Business Observer

+ New kid on the block has store in the bag
Michelle’s Brown Bag Café, a gourmet breakfast-and-sandwich shop, recently opened in downtown Sarasota, at 32 S. Osprey Ave. Owner Michelle Connor started the café in Bar Harbor, Maine, in 2005, providing locals and visitors with daily breakfasts and lunches. Connor seeks to do the same with the Sarasota location.

“I grew up in Miami and missed the Florida lifestyle,” Connor said. “When I realized Michelle’s Brown Bag Café could be just as successful in Sarasota, I didn’t hesitate to make the move. We are very excited to have this great location in the middle of downtown and look forward to getting known and establishing the Brown Bag in its new hometown.”

 The café is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and serves breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. All items are available to-go. The café also offers a self-service deli case and downtown delivery and catering.

+ Soma Intimates opens at Westfield Southgate
Chico’s sister store, Soma Intimates boutique, held its grand-opening celebration Thursday, March 11, at Westfield Southgate Mall. Guests enjoyed refreshments and 20% off their purchases during the event, hosted by Verna Gibson, Chico’s FAS board member. The shop donated 10% of the day’s sales to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota.

+ Chris Ayles named teacher of the year
TPC Prestancia’s director of instruction, Chris Ayles, was recently named Teacher of the Year for the Southwestern chapter of the North Florida section of the PGA of America. The award, announced by Heritage Golf Group, recognizes a PGA professional who is an outstanding teacher of golf and is based on the professional’s overall performance in teaching, including innovative and special teaching programs and articles published, as well as outstanding golfers whom the professional has instructed. Ayles has been the director of instruction at TCP Prestancia since January 2008 and previously worked at Longboat Key Club, as part owner of Plant City Golf Club and as the owner of Terra Ceia Bay Golf and Tennis Club.

+ The Tile Market moves to Main Street location
Known as the source for a diverse selection of artisan tiles from around the world for more than 12 years in the Sarasota area, The Tile Market has moved to 1962 Main St. The new location is the previous home of the Main Bookshop, and is now known as the Archibald Building, a four-story, multi-use building across the street from the Regal Hollywood 20 movie complex.

+ Dennis Stover joins New College Foundation
Dennis Stover is moving from vice president of resource development of the Senior Friendship Centers to vice president of philanthropy of the New College Foundation.