel included, that they are helping me, and we’re making the decisions together with what they want these programs to be,” Thomas explained.
Before moving to Royal Palm Beach, Thomas worked for such companies as Ralph Lauren, JPMorgan Chase and Nasdaq in event management and program development. At first, she did not know what she was getting into, but Thomas is happy she made the career transition.
“It was actually a blessing,” she said.
Senior Programs
Shakeera Thomas at a variety of events over the past year.
“I was looking for my end home with the job in one’s career, and I found this position.”
When she started, Thomas researched other community centers to see what senior programs they were offering. Wanting to give opportunities to improve the lives of Royal Palm Beach seniors, she came up with new ways to help people in later stages of life. Her goal has been to get seniors to be active and social in the community.
Now, she regularly helps organize almost 30 free and paid programs for older people. Among the most popular are the weekly Monday Dance Parties, the annual Senior Prom and the Young at Heart Club (YAH). The village also holds classes that let people’s inner art-
ist express themselves in unique ways, through writing, fiber art, line dancing and more.
Other than activities, her team hosts education classes aimed at helping seniors learn new skills. They offer courses that teach people how to use technology, improve driving and assist with filing taxes.
“I love my job,” Thomas said. “I get to be creative, serve my community, and make a difference every day.”
Many of those efforts would not be possible without community sponsors. Thomas regularly works with local organizations that donate food items, living necessities and materials for activities. Some even sponsor events or host field trips for seniors.
“These programs give seniors purpose, dignity and connection. Many live alone and feel overlooked. Our programs remind them they are valued, needed and still an important part of the community.”
— Shakeera Thomas
Thomas explained that many people in her programs live on fixed incomes, so she goes out of her way to care for seniors who are in need and is always looking for donations.
“As costs continue to rise, many seniors are struggling,” Thomas said. “I’m committed to finding support and resources wherever I can for them.”
The response from the community to the work that her team does has been overwhelmingly positive. Many
senior events and programs consistently sell out. Thomas has had multiple instances of seniors telling her that the programs saved their lives or gave them a renewed sense of purpose.
“I’ve had countless seniors tell me, ‘Shakeera, you changed my life.’ In those moments, I knew I had found my purpose and the place where I belong,” Thomas said.
Village staff and volunteers play a vital part in organizing these programs.
Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas works with Parks & Recreation Director Mark Pawlowski.
Thomas stressed how her team truly helps make a difference in the lives of people who need it.
“I couldn’t do this without my team. I couldn’t do it without my coordinator, the facility attendants, our department director Mark Pawlowski, and the entire village,” Thomas said. “It does take a village, and I couldn’t do this alone.”
Royal Palm Beach’s senior programs will be growing soon. Village officials are moving ahead with expanding the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center, which will open the door to new programs and allow more people to participate in them.
Most importantly, Thomas emphasized that compassion and respect are the core of all of this work. She explained that everyone will hopefully one day be a senior citizen, and everyone deserves to feel valued.
“We’re going to be like them one day,” Thomas said. “The generation that’s going to take care of us is going to have to be patient with us… I’d like to, when I’m 80 or 90 years old, to be taken care of with respect and appreciation.”
To learn more about senior programs in the Village of Royal Palm Beach, visit www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov or stop by the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center at 100 Sweet Bay Lane.
“Something wicked this way comes” this Valentine’s Day weekend when the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival presents the Shakespeare by the Palms VI production of 3Macbeth. Come celebrate the holiday with the couple who shows that those who “slay” together, stay together.
Presented by the Village of Royal Palm Beach, performances will take place Thursday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 15, in a new location at the Veterans Park Amphitheater, from 7 to 9 p.m. each night. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person.
The Veterans Park Amphitheater is located at 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Bring a beach chair or blanket, a picnic basket, or enjoy on-site concessions during this outdoor event.
In one of Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies, Macbeth takes audiences to a dark realm of ambition, prophecy and betrayal. When three witches predict that Macbeth will become king, a tragic chain of events begins. At the heart of the play is the intense and fateful bond of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Their relationship fuels a rise to power, leading to a downward spiral
into madness and disaster, revealing the destruction of unchecked am bition.
