When you have been voted “Best Waterfront Restaurant in Sarasota” over and over again, the bar is set high. You know that people choose your establishment to celebrate their greatest occasions, the times that will burn brightly into the memories of those in the group. Graduations, birthdays, proposals, anniversaries – – so many beautiful moments in life, and, as you age, you realize how significant and important these pivotal moments are. It is imperative that everything be perfect to memorialize your occasion. You need a scenic setting, on the water, of course, because there is nothing more special than the lights taking a little dance over the waves, as their gentle lapping onto the shores provides a subtle melody. The food has to be on-point. You know what that means, it must be locally sourced, with prime cuts of beef and the freshest seafood marvelously presented on plates that more resemble artists’ canvases due to their colorful beauty. The service has to be stellar, after all, your beloveds cannot want for anything on their special day. Sarasota has answered on multiple occasions; if you desire the best dining experience on the water, head to Ophelia’s on the Bay.
Family-owned for nearly 25 years, Ophelia’s on the Bay has become the quintessential idea of what the good life in Sarasota looks like. Locals and visitors just rave at the world-class menu, featuring the freshest foods literally found on the planet. They are known to fly in specialty fish and seafood delicacies, and go to great lengths to source the freshest and finest grades of local foods. Dining at Ophelia’s is an experience. Sipping on a martini watching the dolphins frolic in the bay through ceiling-to-floor windows is quite spectacular. Ophelia’s provides an Old Florida setting, showcasing vista views of the bay, something many people do not regularly get to enjoy. With a much laid back, elegant feeling, guests are treated to what feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The menu at Ophelia’s on the Bay reads like an exquisite novel. From Ribeye of Darling Downs Kobe Beef to Tenderloin Tournedos of Pork, the connection between reading with your eyes and yearning to taste these delicacies is short. Narrowing down the choices can be difficult, but definitely a great read as your mind ponders melt-in-your-mouth moments up ahead. You could begin your journey with the Bon Secour Oysters, then deliciously wander into their Artisanal Salad Greens, complete with cinnamon candied walnuts. Then, how about letting a local take center stage, as the Gulf Grouper, spice-bronzed with a side of habanero potatoes dazzles your delighted tasted buds? Pulling it all together for an amazing end-of-night song will be the Banana Flambé. This is just a glimpse into the exemplary dining found at Ophelia’s on the Bay. Chances are you are already aware of this award-winning gem. But if not, it is the impeccable choice for your special occasion. Or, show up on a non-eventful evening and let the professionals at Ophelia’s bring the “special” to you.
Does Ophelia’s on the Bay love IBE? Well, of course! You do not rise to the top of your game by letting great organizations like IBE pass you by. As a Sarasota staple, Ophelia’s loves supporting local businesses within the IBE network. They have found that just about everything they need around the restaurant can be sourced through an IBE barter. From uniforms to cleaning services, marketing to office supplies, and plenty of celebrations for very loyal employees, Ophelia’s on the Bay gets it done with the helpful hands of other IBE merchants.
The Venice Print Center has been serving satisfied clients in the Venice and surrounding areas since 1998. At that time, owner Randy Kendrick opened the doors to his business, likely listening to Britney Spears on his new-fangled MP3 player. If someone would have asked him what a “smart phone” was, he may have looked at them like they were anything but. The world was preparing for Y2K, and people everywhere were wondering if it would all go dark when the new millennium began. And, back in Venice, Randy was about to embark on a professional journey that would find him serving his community and establishing one of the areas most trusted printing companies, a full 20 years later.
What does it take to be considered a pillar of the community? Having a giving spirit and a heart that yearns to return good fortune to those who have supported them is the answer for Randy and Lori Kendrick. Over the years, they have helped many mom-and-pop businesses reach their fullest potential by providing high quality printing and graphic design services. From business cards in the beginning stages to banners and event materials, then ultimately silk-screening and apparel services, they will have the materials you need at whatever growth stage your business is in. They have loved seeing their neighbors, family and friends’ businesses open and thrive. And, the reviews online bear that out with person after person providing positive testimonials to the level of service and quality of product that Venice Print Center delivers.
Over the years, the Kendrick’s’ have seen many innovative and helpful technologies emerge. They have always prided themselves on being on the forefront of great marketing and print details for their clients. Recently, they have seen an uptick in the number of automobile wraps in the area. They will happily extol the virtues of your business on a cool, bright, wrap. We all know that seeing these advertisements while we sit at a traffic light has spurred us on to call for a service or product. And lately, everyone has gotten on the bandwagon, since these types of “wraps” get nothing but a good “rap”. At Venice Print Center, they are always looking for the newest way to help their clients grow their businesses, all while providing good old-fashioned, one-on-one customer service.
How do you let the world know what you are offering? Do you have a great notepad or pen that you are dropping in your customers’ appreciation bags? A funky magnet with a catchy phrase will catch the eye of the homeowner when they need electrical or plumbing services. And, a banner can say it all as clients enter the doors of your retail establishment. There are so many ways to win over potential customers, and, at Venice Print Center, they have a plethora of ideas on how best to serve your clients and to get your name out there.
When it comes to IBE, Venice Print Center loves the opportunities it allows them to interact with other merchants in the area. As members for the past ten years, they have utilized everything from plumbing to pest control services. They love to treat their employees to lunch from BrewBurger’s and British Open Pub, thanks to easy-to-use QR Certificates. And, the savings do not stop at the office. Back at home, they have bought beautiful furniture thanks to an IBE barter. According to Randy Kendrick, “IBE opens up a lot of doors; it is great for business, personal, employee and client gifts.” He adds, “We just love all that IBE offers and regularly recommend it to others.”
