19 minute read
The Merchants of Rosemary Beach
The Merchants of
Rosemary Beach A Timeline of Community Businesses
In 1995, Leucadia Financial
Corporation formed The Rosemary Beach Land Company and
purchased the land that would become Rosemary Beach.
Bienvenue had a vision they wanted to share with the world. In 1995, that vision became a reality and Rosemary Beach was born. Their development plan is founded in the principles of New Urbanism and traditional neighborhood development. Inspired by other classic beach neighborhoods, the 107- acre, gulf-front development was designed to bring back the notions of community, neighborhood and convenience.
The Rosemary Beach Land Company split into two entities: Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company (1999), which handles vacation rentals in Rosemary Beach, and, Rosemary Beach Realty (1995), which handles real estate sales within the town.
*Many of these businesses have changed ownership over the years. For the purposes of this story, we have listed the current owners.
SEAOATS
Established: 1997
Owners: Chris and Jennifer Webb
In 1997, town founder Patrick Bienvenue selected Chris Webb to bring his 10 years of beach service experience with him to open SeaOats Beach service in Rosemary Beach with 10 sets of chairs and 2 catamarans. SeaOats grew with Rosemary Beach, transitioning from those original 10 sets of chairs to over 500 sets of chairs and a full menu of services, ending service in 2015. Throughout their tenure, SeaOats
innovated the beach service experience for guests, adding services such as cabanas, cocktail tables, hammocks, beach bonfires, kayaks, sea school, paddleboards, online reservations, and cooler service. Capping off their final year of service to Rosemary Beach in October 2015, SeaOats was voted Perfect in South Walton Grand Champion Best Beach Service by Visit South Walton. 1st location 5 Main Street (Walk up window) 2nd location 74 S Barrett Square 3rd location 60 N Barrett Square 4th location 78 Main Street Established in 1999, Summer Kitchen went through many locations before finding its forever home at 78 Main Street. Summer Kitchen was the first restaurant and commercial business in Rosemary Beach. Their humble beginnings took place in the little red building– just a walk-up window serving the initial few people working, living and building in Rosemary Beach. As has been the case for over 20 years now, neighbors meet neighbors as they walk in the door: sometimes on purpose, sometimes by chance. Summer Kitchen offers breakfast, lunch
SUMMER KITCHEN CAFÉ
Established: 1999
Owners: James and Miriam Dillon
and dinner - each with distinct offerings. ROSEMARY BEACH TRADING COMPANY
Established: 2000
Owners: Rosemary Beach Holdings, LLC
Established in a “real” structure on Labor Day weekend 2000 (picture), but the humble “store” actually began with a few
We get up at 7 am and meet candy trucks and put candy out after working until midnight the night before and we don’t see our family for days at a time. It’s our passion. It’s what literally drives us, and we are lucky to live out this dream every day here on Earth and see the faces of so many happy customers that love our little slice of heaven like we do.
featured logo items on a pegboard in the offices located in the cottage rental trailers. Leucadia then built a small 400 square foot structure at South Barrett Square and Rosemary Avenue to house the Trading Company; next to that they also relocated Summer Kitchen and a third housing Marti Schmidt, artist, and Michael Belk, photographer. In May of 2004, it was time for the plot of land to be developed, and the Trading Company moved to a lovely new 1,600 square foot designer space in North Barrett Square where the store remains today. The decor at that time (picture) represented the true spirit of West Indies with vivid colors and a wonderful canopy over the cash wrap area. At that time, Linda Gifford, VP of Retail, gladly welcomed the amazing growth of the Trading Company while preserving the quaint upscale charm and sense of place Rosemary Beach itself is famous for. The Trading Company was and is proud to be the only provider of licensed Rosemary Beach logo apparel and gear, as well as offering a fun eclectic mix of designer décor items and gifts.
Established: 2000 Owners: Billy and Heidi Snell
Originally located by the town hall, The Sugar Shak moved to Barrett Square and then to their current location in 2008. The Sugar Shak is a candy and ice cream store that specializes in nostalgic and current candies and fine chocolates from all over the world. The Shak also makes old-fashioned ice cream sundaes, banana splits, floats and milkshakes. There are over a million different milkshake and malt combinations to choose from including Oreo cheesecake, apple pie, brownie batter and banana pudding.