The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s season will then con tinue with the Shakespeare by the Sea XXXVI world premiere of Falstaff on July 9-19, Thursdays through Sundays at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Jupiter’s Carlin Park, in partnership with Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation.
The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s productions are made possible thanks to generous support from the Village of Royal Palm Beach, Gary & Katherine Parr and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. Ad ditional funding is provided by Frank Cona & Lisa Calberg.
The Palm Beach Shakespeare Fes tival is a nonprofit professional the ater company dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and appreciation for Shakespearean, classic and contem porary theater for all ages and socio economic levels.
For more information about the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival, visit www.pbshakespeare.org.
BY JOSHUA MANNING
Charm Pop Party, Palm Beach County’s original “charm bar” experience, had a banner year in 2025, catching a trending wave and turning it into a thriving business with locations in Jupiter and Wellington.
“What’s surprised me most is how meaningful this experience has become for families,” owner Stephanie Lewis said. “It started as a simple idea while planning my daughter’s birthday. I was just looking for something creative, inclusive and easy, inspired by the Taylor Swift bracelet-making trend. I never imagined it would grow into what it is today.”
Charm Pop Party opened its original store in Jupiter in March 2025 and
joined the lineup in the Mall at Wellington Green in November.
“The Wellington location has introduced so many new families to what a charm bar actually is: a hands-on jewelry experience where you create something personal and meaningful,” Lewis explained. “Opening on Black Friday was kind of insane in the best possible way, and it really set the tone for how warmly the community embraced us from day one. Being in the mall has been especially fun because people are genuinely surprised and excited to see a woman-owned, non-franchise small business here.”
Charm Pop Party is an interactive jewelry experience where guests build
their own charm bracelets and necklaces from hundreds of curated, themed charms. The stores specialize in walkin charm building, as well as in-store charm parties.
“My vision for Wellington was to create the place all the girls want to be — somewhere they can hang out with friends, make jewelry, feel safe and express themselves through unique charms while just genuinely having fun,” Lewis said. “We’ve also loved offering permanent jewelry here, especially because it has become such a sweet mother-daughter bonding experience. Being able to welcome walk-ins at any time makes the space feel approachable and easy, and seeing
those moments happen in real time has been incredibly special. Watching moms, daughters, teens and even grandmothers create together is a powerful reminder of why we started.”
The Jupiter store offers the same services, but with a slightly different feel.
“Our Jupiter location is more intimate and boutique — perfect for one-on-one visits and smaller gatherings — while the Wellington location is brighter and more energetic, designed for discovery, celebrations and larger groups,” Lewis explained. “Both locations offer custom charm jewelry and permanent jewelry, and we love that guests can walk in anytime without needing an appointment.”
While charm selections vary slightly between locations, Charm Pop Party carries its staple charms and chains at both.
“Wellington has been especially fun because we introduced Italian charm bracelets — some may remember them as ‘nomination bracelets’ — and as an elder millennial, I’m thrilled they’re cool again,” Lewis said. “In addition to custom experiences, we also offer readymade jewelry and unique gift items you won’t find in traditional box stores.”
Charm Pop Party also offers mobile charm parties, which bring the charm bar experience to homes, schools and more for birthdays, fundraisers and community events.
“Our mobile charm parties are designed to be fun, relaxed and easy to host — for all ages,” Lewis said. “While they’re popular for kids’ birthdays, they’re just as loved for teen celebrations, bridal showers, bachelorettes, baby showers, and social or corporate events.”
The mobile parties bring the full charm bar experience to you.
“Our trained staff handles the jew-
elry assembly while guests choose charms and design pieces that reflect their personality or milestone. It becomes both the activity and the party favor, which hosts really appreciate,” Lewis said. “For groups who want a more hands-on experience, we also offer a workshop-style option. Booking is simple through our web site or directly with us, and each event is customized to fit the group, vibe and occasion.”
The company also partners with schools, PTOs, sports teams and nonprofits to host percentage nights, where a portion of sales is donated back to the organization. Lewis added that the company has been named a finalist for the 2026 Best of Palm Beach County Awards in two categories: Best Jewelry and Best Birthday Venue.