Always thinking ahead, Venice Print Center is expanding in the plaza they are currently in. They have had to add a warehouse for their vehicles and machinery, and are incredibly thankful to the Venice community for their continued support over the years. The Kendrick’s were happy to introduce new business partners, Lance and Amanda Broat, within the past year. Lance’s skills have proven to be a great addition to The Venice Print Center and they are excited to see what the future holds.
There is nothing quite like the freedom of the open road. Windows down, great tunes on the radio, metal to the pedal – – but not too much, and off you go! For a teenager, the pangs of childhood are lifted a bit when you reach that golden age of being able to obtain a driver’s license. You feel the independence and importance of the vehicle you are in, and it is exhilarating. For adults, you realize that your car or truck is essential to everything that you have or wish to have in life. Let that sink in. Of course, a vehicle cannot replace love, or food, or a job, but you sure need it to facilitate all of the above. You work so you can support your family, but on an even more important rung on the hierarchy ladder is your transportation. It is almost impossible to make that six figure income without a reliable vehicle and harder yet for kids to get a job without a ride. It is a question on almost every job application: “Do you have reliable transportation?” You cannot meet the love of your life if your car battery is dead on the night of your big date. Yes, much like the air that you breathe facilitates life in your body, well-maintained automobile is necessary for just about everything else.
“Double A, Beep Beep, M,C,O!” We all know that one, don’t we? For many, AAMCO has signified help for screechy brakes and bald tires at some point or another. When the engine is smoking and your kids need to get to school, who are you going to call? In Sarasota County, one company has become that helpful hand with the skillful wrench. For the fastest, most professional and reliable auto service, Venice AAMCO is the obvious choice. Their technicians are supremely trained to handle all of your automobile woes. Whether your transmission is automatic or manual, from A to Z, they have your car, van, or truck issues covered. Their thorough line of services includes everything from clutch to steering problems, multi-point check and diagnostics to tires, brakes, oil and more. The added security you get from going to a name you trust is a definite benefit to having your vehicle serviced at Venice AAMCO. Their Fleet Vehicle Maintenance Program allows your company the flexibility to focus on new deals, while the professionals at AAMCO tend to your wheels.
Being able to barter for repair and maintenance services is so helpful, especially when dealing with the typically sudden added expenses of an automobile breakdown. At AAMCO Transmissions of Venice, they see clients on a regular basis who are there solely based on an IBE barter. If you have to pay for auto repair, why use your cash? Take advantage of an easy IBE barter and save your money for the fun events in life. Venice AAMCO readily uses IBE for QR Certificates enabling their team to enjoy great lunches and training meetings. For just about every expenditure around the office, or for plumbing, electrical, printing and a/c needs, they consult IBE first.
Look around, there are new developments everywhere. It is hard to go to Downtown Sarasota without finding a new rooftop bar or revamped office building. New hotels, restaurants and parking garages to facilitate a neat and clean streetscape are popping up on all of the corners. When cities like Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, and North Port are being recognized in the “Best Of” categories, the masses will follow. So, building up all around the city infrastructure are new condos, apartments and massive housing communities. Just where will all of that garbage and construction paraphernalia end up? If you are looking for a reliable company to handle all of your residential and construction waste and landscaping needs, you need not look farther than your very own roots.
Roots of Sarasota has much to be excited about these days. For starters, they have been in business for the past 30 years, successfully making construction and yard cleanup projects cleaner, safer, and looking better than ever. But, also, their expertise and reliability has increased their workload. The best contractors and real estate developers know who to call to get their pre and post-construction sites in impeccable order. Then, when the dust has settled and the bare bones of a new home or office are begging for greenery and flowers to add character and personality, Roots of Sarasota comes right back in to lay the sod and plant the foliage. When anxious buyers are waiting to get the keys to their new place, it is oftentimes Roots of Sarasota hurrying that process along, from beginning to end.
In addition to dumpster rentals and construction site work, and alongside amazing and unique landscaping designs, Roots of Sarasota are also masters at both small and large tree removal. There is nothing more unsightly, not to mention hazardous, than an overgrown tree ready to wreak havoc on your roof. As certified arborists, pruning, removal, excavation and transplanting – – whatever your trees need, Roots of Sarasota will make sure they are as healthy and beautiful as they can be.
When it comes to IBE, there is perhaps no better representation than that of the Roots of Sarasota team to demonstrate how simple and money saving the IBE system is. And, they use it to get virtually anything they need. Though Roots owner, Bob Phinney, enjoys IBE immensely, it is his wife, Allison, who is head-over-heels impressed with IBE. She explains it this way, “Though I don’t come across many who ever leave IBE, if they do, I always question if they are using it in the right way or know enough about it.” Allison goes on to say, “IBE is amazing, I just love it.” They Phinneys have used IBE for everything from gutter cleanings, painting, pool maintenance and even to create a living will. Just in the past week, they had to replace their air conditioning unit, a large expense by any measure. With IBE, they were able to cut the purchase price of the new unit in half. What a savings that was, totaling nearly $6000! But, perhaps their favorite ways in which they enjoy IBE are the countless parties they have had where bounce houses, and great food from Pizza SRQ, were all provided effortlessly and free from IBE. Making memories and saving money? Let’s all get in on that! From purchasing two automobiles via IBE and enjoying hundreds of dollars in savings monthly in veterinarian bills, Allison Phinney regularly “gives examples of money-saving barters to anyone who will listen.” Her next obvious questions is always, “Why haven’t you joined IBE yet?”