The Sugar Shak
BAMBOO BICYCLE COMPANY
Established: 2001
Owners: Rosemary Beach Holdings, LLC
Although a few bikes were available for rent from the original sales offices, moving into a larger space on Rosemary Avenue behind the Trading Company gave them an opportunity to expand the number of bikes, trikes and two seaters available. Early on, beach and sand toys were available and when Bamboo moved to the north side as well in 2004, it became known as Bamboo Beach & Bicycle Company. In 2007, those were separated, and two additional small huts were occupied in the SK/Bamboo courtyard; one continued with all the beach paraphernalia and the other
THE SUGAR SHAK
was the precursor to the surf shop. ROSEMARY BEACH INN (THE PENSIONE)
Established: 2001
Owners: James and Miriam Dillon
Originally called The Pensione, Rosemary’s first inn was opened in 2001 by Mark and Penny Dragonette. James and Miriam Dillon purchased the Pensione building in February 2015 as a home for The Summer Kitchen Café. In so doing, they inherited an Inn. The Dillons wanted to infuse the Inn with the same caring and sense of belonging as they have with Summer Kitchen. Guests in the small yet welcoming rooms enjoy complimentary continental breakfast (changing to full breakfast January 2021), complimentary beach chairs from March 1 – November 30, a stellar happy hour at Summer Kitchen, complimentary access to the fitness center, and court time at the tennis center.
SHABBY SLIPS
Established: 2002
Owner: Donna Pelous
Shabby Slips opened in June of 2002 at 58 Main Street. The store initially sold slipcovered, custom-upholstered furniture along with French antiques. The store later added upholstered/ slipcovered headboards, drapes and a variety of upscale home décor. In 2007, Shabby Slips moved to the second floor at 58 Main Street to concentrate on the custom work and later moved to Seagrove Beach in 2014.
GIGI’S FABULOUS KIDS’ FASHIONS & TOYS
Established: 2003
Owners: Geri Golding Higgs and David Higgs
Much more than a children’s clothing and toy store, Gigi’s is also a place where kids and kids at heart are welcome to hang out a while, try it on, go ahead and touch, play make believe, do a happy dance, watch the train chug, make a friend, be silly, cultivate your style, find out what’s new, and become a star!
We love having our business in Rosemary Beach where people are always in a good mood, pop in often, return every year, and make lasting memories with us. We feel so honored to get to be a part of their kids’ lives! A lot of kids who have since grown up still come in to visit the train (and Miss Rita!)
Gigi’s
We have loved being part of creating homes in Rosemary since 2004, and we love visiting homes with pieces our friends have acquired over the years. We chose Rosemary when many people didn’t know where Rosemary Beach was located. We love all our merchant friends who have been our friends and neighbors over the years. We look forward to many years to come!
Tracery
TRACERY
Established: 2003
Owner: Paige Schnell
Tracery opened late 2003 with a grand opening celebration in February of 2004. The whole town attended! Originally located at 72 Main Street, Tracery moved to 38 Main Street where they remain today. Tracery offers everything you need for your home as well as an array of unique gifts.
COWGIRL KITCHEN RESTAURANT AND BAR
Established: 2005 Owner: Nikki Nickerson
Since 2005, Cowgirl Kitchen has remained the original neighborhood gathering spot on the south side of Rosemary Beach. Specializing in casual eats and cool vibes.
Rosemary Beach is where Cowgirl Kitchen started. The people and the beaches have always been very special to us!
Cowgirl Kitchen
REGIONS BANK
Established: 2005
Owner: Regions
WILD OLIVES
Established: 2006
Owner: Chris Trovas
Opened in 2006, Wild Olives combines a wine bar, wine shop and bistro into one delicious business.
MOONPIZE
Established: 2007
Owners: Donna Pelous and Lisa Knower
In 2007 the nation was in a recession. Donna Pelous looked around and only saw one other ladies shoe store on 30A. Moonpize was opened in May 2007 and remains open to this day. Moonpize carries ladies’ shoes, apparel, jewelry, handbags and artwork.
