By Cliff Dunn
It Must Be Gelato, ‘Cause Sorbetto Don’t Shake Like That
To officially mark the most recent expansion of their comfort food empire, Shawn Bombard and Nick Berry – of the eponymous Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Café, Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Café at the Saloon, and Shawn & Nick’s Gelato Station – are celebrating the latter establishment’s Grand Opening on Mother’s Day weekend. The ubiquitous restaurateurs, who acquired the Wilton Drive frozen treat shop from its previous owner, Guy Le Houx (currently of Gelati Martini, just a couple of doors down), are combining the event with a fundraiser for the Pet Project. On Friday, May 6, diners at Courtyard Café who purchase dinner will receive a coupon for a free scoop at Gelato Station, and 10% of food sales that night will be donated to the animal-and-owner welfare agency. They will follow this with a Saturday dog wash and Sunday car wash, with price specials and more opportunities for giving.
You Can Fight City Hall
In a move that was hailed by many Island City business owners as a victory for commerce and a positive move forward, the Wilton Manors City Commission recently reversed an earlier decision regarding the permitting and facility use fees for the upcoming “Celebrate Fort Lauderdale” event sponsored by the Rainbow Business Coalition (RBC) for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) 2011 Global Convention, being held May 10 through 15 at various locations around Greater Fort Lauderdale.
The RBC, consisting of gay men and women business owners from the spectrum of service and professional industries around Broward County, had requested – with the approval of the city manager and department heads – that the city waive the $2,000 permit fee and $1,000 facility use fee. According to the Commission’s March 22 Agenda Report, the “event consists of a consumer trade show, a concert and a parade of nations, which anticipates attracting 2,000 participants.” The Report went on to commend the RBC event as supporting a number of Wilton Manors’ strategic planning aims for the next several years, including building a “Strong Community Identity and Pride Objective,” establishing “Strong Work-ing Partnerships and Relationships [between] Citizens, Community Organ-izations, Businesses, [and the] City,” and creating “More ‘Community Building’ Events and Festivals.” In spite of the overwhelming support for commissioners to waive the fees, which were paid for by the businesses that comprise the RBC, the Commission originally voted against the waiver.
That changed when the panel reversed its decision. With a still-struggling economy
and many local businesses holding fast in the face of dwindling profit margins, many are wondering when the next doors on Wilton Drive will close. RBC members are hopeful that the influx of IGLTA conventioneers will pump up local businesses in the short-run, and lead to long-reaching economic benefits in the future. “This convention of around 800 international travel professionals is paramount to the growth and sustainability of the LGBT business community of Greater Fort Lauderdale,” insists Jennifer Morales, secretary of the RBC and Director of Marketing of Sidelines Sports Bar in Wilton Manors.
Location, Location, Location
There’s an old adage about it being easier on the back to just get new friends than to help the old ones move. The
relocation of Atlantic Properties International from one office suite to the one next door may have been just a stone’s throw, but the new digs are a world apart in terms of style, comfort, and space. With a state-of-the-art conference room and Client Suite (with soon-to-be-added flat screen TV and conference capabilities), not to mention I.T. department and in-house legal and finance units, the 6,000 square foot space has plenty of room to accommodate the growth CEO and broker Carl Marzola envisions over the coming months.
“We’ve been very fortunate with the core members of our team who make this such a success,” Marzola offers from the comfort of his new office. As part of his aggressive campaign to recruit, reward, and retain the best personnel, Marzola offers perks other brokerages don’t. “We’re very proud to offer health insurance and other benefits to our people. I am looking for high performers and high producers who want to fly their flag in a highly motivated environment.” With local realty stars including Scott Rouda, Dale Russell, Steve Marcus, Eric Ackerman, and Kip Reynolds manning the fort, Marzola & Company are readying themselves for the next changes to come in South Florida’s recovering real estate market.
If you’re “Open for Business”, you can contact Business Writer and Director of Sales, Cliff Dunn, with your story at Business@FloridaAgenda.com