Lewis lives in Westlake with her husband Brennen and their children McKenna and Declan. Since they arrived, several family members and friends have moved to Westlake as well.
“Westlake is growing quickly, and while that kind of growth can feel a little overwhelming at times, it has also been really beautiful to witness,” Lewis said. “There are so many families here, and it truly feels like you never see a stranger.”
Lewis noted that her husband is (L-R) Ralph and Laura Lewis;
a deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and their family has deep roots in the community, as the fourth-generation owners of the Okeechobee Steakhouse.
“Working behind the scenes in operations alongside my in-laws gave me a deeper appreciation for what it takes to build a business that becomes part of a community, like the Okeechobee Steakhouse,” she said. “That experience really shaped what I value most: exceptional service, genuine connection and creating experiences people remember long after they leave.”
Meanwhile, if you’re celebrating a birthday, be sure to stop by one of the two Charm Pop Party locations.
“In a fun, full-circle moment, while my family’s legacy is known for offering a free birthday steak, we now carry that spirit of celebration forward at Charm Pop Party with a free birthday bracelet,” Lewis said. “Everything we do is built around connection, joy and creating meaningful memories for families.”
Charm Pop Party’s Wellington location is in the Mall at Wellington Green on the lower level next to Aéropostale. The Jupiter location is at 129 Center Street, Suite 2, inside The Good Stuff. Learn more at www.charmpopparty.com.
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BY JOSHUA MANNING
Royal Palm Beach residents will head to the polls on Tuesday, March 10 to vote in a contested election for one seat on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council.
When the qualifying period for the election closed in November, Mayor Jeff Hmara found himself with a twoyear term in office without opposition. At the time, incumbent Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps was challenged by Steve Avila for the Group 3 seat. Sharps narrowly defeated Avila to win the seat last year. In early January, Avila dropped out of the race, leaving Sharps unopposed for the seat.
That leaves one race on the March 10 ballot. In Group 1, incumbent Councilman Adam Miller faces a challenge from former Councilwoman Selena Samios.
Miller joined the council by appointment in late 2024 and was then unopposed for a one-year term last year.
“I’m running for re-election because I genuinely enjoy serving our com-
“I’m running for re-election because I genuinely enjoy serving our community and making a positive difference in people’s lives, just as I’ve done throughout my career in education.” — Adam Miller
munity and making a positive difference in people’s lives, just as I’ve done throughout my career in education,” said Miller, who was a school principal before his current role as chief of performance accountability for the School District of Palm Beach County. “I want to help keep Royal Palm Beach the safe, welcoming and family-friendly village where my family has lived and grown for more than 20 years.”
Since joining the council, Miller said that he has focused on identifying practical ways to make local government more efficient and responsive. For example, he proposed streamlining
routine approvals to reduce unnecessary delays for residents and businesses. “That idea became Ordinance 1060, which allows the planning and zoning director to approve minor site plan modifications administratively, while keeping major projects under full council review,” Miller said. “The ordinance reduces red tape, saves time and money, and reflects a commitment to thoughtful governance that removes barriers while maintaining appropriate oversight.”
Miller added that he is working to advance a “teacher-friendly business recognition program” to strengthen
community support for local educators. “The program would recognize businesses that voluntarily offer discounts, appreciation efforts or partnerships for teachers, creating visible, community-wide support for the profession,” he explained. “The initiative is designed to benefit teachers, support local businesses, and reinforce Royal Palm Beach’s commitment to families and strong schools.”
Learn more about Miller at www. vote4adammiller.com.
Samios joined the council in 2016 and served until last year, when she stepped down to run for mayor.
“I
look forward to earning the opportunity to continue serving the residents of Royal Palm Beach for another term, where I will continue to focus on the ease of doing business in the village, as well as tackling transportation and traffic concerns.”
— Selena Samios
During her time on the council, Samios said that she is proud that she “always listened to the residents and voted for their behalf.”
“I did not support variances when developers wanted to increase density,” Samios said, adding that she favors “responsible growth” and helped streamline the process to expedite opening a business in Royal Palm Beach.
“I also focused on our senior community,” she said. “I spearheaded the creation of the senior citizens ad hoc group, which led to an in-depth study of needs and led to village initiatives.”