PISH POSH PATCHOULI’S
Established: 2007
Owners: Lynn and Steve Dugas
Established in 1992, Patchouli’s has become an integral part of the 30A lifestyle. Born in Seaside, Patchouli’s opened their Rosemary Beach home in July of 2007. The distinctive, oneof-a-kind apothecary boutique is a place to find your heart and nourish your soul. Patchouli’s offers a thoughtfully chosen collection of bath, body and home products, as well as sleep and lifestyle wear to lift the spirit and brighten your life.
WILLOW
Established: 2007
Owners: Cindy Krutz and Celia Tucker
Willow (Rosemary) is our original store. It is a high-end label conscious women’s boutique. We have a fabulous collection of clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry. The vibe at Willow is modern, feminine and classic!
From the moment we first drove into Rosemary we knew we wanted to make it our Willow home. Its charm is undeniable, and its West Indies architecture is unparalleled. For us, it was love at first sight and we knew it was home. We now have 3 locations along 30A. Rosemary is still the heart of Willow.
Willow
LACREMA
Established: 2009
Owners: Spell Restaurant Group
LaCrema is a cozy indoor, outdoor dining space serving Spanish small plates and chocolate confections—a wonderful place to linger with friends, dine and enjoy great flavors in both cuisine and wine.
AMAVIDA COFFEE ROASTERS
Established: 2009
Owners: Dan and Sally Bailey
Established in 2004, Amavida Coffee
Roasters opened their Rosemary
Beach café in 2009. At Amavida’s cafes you can find locally roasted, organic and fair-trade coffee and tea products. Healthier food and drink alternatives. Coffee brewing gear and sustainable lifestyle products.
BOMBORA SUN & SURF
Established: 2007
Owners: Rosemary Beach Holdings, LLC
Bombora opened in 2007 as ‘Bamboo Beach & Surf’ in two small huts. At their current location in Barrett Square since 2009, Bombora offers stylish beach clothes, bathing suits, sunglasses, sandals, beach toys, floats and sunscreen. Bombora is a one stop shop for all the gear needed for a coastal lifestyle. Our family recognized the walkable, new urbanist nature of the town along with the strong community focus of the residents, visitors and fellow merchants in the area and we knew we wanted to call Rosemary Beach our home.
Amavida
RESTAURANT PARADIS
Established: 2009
Owners: Danny and Monica Cosenzi
Restaurant Paradis opened its doors in the spring of 2009 with the Paradis Lounge o ering the rst full-service bar in Rosemary Beach. Danny and Monica Cosenzi became co-owners and operators in 2014 and have focused on coastal cuisine, drawing from the rich avors of this area as well as various other regions to create the innovative and tantalizing courses available. Chef Mark Eichin, 2019 Emerald Coast Magazine Chef of the Year, is also dedicated to sourcing locally grown products so the menu changes with the seasons and provides new, delectable plates all year.
HISSYFITS BOUTIQUE
Established: 2010
Owner: Amie Wiley
Originally opened in March of 2010, Hissyfits Boutique is a family store offering gifts, accessories, clothing and home decor. Hissyfits offers a little bit of something for everyone— with a fun, upbeat atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. VIVO SPA
Established: 2010
Owners: Michael and Erin Jordan
Vivo opened its doors in rosemary Beach in September of 2010. Vivo Spa offers unique massages, facials and body treatments. As a Global Advanced Spa Educators, the owners have developed their Signature Services using their years of knowledge and by searching out different culture’s most proficient spa services. The Power Massage, Chinese Gua Sha, CanaBLISS and Cupping Massage are a few of their signature services.
Rosemary Beach boasts the well-versed spa clientele that Vivo was designed for. It is the ideal location for wellness, health and fitness, which are all a focus of Vivo’s mission.
Vivo
EDWARDS
Established: 2011
Owners: Spell Restaurant Group
Edwards is an excellent and entertaining fresh fine dining restaurant in the heart of Rosemary Beach. Also featuring an award-winning wine program that has received the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” three years in a row.
Way back when, a “Summer Kitchen” was an outbuilding where all the cooking was done in an effort to keep the heat out of the main house. It seemed appropriate to name the first restaurant here the Summer Kitchen and to invite the owners, visitors and workers at Rosemary Beach and the surrounding communities in for a bite to help keep the heat out of their kitchens!
