Opening of Anna Maria Island Coffee Shack is a dream fulfilled for a new Florida couple
Follow your dreams, say Steve and Michelle McSweeney.
Two years ago, the couple from upstate New York were vacationing for the first time on Anna Maria Island when it hit them that Florida is where they would rather be.
They came to AMI at the suggestion of friends who knew they wanted to move to coastal Florida. They’re grateful for the suggestion.
“It was amazing,” Steve said of the island vibe, the Gulf of Mexico waters and the warm weather.
Right away they started working on a plan to open a business on Anna Maria Island that incorporated their restaurant backgrounds, their desire to live on the coast and shared love of coffee.
“I wanted to do what I was passionate about. I love coffee, community and people,” Michelle McSweeney said.
On Oct. 1, they realized that dream when they opened Anna Maria Island Coffee Shack, 5500 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.
What’s on the menu?
It’s a spot where guests can get their coffee and espresso as well as grab-and-go foods.
Coffee lovers have a lot to choose from, including a cup of Joe, cafe au lait, Americano, Macchiato, cappuccino. Also available are cold drinks: iced coffee, brewed teas, hemp water, smoothies, milk and juices.
Grab-and-go items include muffins, cookies, cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, hot or cold cereals and lunch sandwiches.
The location
Coffee Shack is the sole occupant of a gleaming, spacious, freshly updated building. Previously, the building was subdivided among several business tenants.
“We worked really hard for this,” Michelle said of opening Coffee Shack.
As with opening any new business, there were unexpected challenges that kept the couple from opening the doors as quickly as they first imagined.
“It was almost a blessing in a way because we got to know the area and the people,” Steve said.
Added Michelle: “We got to the point of saying how can we make this better? How can we move it forward?”
The McSweeneys want the Coffee Shack to be a comfortable gathering place and have added something not usually seen in a coffee house: a community library with more than 100 books.
Still to come are a Florida-themed mural that will stretch the length of one wall and an outdoor seating area.
“If you are passionate about something, if you have dreams, make a plan and follow it. Just go for it,” Michelle said.
In addition to their food offerings, the McSweeneys promise a friendly greeting and warm reception for their guests and a desire for all guests to leave happy.
“We appreciate their business,” Steve said.
Two of the McSweeny’s four children, son, Max, 16, and daughter, Teagan, 13, assist with the business.
If you go
Hours: Anna Maria Island Coffee Shack is open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Information: Call 941-226-1821 or to order online visit annamariaislandcoffeeshack.square.site.
