West Central Avenue is home to independent, non-franchise businesses blooming not only from the support of locals and college students, but also from one another.
Located around 66th Street, these places have the advantage of being close to the beach and those who inhabit it, in a concentrated area of other non-franchise businesses. This coming together of local businesses has contributed to the growing hub of unique hangouts students are flocking to.
These businesses offer student discounts or hope in the future. Some of their success can be linked to social media outreach, cross-marketing and the overwhelming support they give to one another. This collaboration was born out of a collective goal to create a sense of community and family in West St. Pete.
Barre Central, a studio in the West Central Shopping Center self-described as the “total health experience,” offers yoga, barre, pilates, ballet and other classes taught by devoted instructors. They offer students a reduced membership for $99 a month, which gives you access to unlimited classes. The first class is always free.
The owners, Patti Brown-Chlapowski and Sarah Williams, wanted to fuel the growing community with a place that could offer more than what a regular gym could.
“You don’t have to wear a certain outfit, you don’t have to be keeping up with the Joneses,” Williams said. “I think that’s why a lot of the people like it. It’s like its own little community.”
“The energy and the vibe is very welcoming. You’re there learning more about yourself. It’s more about getting to know each other, and it’s about getting in tuned with yourself. Not just in your body but in your mind, too. It’s very empowering.” she said.
Rae Rae’s Cafe, at 5701 Central Ave., works closely with Barre Central. Waitress Eliza Evans, said the key is “camaraderie and community” and making one another feel good about themselves. She said Rae Rae’s employees sport their Barre Central shirts, while Barre Central instructors and goers sport Rae Rae’s gear, as part of their cross-marketing strategy and friendship.
Nicci Rowley from Rae Rae’s said they plan on establishing a student discount in the future, but as of now, they have breakfast and brunch foods at affordable prices, perfect for college students.
Williams hopes to continue their relationship with other local, independently owned businesses, and do more cross-marketing with nearby cafes.
Kraft Cafe and Bula Kafe are just a couple of other locations in West St. Pete collaborating in this community development, with relaxed atmospheres serving as a cool and comfortable hangout for everybody, especially local students.
Students can easily reach this area of St. Pete by taking the Central Avenue Trolley (CAT) straight down Central Avenue with no transfers and zero cost with the flash of their student I.D. The ride is quick and accessible, and routes run until after dark.