Summer Kitchen
THE HIDDEN LANTERN BOOKSTORE
Established: 2011
Owner: Diane Brady
A gem of 30A, The Hidden Lantern Bookstore has become a beloved icon of Rosemary Beach and the coastal highway as it nears its ten-year anniversary. With an eye for quality texts, owner Diane Brady selects each title, curating a selection of books ranging from biography to best seller, children’s literature to fine art and culture, Christian fiction to mystery. With 15,000 titles lining the shelves, you are certain to find the perfect read.
CK FEED & SUPPLY
Established: 2013 Owner: Nikki Nickerson
A sister business to Cowgirl Kitchen,
Feed & Supply offers boutique gifts and locally branded apparel as well as last minute wine, beer, chips and dips—everything you need to entertain at the beach. THE PEARL HOTEL
Established: 2013
Managed By: St. Joe Hospitality
At The Pearl, the little details are the biggest gesture. The award-winning hotel provides a thoughtfully curated experience, making each guest’s visit a distinctly memorable one. The Pearl provides an idyllic setting for an intimate beach getaway. The 55-room boutique hotel, located in the heart of Rosemary Beach, boasts elegant, modern accommodations and amenities, including the AAA Four-Diamond Havana Beach Bar & Grill and Havana Beach Rooftop, a poolside spa and a central, walkable location. Throughout the hotel, local artwork further elevates The Pearl’s connection to its community, where it has become an iconic photo spot. From the cocktail greeting at check-in to the hand-delivered, freshly baked treat at bedtime, each detail is made to feel like it was especially created for each guest. Just as its name implies, The Pearl is meant to be slowly unpacked and enjoyed (in front of a stunning Gulf sunset and a glass of bubbly in hand, a plus). SEA CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE
Established: 2014
Owner: Diane Brady
Gallery Director: Jennifer Carvalho
SEA is a sun-drenched space for contemporary art, featuring new work by multidisciplinary artists at the intersection of art and design. It takes its cues from Rosemary Beach’s New Urbanist design history. As a movement that set out to reform the design of the built environment, New Urbanism emphasizes beauty, aesthetics and creating a sense of place. SEA seeks to facilitate a synergistic relationship between art object, audience and the Rosemary Beach landscape, believing in an elevated quality of living by way of aesthetics. Encapsulating these notions into a singular work is New Yorkbased artist Se Yoon Park’s tree sculpture suspended in the center of the gallery. SEA’s curation comes from the eye of Jennifer Carvalho, a Brooklyn-based gallerist and director of Carvalho Park in New York.
THE 30A STORE IN ROSEMARY
Established: 2015
Owners: Mike Ragsdale, Angela
Ragsdale, JoAnn Ribaudo
Although the 30A Company was established in January 2007, they opened their Rosemary Beach location in February of 2015. Sharing a home with Amavida Coffee & Tea, the 30A Store in Rosemary Beach offers the perfect place to pick up all your 30A Gear while sipping on a cup of coffee, tea or an ice-cold 30A Beach Blonde.
Rosemary Beach is the perfect “bookend” for 30A. While our company has become so much more than just a two-lane scenic road, we love having representation in as many towns as possible along the Gulf Coast county highway.
30A Store
I felt the vibe of Rosemary Beach was a natural fit for the art and style of the Curate Gallery culture.
Curate
CURATE ART GALLERY
Established: 2016
Owner: Gary Handler
Opened in 2016, Curate30a offers an approachable and fun gallery where the exuberance for collectible fine art is contagious. Specializing in original works on canvas, sculpture and glass for both the seasoned and novice collector.
STELLAR
Established: 2017
Owners: Geri Golding Higgs and David Higgs
Originally opened in a small kiosk in Seacrest in 2014, Stellar moved to Rosemary Beach in March of 2017. STELLAR is the place for tweens who have outgrown the kids store, as well as for grownups who refuse to. Stellar carries contemporary but age appropriate apparel. They also offer gifts, accessories and toys for older kids and kids at heart. STELLAR offers a place where moms and daughters can spend quality time together. The ribbon garland that decorates the ceiling was all created by kids tying ribbons and making wishes.
DISCO
Established: 2018
Owners: Bryan and Stacy Pritchett
Opened in April of 2018, Disco offers ultra-feminine, swoon-worthy clothing, shoes and accessories.
