The Localista Is Rollin' Out of Downtown

By now you should know that The Localista could not be a greater fan of Downtown St. Pete and all of its awesome local and independent businesses.  While Downtown, arguably, has the largest concentration of these local gems, we’re incredibly lucky that there is also awesomeness to be found outside its borders and this year we’ll feature stories about St. Pete’s local treasures located elsewhere.

 

Once the boundaries for my “Localista love” had been expanded I began thinking about what wonderful “non-Downtown-indie” we should cover first and immediately thought the honor should go to Rollin’ Oats Market & Café.  Rollin’ Oats is one of the best examples of what is great about local businesses.  When Bert Swain and Larry Schwartz founded the business in July of 1994, their vision was to create a locally-owned and operated natural food store with a foundation based on quality products, affordable prices, superior customer service, and friendly and knowledgeable employees.  This will be their 18th year in business and the commitment to those values is as evident today as when they started. When they say “our customers are the reason for everything we do,” they mean it.  I know this to be true because I’m in there almost every other day and can tell you that their customer service is bar none.  

 

If you want to know if a local business is loved by its community just utter its name and see what reaction you get.  When you mention Rollin’ Oats, people break into smiles and you hear this a lot, “OMG, it’s the best!”  It certainly is loved by all and there’s a lot to love beyond their stellar customer service:  You’ll only find 100% guaranteed-organic items in their produce section and they’re sourcing from as many local vendors as they can.  Their craft beer and wine sections are to-die-for.  The Oats Café & Bakery offers a variety of meal options including vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan.  In addition to their daily specials, they have made-to-order sandwiches, wraps and salads.  I do try to stop myself from drooling whenever I stand in front of their deli or dessert cases (well, it’s embarrassing and, like I said, I’m in there all the time, so I don’t want to get a reputation as “that salivating creature”).  I guess there’s no need to tell you, then, that what all the items have in common is their sheer deliciousness!  You can grab them and go, or you can linger a while in their seating area (you did know they had one, right?).  I love the little walk-way in between the market and the dining room.  It feels rather Zen.  Many members of the community use the room for meetings and take full advantage of the community bulletin board.  

 

That word, “community” isn’t taken lightly around here.  They don’t just offer up their room or bulletin board for use, Rollin’ Oats hosts a variety of free events, such as their cooking classes (e.g. next Thursday, January 26th, they’re offering a free “Change Your Diet, Change Your Life” cooking class).  Facebook posts include links to healthy recipes.  Their website also has a healthy recipes section, but it also boasts a healthy products showcase, health calculators and health tools.  You can take home free monthly magazines on healthy eating and living too.  

 

With such a great reputation and such goodwill it’s no wonder, then, that they’re about to embark on a large expansion project this coming year.  All departments will be enlarged and there’s talk of fresh meat and seafood sections.  Courtyard dining will be available.  A second floor will be added, which will become the new home of St. Petersburg Yoga.  I became deliriously giddy as soon as they announced the project on their chalkboard.  As is their way, a suggestion box went up with the announcement.  

 

I really couldn’t come up with anything to put in that box for the likes of general manager, Mike Asher, and Ian Swain, assistant general manager (and Burt’s son) to ponder as I think Rollin’ Oats is simply sensational and one of our ‘Burg’s greatest treasures!  Well, apart from a drool bucket by the dessert case.  

 

The Localista always asks business owners what was their favorite book as a child.  Mike’s was the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip and Ian has always been captivated by Alice in Wonderland.

 

www.rollinoats.com

“The Localista,” aka Olga Bof, plans to open her own local and independent business, Cheeky Monkeys Books & Toys, in Downtown St. Pete (www.facebook.com/cheekymonkeysbooks for updates). 

Photography provided by Featured Artist of the Burg (FAB) Sheri Kendrick of Enchanted Forest Photography(www.efpgallery.com).

Both Olga and Sheri are founding board members of the Independent Business Alliance,Keep Saint Petersburg Local. 

If you "Like" the work she does for our community, please spread the love to your friends on Facebook by sharing iLovetheBurg Downtown St. Pete and tell them about the Localista's weekly story.