On the council, Samios said she will
continue to focus on supporting local business and in transparency to make sure that residents are aware of everything that is going on in the community. She also feels that the council should revisit whether the needs of local seniors and youth are fully being met.
“I look forward to earning the opportunity to continue serving the residents of Royal Palm Beach for another term, where I will continue to focus on the ease of doing business in the village, as well as tackling transportation and traffic concerns,” Samios said.
Learn more about Samios at www. selenaforcouncil.com.
STORY BY DENIS EIRIKIS | PHOTOS BY SHANNON ANASTASIO
Euroland, a boutique supermarket featuring a wide variety of European delights, has arrived on State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. The hard-to-find items on display at the store are a boon for food lovers from across the region.
With successful stores in Deerfield Beach and Hollywood, Euroland is a foodie paradise, offering not only a wide selection of European groceries from dozens of countries, but the Royal Palm Beach store also features a crêpe bar, hot and cold buffets, a bakery/coffee bar and an attractive sit-down dining area with a garden feel.
The store is open for business seven days a week, even during its current “soft” opening, the period during which dozens of new local employees are being trained by experienced employees from the other stores. There will be an official grand opening in the future. After that, Euroland plans regular inter-
national food festivals, including live music, where treats from a particular country are featured monthly.
The store itself is fairly large. You can find unique seafoods from smelt to sturgeon, and specialty cheeses from an array of nations. Want an Eastern European lunch? Try the hot borscht at the soup bar.
Euroland Marketing Manager Yulia Kovalchuk said that Royal Palm Beach is the perfect location for the brand’s expansion into Palm Beach County.
“Royal Palm Beach has a unique combination of a strong, family-oriented atmosphere, active growth and cultural diversity,” Kovalchuk explained. “Both in the community itself and in the surrounding areas, there are people who value quality food, traditions and comforting, homestyle flavors — while also being open to discovering something new.”
Also, people from this area were already traveling to the stores in Broward.
“It’s important for us to be closer to our guests. We had already noticed how many people from Royal Palm Beach were traveling to our stores in Hollywood and Deerfield Beach, and it became clear: this community needed its own Euroland — closer, more convenient and truly like home.”
Ginette McDonough, an artist from The Acreage, describes herself as a “Cajun foodie.”
“I’m originally from Louisiana, but we moved here about 13 years ago,” she said. “I’m hoping that a lot of people will love Euroland’s food, and they’ll be here for a long time because it’s always nice to have places and options available from other cultures.”
Longtime area residents Prudy and Anthony Endler were impressed.
“The variety of fresh and ready-togo foods is amazing,” Prudy said. “The bakery looks gourmet. I think local party planners ought to check this place out.”
“Even though I’ve been around, there are so many foods here that I have never seen before,” Anthony added.
It’s all the variety that excites Stephen Trainer, a manager at Euroland Royal Palm Beach.
“I love working in this international market full of foods that even I had never seen before my hiring and extensive training,” Trainer said, adding that his time in the military opened up an entire new universe of experiences and foods.
Euroland does attract the wider foodie community.
“We see many families here, many residents with European roots, and many people who simply love good food and a warm atmosphere,” Kovalchuk said.
Lana Levrant had just finished a late lunch from the buffet with a friend.
“Finally, an owner who knows how to stock a variety of popular foods that are hard to find,” she said. “With the senior discounts and 50 percent happy hours, it’s more affordable to eat here than at home. Plus, I like the quality.”
At the yet-to-be-announced grand opening, the company said guests can expect special promotions, giveaways, prizes, tastings, live music, entertainment and more.
The regular “Yummy Fests” — cultural and food events dedicated to different European countries — will feature national dishes, music, décor and activities.
“Our goal is for Euroland to be more than a place to shop,” Kovalchuk said. “We want it to be a living cultural and culinary space — somewhere people come not only for food, but for experiences, emotions and the feeling of a small journey across Europe, without the plane ticket.”
Euroland Royal Palm Beach is located at 511 N. State Road 7 in the Commons at Royal Palm. For more information, visit www.marsfl.com/euroland.
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