LUMINARY
Established: 2018
Owner: Mariam Gulistan
As name suggests, Luminary is a store that radiates light, where the clients
We love that people who travel to Rosemary Beach return year after year - sometimes never even getting in their cars once they arrive. In our 3rd season, it’s been fun to see familiar faces who come back to see us every time they are in town.
Disco
come in to get inspired and experience its elevated customer service. It’s a lifestyle boutique that carries fine furnishings along with the latest trending fashion for its clientele. Curators at Luminary create a serene ambiance with great music and its signature fragrance—mixing raw sensibilities with refined style. Opening its doors in April 2018, Luminary is a product of the owner’s passion for attention to detail, where each piece will tell a story.
OKO MEN + WOMEN
Established: 2018
Owners: Abbie Boatwright, Katie
Frankum, Vicki Steelman
Opened in June of 2018, OKO offers customers effortless, fashionable, everyday pieces that meet the demands of a busy lifestyle. OKO also designs and manufactures their in-house line that is hand-cut and sewn in the Dominican Republic. OKO stands for equip to Overcome, demonstrate Kindness, and give Opportunity. Their mission is to employ more and more women in the Dominican Republic while serving their customers.
Since the first day we visited Rosemary Beach in 2011, we completely fell in love with it. When we decided to open our second OKO location, there was nowhere else that we would have rather chosen. The small-town feel, incredible community and beautiful architecture make Rosemary Beach a place we feel so blessed to be a part of.
OKO
PESCADO SEAFOOD GRILL AND ROOFTOP BAR
Established: 2018
Owners/Partners: Steven Sapp,
Joseph Freer, Ken Duenas, Greg
Wakeham, Tim Freer
Pescado Rooftop Bar is located on the roof of the Orleans building. Along with breathtaking views, Pesacdo offers punchy cocktails with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, eclectic cuisine, fine company, familystyle dining and good spirits.
Rosemary Beach offers Pescado an extraordinary location to showcase a fantastic rooftop bar with the Gulf of Mexico on full display.
Pescado
DAUGHTERS KITCHEN
Established: 2018
Owners: Charlie Mingas,
Donde Abdugafurav
Priding themselves on their delicious freshly made food, the Daughters Kitchen has recently come under new management. In addition to their freshly made dishes, Daughters offers Charlie’s Donuts, a full espresso bar, Lucky Goat coffee, premium ice cream, Kombucha and smoothies.
THE ROSEMARY BEACH COLLECTION
Established: 2019
Owners: Rosemary Beach Holdings. LLC
To add to the offerings from the
Trading Company, the “Collection” extends the fun garments and eclectic logo items that helped make
Rosemary Beach a name unto itself.
PARISH BY ASHLEY GILBREATH + EXVOTO VINTAGE
Established: 2020
Owners: ExVoto-Elizabeth Adams
Parish: Ashley Gilbreath
While Parish + ExVoto opened in Rosemary Beach in March of 2020, the store has branches in Montgomery, Birmingham and Fairhope, Alabama. Parish + ExVoto is a combined lifestyle store focusing on beautiful and unique finds including furniture, jewelry, home accessories and apparel. Rosemary Beach is a great fit for Parish + ExVoto. Clients of both Parish and ExVoto frequent the area so we knew it would be the perfect fit for both our brands.
THE COURTYARD AT PESCADO
Established: 2020
Owners/Partners: Steven Sapp,
Joseph Freer, Ken Duenas, Greg
Wakeham, Tim Freer
The Courtyard at Pescado, located on the ground floor of the ‘Orleans’ building was designed by Denise Billman with inspiration by Joseph and Jessica Freer. The Courtyard is based on the vibrant feel and musical heritage of New Orleans. The Courtyard at Pescado features handcrafted cocktails and small bites in the luscious garden courtyard and piano bar.
As we look ahead to celebrate 30 years on 30A in 2022, we are honored to call Rosemary Beach home for well over the past decade. To be a part of the humble beginnings of Rosemary Beach was a blessing and lagniappe, as the owner, an architect and interior designer, had designed a half a dozen homes in the beginnings of the neighborhood. It was her love of the area and knowing what was to come that solidified her decision to purchase Patchouli’s and bring it home to Rosemary Beach. It is the support of our wonderful community and word of mouth that helps keep our dreams a reality. We are grateful to be forever woven into the Rosemary Beach tapestry.
