30 Years of Sweet Success

of SweetSuccess

While President Ronald Reagan was telling Mr. Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, Johnny was making sure that nobody put Baby in the corner, and Spuds MacKenzie was everybody’s favorite party dog, some area establishments were opening their doors for the first time. Café Frederica, Main Street Frame Shop, and Cloister Collection all came to life in 1987. They’ve made it through three decades and continue to thrive. We’re celebrating this accomplishment and share their stories here. First, Kelly Galland checks in with the folks who make our mornings delicious at Café Frederica. (continues)

Sweet SuccessCafé Frederica

by Kelly Galland, h20 creative group

Kathy Childers and Hannah Delaney Showalter The black and white tile of Café Frederica glistens and the restaurant is filled with eager diners feasting on blueberry pancakes and crispy bacon. In back, Queen Kathy Childers is holding court with founder, Mark Packard. He shares how it all began: “I came to the island in ‘81 to manage Blanche’s Courtyard. Moved over to Emmeline and Hessie’s for a few years and then this space became available.” Mark knew from inception that he wanted Café Frederica to serve breakfast and lunch only. The menu was created from things that he liked and grew up with. Other favorite items have been added as customer requests. Flexibility with the menu has allowed the café to grow and change with customers’ preferences. Mark says, “We have a great staff of cooks who can accommodate.” Undoubtedly, the continuity of excellent food and some of the best servers on the island are what keep customers lined up as Café Frederica begins its 30th year.

Café Frederica's Tom Delaney with granddaughter Delaney Showalter (front row, left) and the extraordinary Café Fred team.

“On a typical weekend, we serve around 1300 customers,” says Kathy. A figure almost as iconic to St. Simons as the lighthouse, Kathy has been serving at the café for 22 years. “I remember everything about everybody.” Mark adds, “I’ve been here 30 years. I don’t know everyone but Kathy does. She’s the number one asset to Café Frederica.”

In 2004, Mark’s passion for sailing prompted him to sell the restaurant and take an eightyear hiatus. When it came time to turn the reins over, Mark chose his dear longtime friends and restaurant neighbors Tom and Leslie Delaney. Mark says, “[Tom] is like the son I never had.” Tom and Leslie plan to keep it in their family too as their daughter, Hannah Delaney Showalter, currently the café manager, will one day run it completely. Hannah says, “Hopefully, my daughters will be as fortunate as I was to see my parents’ hard work. Surround yourself with family and appreciate the rewards of doing what it takes to be successful.” Tom hopes to “come in a few days a week, hang with Hannah and flip eggs” during his retirement.

Since the Delaneys took over, not much has changed. The same yellow, black, and white color scheme inspired by Mark’s father’s airplane remains and they still have the fish tank and the train. Mark shares, “I had some trains at home and put them on a shelf in the restaurant. Kent Taylor, a retired Navy captain, would constantly ask me when I was going to put them up and run them. One day he brings in a briefcase, opens it, and hands me a check for $800. He had taken up a collection of $20 each from customers, thus forming the ‘Grumpy Old Men Railroad.’ We even had authentic stocks made. Boz came over and helped me hang the track as it sits now.” Members of the Railroad Company met at the round table in the front of the café for breakfast daily.

Mark explains, “You have to have a passion for it. You have to love the business. I’ll be 80 years old this year and I still love it.” After returning to the island a few years ago, Mark said Tom graciously gave him a job at the café, where he opens, closes, and does the food ordering and inventory. Tom said, “[Mark] loves the café. He’s part of it whether he owns it or not. He always goes above and beyond and he has a work ethic that doesn’t exist in this day and age.” Mark adds, “It gives me a purpose and keeps me going. Tom told me I could have a job as long as I’m vertical. As long as I can live on my boat and get up in the morning I’ll do it.” Whether Mark stays another 30 years is anyone’s guess, but one thing is certain – as long as there’s someone to unlock the door and cook the food, there will be a crowd to enjoy it. (continues)

Sweet Success Main Street Frame Shop

In the heart of historic downtown Brunswick, Lynn and Beverly of Main Street Frame Shop are also proud to tell us that they too are withstanding the test of time.

The little shop at 1403 Newcastle in downtown Brunswick was known as Schreiber’s men store in the 1960s and Ben Affleck transformed it into a Ybor City shoe store for Live By Night, but Main Street Frame Shop has established itself as a constant in the community for three decades. A brick and mortar store run by people greet you by name when you walk through the door and who direct you to a street location instead of a dot com when asked for an address. Even more amazing is that the shop has continued as a two-woman operation since opening in June of 1987.

While Lynn Winchester Stewart is the owner and proprietor of this quaint little gem, it’s actually Beverly Drawdy who has been there the longest and who was trained in the business. She laughs when she asks, “You know how she got me, right?! When Lynn bought the store, she bought the inventory and equipment. I was part of that!” The frame shop began life as Town Frames, owned by Steve Townsend. Beverly first visited the store when she was a high school art student. “I remember telling my mother that it would be a really neat place to work.” A mere two weeks later, a help wanted ad appeared offering just that opportunity. Beverly put in her application, and later learned that her art teacher, Laura Edenfield, had called her friend Mr. Townsend. “She told him ‘She’s a squirt. But don’t laugh her out the door just because of that. She may be just a kid, but she’s a hard worker.’” Beverly got the job in 1984 and has been there ever since. “It’s the only job I’ve ever had.”

