The Localista @ The Royal Brownie Co.

1-11-11 may be remembered as the day that the new Dali museum opened, but there was another opening just a few blocks away that didn’t come with a parade or any fanfare, yet also symbolizes something important for Downtown St. Pete’s development. On that day, a young woman, Alexis Winning, brought hope and passion (and not to mention, yumminess!) into 100+ square feet of the 600 block when she opened her shop, Royal Brownie Co., and a new, local and independent business was born.

We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off “The Localista” series than to introduce you to St. Pete native, Alexis, and her new shop. 

What made you decide to open a brownie shop?
About three years ago, I started making them and began throwing things into the mix. It was trial and error.  Then people kept asking for the recipes so I felt I really needed to try to do something with brownies. I was going to start selling them at the Saturday market but then I learned about this space becoming available (it certainly beats having to sell them outside on a cold day!).

What do you like about being Downtown?
First of all, I’m proud to be from St Pete – the littlest big town – where you’re bound to know people I know. Downtown has that community feeling. Everyone on the 600 block has been spreading the word about my opening and they have made me feel very welcome. Johnny Vitale even learned that I didn’t have a sign ready to go and made my window decal for me (it’s so much better than a welcome basket!).

What past experience will help you in running the shop? 
I’ve worked in the food industry before (including The Globe Coffee Lounge) and I have managed an ice cream shop. I love the meeting new people aspect. Although once customers become regulars, I’d like to get to know them more. Using reward cards in the shop, each time they come in and I to take out their card, I get to see what they’re buying, their favorites and I can make more informed suggestions.

What’s your favorite item and which one would you recommend for Valentine’s Day? 
My favorite is the S’more brownie. I like to make them for myself at home on a Sunday too. For Valentine’s I’d definitely go for the Red Velvet!

“The Localista” will ask this final question every week:  What was your favorite book when you were a child? 
Alexis:  I remember reading I’ll Teach My Dog 100 Words over and over again. I know I still have it at home.

Here’s what Royal Brownie Co.’s website and Facebook page wants to let everyone know: "We are here to spread more sunshine to you, your loved ones and clients by adding chocolate to your lives! We want you to feel like royalty, eat like royalty, but not spend your money like royalty.” 

Well, The Localista tried that S’more brownie and…oh…my…goodness – royal, indeed! With a new year comes new life and new dreams and we’re certainly hoping that Alexis gets to live hers in her little, local and independent shop.
 
Royal Brownie Co. is located at 4 6th Street North and is open Mon – Sat from 11am to 6pm.
727-238-7226

This story is contributed by:

“The Localista,” aka Olga Bof, will be opening her own local independent business, Cheeky Monkeys Books & Toys, later this year in Downtown St. Pete (www.facebook.com/cheekymonkeysbooks for updates).

Photography by Featured Artist of the Burg (FAB) Sheri Kendrick of Enchanted Forest Photography.