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Everybody's Business

Java and Cream proprietors want to melt into community

By MICHAEL CANNING
Published December 29, 2006

"I was tired," said former Java and Cream owner Dennis Cavanaugh. "I knew that the place needed some new, energetic, fresh blood."

But keeping his ice cream and coffee shop afloat at 225 E Davis Blvd. for nine years suggests that Cavanaugh has done something right. That's why new owners Eddie Montalvo and Traci Rinoldo, who took over Dec. 21, don't plan on changing much. "We're going to attempt to keep it as is," said Montalvo.

Sure, there might be some remodeling soon, along with the addition of weekly ice cream tastings, ice cream cakes and ice cream cookie sandwiches. But Montalvo is more concerned with keeping Java and Cream an ensconced part of the Davis Islands Business District. "It's not just about selling ice cream, selling pastries, and selling coffee. It's about being entwined with the island's community itself, and we want to continue to do that."

Montalvo and Rinoldo, who are engaged, live nearby in Hyde Park North. Montalvo was formerly a manager for Northdale-based Tanya and Matt's Ice Creamiest. Rinoldo worked for an ice cream parlor in her native Massachusetts.

Cavanungh's immediate plans are to "sleep for the first few weeks," he said, as well as linger at the shop to help Montalvo and Rinoldo with the transition. Beyond that, he's not sure yet. "Something low stress," he said.

Soup-to-nuts developing

That's the way David McComas likes to do it. So with the new retail strip center that's taking shape at 4535 S Dale Mabry Highway, he's the developer, the builder, and the real estate agent.

He'll probably also remain the landlord after the Crosstown Crossings Center is finished, tentatively in late March. McComas said he and his business partners retain about 80 percent of what they develop, even after construction is complete and then tenants move in. "Most developers," McComas said, "want to build whatever will meet their margins, then sell the building and move on. Since we're also a retailer, we want the best-looking buildings, something that will age well over time."

That's why all of McComas' projects have extra curb appeal features built in, such as extra-high ceilings. Crosstown Crossings will be no exception. Most of the 8,726-square-foot building, just north of the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway, has been claimed.

McComas said the Navy Federal Credit Union will occupy 2,720 square feet, Bonaventure Salon and Spa 2,665 square feet, and Nextel Wireless 1,000 square feet. Negotiations are under way for Tropical Smoothie Caf to take up the remaining space, but the deal hasn't been finalized.

McComas' Clearwater-based European Equities Co. and Whole Development Corp. have another 20 projects under development around the bay area.

Gallery replaced with similar muse

If the commercial revitalization of Seminole Heights is to spark in one spot, the 4900 block of N Florida Avenue is as likely a place as any. The August opening of Cappy's Pizzeria there next to Covivant Gallery held the promise of new momentum.

But the art gallery closed just as the pizzas started flying. For a while, the distinctive art deco garage was dormant. That changed Dec. 19 with the opening of Tampa Street Market, which sells antique and custom-painted furniture, plus home dcor and garden art.

Owners Amy and Charles Haynie continue in a similar tradition to that established by Covivant's eight-year run at the space. Their stock is eclectic, even somewhat artsy, a salvaged and adapted collection that Amy sums up as "industrial cottage."

There are signs of distress throughout the furniture stock, but Amy said it's not shabby chic. Most of these pieces actually are old, and have been painted and modified to affect a new style.

The Haynies, who live within walking distance from the shop, will also custom-paint your furniture to give it an industrial cottage makeover.

As for the synergy that such a business might create existing next to the popular Cappy's, Amy said having the pizzeria next door was a big factor in her decision to locate there. "Definitely," she said. "We get a lot (of) traffic from Cappy's. And we want to attract that kind of people, because that's us."

The Haynies strive to make Tampa Street Market green. They use only latex paints, as well as biodegradable chemicals whenever possible. You can also drop off your unwanted latex paint there for recycling.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The Haynies said some nights they stay open longer to accommodate flow over traffic from Cappy's. Visit www.tampastreetmarket.com.

Do you know something that should be everybody's business? Call 226-3394, or e-mail mikecanning@hotmail.com.

The find

Champagne

Drink a toast to 2007 with a bottle of the bubbly from Gianpiero's Pick of the Vine, 2506 S MacDill Ave. Nicolas Feuillette Brut Champagne comes highly recommended, from 750 ml for $30 to a giant 3 liters for $200. You can pick up some gourmet appetizers for your party while you're there, too. Call 831-1117.

AMY SCHERZER

[Last modified December 28, 2006, 11:23:07]