Things to do on and around Siesta Key
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‘It’s completely our store now’ Transition for young entrepreneurs is complete as Casa del Sol shines bright By Jane Bartnett
Casa del Sol co-owners Erika Schmid and Nicholas Browne in their boutique.
Live globally but shop locally. That’s the essence of what led Erica Schmid and Nicholas Browne to open their Casa del Sol Boutique at 5221 Ocean Ave. in Siesta Key Village. Filled with clothing, accessories and special items meant for enjoying the sun, the beach and island life, the couple are looking forward to celebrating the boutique’s first anniversary in June. “We have a wonderful blend of brands imported from Australia, Portugal, Thailand and Mexico,” said Schmid. “And a number of lines made in Florida, Hawaii and here in America,” said Browne. Added Schmid, “We try to be different
than the rest of the Key.” The designs and aesthetic of the store exudes a relaxed, welcoming and sophisticated bohemian seaside vibe. It reflects the pair’s international travel and interests. Both taught English as a second language while living in Vietnam in a small beach town called Hoi An. He also taught English in Costa Rica and China. Browne’s photographs from their travels dot the walls and the music is carefully curated. He is a south Florida native from the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area and Schmid grew up near Long Beach Island on the New Jersey coast. They met as students at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.
Looking back, it almost seems Casa del Sol was destined to be, Schmid said. Her best college friend at Eckerd was the daughter of Susan Balas, who owned the landmark Beach Bazaar store as well as the Island Trader boutique. After graduation, Balas hired Schmid as swimwear buyer for both stores, which she did for several years. Schmid took a year away from the Key to teach English in Vietnam with Browne until COVID-19 led them both back to Siesta Key. “We started working with Sue again on Beach Bazaar’s online presence and doing more Continued on page 13V
Munchies to bring on even more mojo New owner of Gulf Gate classic fires up some new features By Jane Bartnett “A little more chill, Munchies style.” That’s how Munchies 420 Cafe owner John Kirk, who recently took ownership of the 22-year-old Gulf Gate landmark, describes the way things are being done now. It will still be the place to go for a fun night out and the favored restaurant bar when a latenight craving for munchies hits long after dark, he said assuredly. Appropriately enough, on April 20 — or to state it numerically, 4/20 — an estimated 1,500 of Munchies’ longtime fans along with a whole new crowd came out to celebrate the debut of the updated establishment, located at 6639 Superior Ave. The party, dubbed Munchiesfest 2024, started in the afternoon with live music, games,
raffles,and food served in the Tiki Bar, at the ample main bar, and in the dining area. As the day turned into evening, the crowds grew. The party went well into the night. “Munchies 420 Cafe is an iconic brand,” said Kirk. “I’m a serial entrepreneur.” One who has brought some significant improvements. “We came in and gave the place a fresh coat of paint, new furniture, a state-of-the-art sound system, new signs and 15 televisions carrying sporting events,” Kirk said. “We’ve also added table service. It’s no longer a do-it-yourself place. The host meets you at the desk and seats you.” Continued on page 10V
Left, A Munchies customer chats with owner John Kirk at Munchiesfest, opening day. (Jane Bartnett photo) Right, Customers enjoyed the new large screen TVs in Munchies 420 Cafe Tiki Bar
SIESTA KEY
SWIMWEAR RESORT WEAR ACCESSORIES
1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545
DOWNTOWN
50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800
LONGBOAT
3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288
www.SwimCity.com