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Beach Pavilion goes BareFoot

Remodeled and under new management, the former South Beach Pavilion opens with flair and ice cream.

By TAMARA EL-KHOURY
Published April 23, 2005

CLEARWATER BEACH - The yellow paint is as fresh as the ice cream at BareFoot Beach House, which opened for business last week after an investment of over $200,000 and a touch of political controversy.

What was formerly the South Beach Pavilion is looking very different under the new management of Lisa and Steve Chandler, who began their 10-year $2.125-million lease on the city-owned property in January.

The Chandlers represent the first change in management of the property in 35 years. The building had been leased since 1965 by the family of Hoyt Hamilton, a member of the City Council.

When it was time to renew the lease last year, questions arose as to whether Hamilton's connections would give his family an advantage in the bidding. The Chandlers, owners of Pier 60 Concessions, eventually won the bid and remodeled the structure.

Among the most noticeable changes since the Chandlers took over is the creation of a cafe serving ice cream, desserts and coffee, which replaced the former pavilion's gift shop. The cafe is decorated with a bamboo-trimmed counter and cushioned wicker chairs.

The building still offers a concession stand. Hot dogs and fries are on the menu, but so is grouper, chicken, salads and selections for kids. Sunscreen, towels, footballs and other beach necessities are for sale. But perhaps the most popular change of the new operation is the bathrooms.

"The bathrooms are beautiful," said George McKeldin, 70, who just finished "a great, big grouper" at one of the picnic tables on the beach. McKeldin, who said he also frequented the former South Beach Pavilion, also likes the coffee shop and ice cream parlor.

The wait wasn't long but women lined up to use the neat, brightly-colored bathroom trimmed in beach-themed valances.

Lisa Chandler is proud of the restrooms, which employees check hourly.

"I always like to do things with flair," she said. "I know some people may say it's just a restroom."

It took three months to navigate the permit process and renovate the building, which had new electrical and plumbing installed. That meant missing the spring break crowds.

"Yes, we did miss the bulk of spring break, but my only thought is we have the next 10 years to showcase our business," said Lisa Chandler. "We took our time and I think we have a first-class product."

Frances Nelson, 65, said the former pavilion was "kind of run-down." She admired the new decorations in shades of orange and brown. A Clearwater native, Chandler said she came to the former South Beach Pavilion almost every Sunday. Her mother bought bathing suits from the gift shop. Now she operates her childhood stomping grounds.

"So far everything has been very positive," she said. "We've had a few people who have come in and asked, "Where has the gift shop gone?' but really, the vast majority has gone "Wow."'

[Last modified April 23, 2005, 00:54:19]