When Steve Townsend decided to sell the frame shop in 1987, Lynn had recently left her job and knew she had to work. Despite having no experience with framing, Lynn says, “I thought, ‘I could do that!’ and so she did! Since opening Main Street Frames, Lynn describes the ride as being “interesting, exciting, scary, and wonderful!” Beverly stepped up and taught her the ropes of the framing business. Now these two ladies work together seamlessly and they wouldn’t have it any other way! Lynn says the shop was a saving grace for her when her husband died, and she loves having a business in the Brunswick community where she was born and raised. Main Street Frames is the go-to place for custom framing in the Golden Isles. Their matting and framework is all done by hand, no electric tools involved. People appreciate their artistry and their personal attention. Lynn is proud that they made it through the recession when new construction essentially halted and interior designers – a major part of their clientele – weren’t doing much business. Now that the economy is healthy again, people are back to framing just about everything, from military medals to wedding keepsakes, and christening gowns to turkey tails, and she’s happy to be part of preserving those special moments. She also says it’s a great time to be in Brunswick with new businesses like the distillery coming in and other planned business development. Stop in to see the ladies of Main Street Frame Shop on First Friday. They usually participate, and will be raising a special toast in celebration of these past 30 years in June. (continues)

Sweet Success Cloister Collection

We also checked in on the anniversary festivities that took place in May at Cloister Collection. May was a month of celebration for the Cloister Collection family. And family is truly a key element in the success of the popular women’s designer fashion boutique located in the Shops at Sea Island. Currently run by Steve Moore, who is President of both Cloister Collection and Evelyne Talman, the business was started by Steve’s father, who had 20 years of retail clothing experience at Macy’s, and his stepmother. They opened the original flagship store at the old Cloister property on Sea Island and since then, the St. Simons Island store has moved to its present location and a second store location has opened in Athens. But not only is the store a family business, it’s also a family to its employees. Steve says, “I like to think we supply careers here, not just a job.” The women who work here agree whole-heartedly. (continues)

For instance, look at Fashion Consultant Marcia Newcombe. She has been with Cloister Collection for 13 years. Like Kathy at Café Frederica, Marcia knows everybody and everybody knows her, but she thinks that’s true of the whole staff, who are all so friendly and welcoming. “I consider the store my family, and the people who shop in here are my friends.” She says, “I have seen children in preschool get licenses, drive their cars, go to college. I have seen people get married, come in with their grandchildren, and with their grandparents.”

Cloister Collection and Evelyn Talman buyer Ally Urquhart didn’t come along until 2009, but she started out as Steve’s assistant and has done a little bit of everything, including modeling looks for social media and beyond. “Steve has taught me everything from finances, how to work with different partners, doing the buying, and fostering relationships.” She was involved in opening the store in Athens and says that has been an amazing experience. She makes buying trips, attends fashion shows, and has planned some here as well. She works on marketing and media for the stores, and is a fabulous style guide!

Cloister Collection is known as THE place to go for Lilly Pulitzer on St. Simons Island, with the biggest collection and variety of the classic resort line around. But the store isn’t all Lilly by any means. Their clothing and accessory lines have expanded and changed with fashion trends over the years. No matter how styles change, however, you can count on these reliable constants from The Cloister Collection: you will always be able to find timeless fashion there, as well as staff that loves nothing more than to help you find the perfect look for your special events or everyday occasions tailored to your own sense of style. Whether dressing for the beach or for a bridal breakfast, a night on the town or a neighborhood cookout, Cloister Collection has what you need to create the look you desire. Shoes, jewelry, hats, totes, scarves, even skin care products, are available in store to make sure you’re stylish from the bottom to the top. One very big change and modern innovation at Cloister Collection is the addition and continued refinement of their website and use of social media platforms. This has expanded the store’s reach and allows customers from far and wide to preview looks and shop from home. Here’s to progress! You’ll also want to make a point to attend some of the fun trunk shows that Cloister Collection hosts to feature new lines and new looks while guests enjoy refreshments, and sometimes live music and other goodies. No matter how you like to shop, in-store with a friendly and helpful staff, or in your pajamas in the privacy of your home, the Cloister Collection can accommodate, and it’s this kind of pleasant shopping experience that has kept customers coming back throughout these past three decades and is sure to continue for years to come.

Congratulations to all of our friends at these fantastic establishments. We wish you at least 30 more!

Infant and Children’s Clothing, Gifts and Accessories

IN-HOUSE MONOGRAMMING 276-A Redfern Village, St. Simons Island, GA / 912.434.9372

SHOES STUART WEITZMAN • DONALD PLINER • ICON • KATE SPADE • AMALFI GENTLE SOULS • MICHAEL KORS • MEPHISTO NAÖT • COLE HAAN • SAM EDELMAN JACK ROGERS • MARC JOSEPH • FRENCH SOLE TONI PONS WONDERS • AUDLEY • LOUISE ET CIE • SESTO MEUCCI • VANELI ERIC JAVITS • GEOX • THE FLEXX • CLOUD • ICON • ANDRE ASSOUS • FEMME

APPAREL FRANK LYMAN • HANRO • LYSSE • GERRY WEBER • ALBERTO MAKALI

ACCESSORIES M.Z. WALLACE • LODIS • SUZI ROHR • ERIC JAVITS • MICHAEL KORS

3419 Frederica Road, St Simons Island 912.638.1413 Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.