BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Restaurants close for summer vacation
You know how hot it is outside on Longboat Key in September.

We’ll venture a guess that it’s even hotter in the kitchen — which may be why many restaurants take a break for the summer.

Café Don Giovanni, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive, is currently closed but will re-open Monday, Sept. 17.

Also taking a break is Ciao, Italia! which will head back to the kitchen Monday, Sept. 24.

Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Judes Drive, has also closed its restaurant and deli through October, however, Harry’s Corner Store remains open.

+ New wedding specialist is good at tying the knots
Longboat Key Club and Resort has welcomed new wedding specialist Lauren Kincaid to the team of catering experts. Kincaid was previously with the Arizona Grand Resort, where she managed a variety of events, but saw her career evolve into the specialty of wedding planning.

“We are thrilled that Lauren has chosen to join the Longboat Key Club and Resort family,” Michael Welly, general manager, says.

Recognized as a top Wedding Wire venue in 2012, a pick on The Knot’s Best of Weddings in 2011, the Key Club can accommodate receptions for 20-to-25 people and offers a variety of settings.

+ Columbia Restaurant to benefit area non-profits
During the month of September, Columbia Restaurant will satisfy more than an appetite. Five percent of every check will support Mote Marine Aquarium, Sunshine from Darkness, Big Brothers Big Sisters or another nonprofit of your choice. This fundraiser is part of the 15th annual Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest that has raised more than $1.3 million for Florida non-profit organizations.

Columbia Restaurant, 411 St. Armands Circle, is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For a list of other participating nonprofits, visit columbiaresataurant.com.

+ Mirta Matheu Klauber joins Coldwell office
Mirta Matheu Klauber has joined Coldwell Banker’s Residential Real Estate Longboat Key office as a sales associate specializing in luxury waterfront, primary and investment residences and occasionally commercial properties.

Klauber started her real-estate career in 1980 with Michael Saunders & Co. as a new sales consultant at the Veranda Beach Club before becoming a residential sales associate in 1983.

Klauber is fluent in French and Spanish and also studied German at the University of New Orleans. She spent 10 years in hospitality at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, in New Orleans.