A year ago, satisfying a craving for Puerto Rican cuisine was virtually impossible in Bradenton. Now that Casa de Caguas has settled in at 1714 14th St. W., Bradenton residents can enjoy Puerto Rican dishes whenever their taste buds cry out for the sweet and savory flavors of the island. Edward Stevens, a former beer distributor from Chicago, opened the restaurant in October after noting that he couldn't find restaurants in Bradenton that served authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. “I came to Florida to retire, but I couldn’t stay out of the restaurant business, so here I am – ‘retired,’” Stevens …

Bradenton’s newest boutique fitness studio, Green G Fitness Studio, is on a mission to provide a diverse selection of high caliber fitness programs rivaling those of Bradenton’s bigger gyms, but in what owner Grenita “Green” Bolan says is a more intimate and drama-free setting. Bolan has an extensive history in personal training, having worked at big name gyms all over Bradenton such as Lifestyle Family Fitness, Shapes and City Fitness, whose size, she said, makes it difficult for instructors to focus on their clients. “Once big gyms get your money, they often tend to lose sight of you,” …

Although Total Motorsports opened its doors just less than three years ago, the independently owned and operated motorsport retail and repair garage has already developed an outstanding reputation for its quality, service and customer satisfaction. In March, Bradenton motorsport enthusiasts voted the business onto the list of contenders in Patch’s 2012 Readers’ Choice customer service tournament. Total Motorsports’ popularity even drowned out the roar of rumbling tummies when it edged past Bradenton’s favorite burger joint, Five Guys, to reach the semifinal round – an impressive feat when …

Manatee Veterinary Clinic has come a very long way in the nearly 50 years it has been in business on Manatee Avenue. Established in the 1960s, the clinic is recognized today for providing some of the best animal care services in Bradenton. During the month of March, Patch readers went through a rigorous voting process to determine which Bradenton business has the best customer service, and although Keeton’s nudged them out in the final round, Manatee Veterinary Clinic proved to have one of the strongest customer followings in town. After spending just a few minutes with owner, Dr. David …

With spring in full swing, business is booming – or perhaps we should we say blooming – at Ms. Scarlett’s Flowers & Gifts. The Cortez Rd flower florist that carved a place for itself amongst the top 16 businesses in Bradenton Patch’s 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Customer Service, is gearing up for its busiest holiday of the year: Mother’s Day. “Mother’s Day is by far our largest holiday,” said owner Ryan Bringman. “Valentine’s Day is next, followed by Christmas and then Easter and Thanksgiving – but Mother’s Day is huge.” Bringman said that he attributes the the high volume of Mother’…

For those who can remember a time when Lakewood Ranch did not even exist, the drive out east east can be a bit of a culture shock as new businesses crop up at a mind-boggling pace. Despite the explosive growth, however, there is one thing that is surprisingly hard to come by out east: Good, no-frills mom and pop breakfast joints. Referred to as a “hidden gem” by their customers, Sea Star Café is the answer to that dilemma. Tucked away in Lane Plaza on Palmbrush Trail – just east Lakewood Ranch Blvd on State Road 70 – Sea Star Café has developed a loyal following since it first opened its …

It is no coincidence that more and more businesses based out of Bradenton’s Village of the Arts are garnering attention in Patch’s weekly Business Spotlight column. In recent years, Florida’s largest art community has undergone a metamorphosis of sorts as residents work tirelessly in the revitalization effort, attracting fresh, new artists like Hector and Bonnie Herran to settle in Bradenton. Since its establishment in 2009, the Ferrans’ 10th Avenue gallery, Blue Marschmello, has undergone its own share of transformations as it blossoms in tandem with the Village arts community. When its …

When The Village Mystic opened its doors on Jan. 3, the folks who run it also opened their arms to area residents seeking alternative healing, spiritual growth or even something as simple as a hug. “I’ve lived in Bradenton for the majority of my life and I just felt like there was a need for a place like this in this area," said owner Dawn Collins. "Our goal is to listen to the community and meet their needs; to provide them with whatever resources they need." The metaphysical store, located in the Village of the Arts, has a little of something to offer for everyone. The retail space is …

Bradenton’s newest pizza and pasta joint, Pete’s-A-Place, knows that the key ingredient in the recipe for a great Italian restaurant is good, old-fashioned family tradition. The family owned and operated restaurant opened its doors in the 71st Street Plaza on Cortez Rd in January, at the location that formerly housed Rico’s Pizzeria & Pasta House. Pete's-A-Place is already beginning to form a solid base of satisfied return customers. “We feel very fortunate that we’ve been able to open the doors and be okay from the start,” said Maria Marcario, who co-owns the restaurant with her brothers, …

Kathleen Gallen knows that the world of yoga can be intimidating for a neophyte. With seemingly endless varieties – Bikram, Vinyasa, Hatha and Prana, to name a few – cropping up all over the United States, yoga has gained in popularity over the years. However its popularity has also helped generate a somewhat elitist reputation which, Gallen said, can scare off those who could truly benefit from its practice. She hopes that her studio, Gallen Massage and Yoga, located at 2722 Manatee Ave W, will help break that stigma and give patrons of all ages and comfort levels the opportunity to improve …

