Gulfport shop swap

By Laura Mulrooney

Over the past several months, big changes have been in the works for Gulfport’s businesses.

LocalShops1

On Thursday, April 30, LocalShops1 founder, Ester Venouziou, announced via Facebook that she would not reopen her brick and mortar location.

“We’ve decided we are not going to re-open the shop. With the social distancing guidelines, and whatever the new ‘new’ might be, operating our shop is practically impossible – the space is tiny, and the appeal is to touch and feel things. Not the best combo in the covid/post/covid world.”

Like many businesses during Florida’s “Stay-At-Home” orders, Venouziou was forced to close her doors and find an innovative way to continue supporting local business.

LocalShops1 launched their online marketplace buylocaltampabay.com.

In the same post, Venouziou assured followers that not reopening the shop has actually been for the best. “In the two weeks since we launched the online marketplace, we have had more sales than an entire very-good month at the shop.”

The overhead costs that came with having a storefront have greatly diminished and Venouziou is using that opportunity to give 100 percent of sales directly to the local businesses. LocalShops1 doesn’t charge listing fees or take any cuts.

Stella’s Sundries Swag & Scullery

Stella’s new specialty shop has taken the place of LocalShops1 at 2908-A Beach Blvd S.

And yes, it’s that Stella’s.

“I have always wanted to be able to have a retail spin off of Stella’s and now being in the Courtyard has allowed me to do so,” explained Stella’s owner Barbara Banno.

“Stella’s swag will include t-shirts, hoodies, baseball hats, coffee mugs and rumor has it there may be a Stella’s Cookbook in the near future,” said Banno. “We are looking at some fun and funky kitchen gadgets and who doesn’t love a Nun cocktail napkin, along with other Nun-tastic items.”

The Perfect 10 Nail Salon

The Perfect 10 Nail Salon is “going back home,” as owner and operator Linda Craig put it.

“I spent seven-years at 2914 Beach Blvd. S. before moving to 2908-B Beach Blvd. S. I’m just going home so to speak,” said Craig.

She said, “Nothing is changing except my address. 2908- B will now be 2914 ½.”

Due to the nature of medical pedicures, the steps to her current location have proven difficult for some of her clients, the move will allow easier entry and exit and will provide a quieter and low key atmosphere for the salon.

Craig offers diabetic foot care and addresses minor toenail/foot issues such as ingrown toenails, etc. Additional services include spa pedicures and manicures. Craig is by appointment only and can be reached at 727-239-5280.

The Gabber Newspaper

As The Perfect 10 Nail Salon transitions out of suite B, the Gabber Newspaper has moved from 1419 49th St. S. into our new little nook in the courtyard, 2908-B Beach Blvd S. If you see us there, feel free to say a (socially distanced) “Hello!”

After months of patience and delays, Mike Jackson and Kevin Mulrennea opened up Paw Paw’s Pet Boutique on Beach Boulevard in June.

Laura Mulrooney

The Gabber can still be reached at 727-321-6965, or by emailing publisher@thegabber.com. Check out our new website at thegabber.com, where you can now place a classified ad and see them all online.

Ohlendorf, atelier and Mermaid Mercantile

On Tuesday, May 9, founder of Ohlendorf, atelier and Mermaid Mercantile, Wendy Ohlendorf, made an announcement on Facebook: “With great gratitude in my heart and soul I must tell you that Ohlendorf atelier, Mermaid Mercantile, and Gulfport Community Arts have suffered tremendously from Covid 19. I will be closing the brick and mortar store.”

Ohlendorf is currently working on a personal website to bring her inventory online, but in the meantime shoppers can find their personal favorites and other available goods at shopneighborhood.com (search for Mermaid Mercantile).

Let It Be Ice Cream Shop and More

Once known as “the smallest ice cream shop in Gulfport,” Let It Be Ice Cream has expanded from their tiny walk-up window and leaving the Art Village Courtyard. But, they haven’t gone far.

Let It Be Ice Cream is now at 3127 Beach Blvd S. in the same parcel that was purchased by Neptune’s Grill owners, Gus and Dia Vartsakis in November 2019.

“We intend to make Let It Be Ice Cream a safe place for children of all ages to hang out that isn’t a bar,” said owners Janet Impastato and Tina Grello.

Let It Be Ice Cream is open seven days a week and offers traditional ice cream along with vegan and dairy free options. Impastato and Grello are also promising a few surprises as well. Paw Paw’s Pet Boutique

Gulfport also welcomed newcomers Mike Jackson and Kevin Mulrennea, owners of Paw Paw’s Pet Boutique, “Gifts for pets and the people who love them.”

“We’ve always loved Gulfport,” said Jackson “We’re excited we finally found the perfect spot for us. It took quite a while to do so, but we’re extremely excited to finally be in Gulfport.”

Jackson and Mulrennea are expanding their current business located in John’s Pass and have set up shop at 3129 Beach Blvd. S.

Tangelo’s Grille

“I am saddened to say that the era of Tangelo’s Grille has come to an end,” wrote owner Lisa Brennan in a Facebook post on Thursday, May 14. “Due to COVID-19 , the nearing of the end of our lease, and the uncertainty of the future, we came to this difficult decision.”

Sadly, after almost 33 years in business – 23 years in St. Pete and 10 years in Gulfport – Tangelo’s is closing. The space, however, at 3121 Beach Blvd S. – in the coveted corner near the Casino – has a new occupant getting ready to move in.

Salty’s Sandwich Shop

After selling their building in May 2019, Salty’s will finally close its doors at 5413 Shore Blvd. S.

But not all good things must come to an end. Owner J.P. Brewer is sliding down Shore Boulevard to the east end of Beach Boulevard and will open Salty’s Sandwich Bar at 3121 Beach Blvd. S.

Not much is known yet about Brewer’s new adventure, but keep an eye on Salty’s Sandwich Bar Facebook page for teasers and more information.