Cafe now serving breakfast and lunch on Anna Maria Island. Customers love the view
This week, guests who lined up to order breakfast or lunch at the newly opened North Shore Cafe had rave reviews.
They spoke about the food, the family atmosphere and especially the outdoor waterfront space at 304 Pine Ave., where many of guests chose to have their coffee or a meal.
“There is an energy here,” said Charlie Walker, who enjoyed a coconut milk latte, while his wife, Deborah Walker, had avocado toast with a poached egg on top.
“The family feel is wonderful. It fits right into Anna Maria Island,” Deborah Walker said.
The couple was especially taken with the outdoor space.
“We walked back here and it is so inviting. It’s so special and so comfy. It’s art really,” Charlie Walker said.
North Shore Cafe is family owned and operated by Nathan and Colleen Geller. Nathan brings a 30 year background in corporate retail planning, while Colleen previously worked in art and design.
“It was a two-year project to get to where it is today,” Colleen said of the renovation of a former day care facility. “When we saw the property and that it was on the water, we knew that we could open it up and provide a space where you could relax and enjoy yourself.”
Ever since North Shore Cafe opened, guests have been drawn to the outdoor space to chat and enjoy their purchase. “It was a long and happy day,” Colleen said.
Nathan Geller grew up in New York City, and Colleen is from San Francisco. They moved to the Tampa Bay area 11 years ago, and have three children: Brandon, 18, Jonathan, 14, and Vivian Rose, 2 1/2.
Brandon is away at college, and will help out at the restaurant during the summer. Jonathan was working the cash register this week, while his baby sister was munching on a strawberry.
Vivian Rose showed a visitor where she can be found on a brilliantly colored restaurant mural of Anna Maria Island street and water scenes, painted by artist Robert Johnson. For the record, Vivian Rose is shown in a seat on the back of a bicycle pedaled by her dad. Her brothers are shown kayaking.
The menu at North Shore Cafe includes coffee and espresso, hand-crafted tea, smoothies, bowls, pastries and bagels, breakfast, and beer and wine.
In the next two weeks, the Gellers expect to add sandwiches to the menu, including BLTs, classic turkey, caprese, turkey club and a buffalo chicken wrap.
“The other merchants have been so positive and supportive. Everyone is awesome, friendly and nice,” Colleen said.
The Gellers have been focused on opening North Shore Cafe, and serving the customers who have been visiting their restaurant. For more information, the best approach is to visit. They don’t have a web site, and while they have a phone, 941-900-2671, they have been directing their energies toward serving their customers.