Lisa Moscarello, a veteran hair stylist who has owned three salons, sees fashion trends come and go. But a good cut and style requires a level of skill and artistry that never changes, says Moscarello, who recently opened Salon Uptown Downtown, at 620 14th St. West. Moscarello’s shop is small, but customers get the full range of treatments here – including hair, makeup, nails and ear piercings. Unlike most other hair dressers, Moscarello also is a notary who’s able to officiate at weddings. Although she did not mention whether she ever married a couple at her salon, she does cut and style …

Theresa’s is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch, where owner-manager Jodi Boucher knows many regulars by name. A canopy of winding vines provides a natural buffer to the downtown traffic on Tamiami Trail, making the restaurant comfortable and convenient. Theresa’s is bright and roomy but not pretentious, which is how residents like it. Customers are not rushed and can take their time over breakfast or lunch, whether they read the newspaper or sit alone and chat with staff as they hustle by with traditional diner food. “Everything is homemade. We make our own homemade soups,” says owner …

Jennifer’s Café is aptly named. Owned by Jennifer Cintron and husband, Carlos, the breakfast and lunch spot is run by a couple who live and breathe their 3-year-old small business. Carlos is cook extraordinaire, creating specials that Jennifer dreams up, such as the BLT Ranch Wrap, a tasty, healthy twist on a traditional favorite. Jennifer runs the restaurant, at 1401 Manatee Ave. West, where she waits on tables, serves as cashier and keeps things humming. Service is job one. Everyone is a welcome guest. As first-time small business owners, Jennifer and Carlos say that they have learned about…

When that sweet tooth cries out for a little indulgence, Frosted Over Cupcakery is just the place to go. Since opening on Manatee Avenue in October, co-owners Shirley Stewart and Jodi Ennis have quickly established themselves as the mavens of all things cupcake in Bradenton. “To get something different, we’re the first and only place you can go in Manatee County,” Ennis said Frosted Over is not just any bakery. It is a “cupcakery,” meaning that it specializes in the art of the cupcake and its derivatives, which include mini-cupcakes, cake pops, cake pop-ups and whoopie pies. Frosted Over’s …

“It’s About Time” could be the name of a clock shop. Or what your mother said after you picked up your room. But it’s also a new convenience store downtown that left more than one customer repeating the phrase in relief; glad somebody finally opened up a place to buy groceries in downtown Bradenton. Credit Jessie Esposito for the effort. She opened the shop last week at the Twin Dolphin Marina. It’s so new, she still doesn’t have a sign. That’s coming, along with more stock and the full bevy of government permits. “I just got tired of getting in the car to go get groceries,” said Esposito. “…

Tinka Swetland was living in a small apartment in Naples, where she put her creativity and knack for efficient space utilization to use by running a high-end designer closet business. When it came to space in her own home, though, Tinka sometimes felt like she was living in a closet. “I can’t tell you how many times I tripped over my bed on the way to the bathroom,” she said. “I kept thinking There has to be a better way." Her frustration with the tiny space led to the patent for CitiSleeper, an award-winning slide-away bed system and the creation of a new business based in Bradenton. In a …

Israel Ortiz is no stranger to the struggle when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, but looking at him now, it’s hard to believe he was ever overweight. Today, the self-employed personal trainer devotes his energy to helping others achieve their dreams of getting – and staying – in shape. Ortiz began running marathons when he was 13 years old. During an average week, Ortiz bicycled 120 miles and ran 40 miles. However, despite maintaining an active lifestyle for over 30 years, Ortiz found it difficult to shed pounds safely due to complications associated with his diabetes. When Ortiz’s …

The polls are in, and a significant percentage of pie connoisseurs appear to be in agreement: Miller’s Dutch Kitchen is Bradenton’s favorite spot to purchase a Thanksgiving pie. Since opening its doors at 3401 14th Street W. in 1981, Miller’s has become something of a local landmark. The humble family business met so much success that it expanded in 1995 to include a gift shop and 250 seats. Just like every Thanksgiving the restaurant has hosted since 1982, the Millers anticipate a full house on Thursday. “The year they opened the restaurant, they stayed closed on Thanksgiving,” said Nick …

Bob and Lorraine Turner’s hearts are as warm as the kiln in the workshop where they fire pottery behind their east Bradenton coffee shop, Shepherd’s Den. While turning solid profits is the main goal for most coffee shops and cafés, Shepherd’s Den sets itself apart through its selfless mission: To provide a haven for the developmentally disabled. “We really have a heart for the developmentally disabled,” said Bob Turner, whose 30 year old son, Robert, is autistic and lives wiht the couple. “They don’t get to be included in a lot of things, and our main goal is to ensure that everyone has a …

Tucked away in the Fountains Plaza shopping center on US 41 is a place where fantasy comes to life; where superheroes mingle with mythical creatures and mortals. There are even some zombies lurking around from time to time. The Comic Shack, which calls itself “Bradenton’s Sanctuary for Geeks,” is a one-stop destination for comic book collectors, role-playing strategy gamers, hobbyists, and all fans of fantasy and adventure. The Comic Shack opened in 2008 and has been owned and operated by Tampa resident, Mark Wolfking, for the last two years. It moved from its original 4115 18th St W location…