January 03, 2025

Salty Pup Coffeehouse and Bakeshop opens in Gulfport

January 03, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Gulfport residents and their pups can enjoy a new cozy cafe serving coffee, baked goods, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items.

Jeff and Jody Musselman quietly opened the Salty Pup Coffeehouse and Bakeshop several weeks ago at 5004 Tangerine Avenue South, which was formerly home to Mama Pearl’s.

“Whenever we travel, we love visiting coffee shops for their different atmosphere and vibes. We’ve always talked about opening a shop one day,” Jody said to St. Pete Rising.

Named in tribute to their beloved dog, Salty Pup is working with a small Tampa-based wholesale coffee roaster to source beans for their espresso-based drinks, cold brew, and drip coffee. They also serve chai and matcha lattes.

December 30, 2024

Voila-Merci French bakery and bistro to open in Indian Shores next month

December 30, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

A new French bakery and cafe is bringing authentic French pastries, cakes, croissants, and more to Indian Shores next month.

Voila-Merci French Bakery and Bistro will be located inside the bright pink building at 19525 Gulf Boulevard in front of the Dolphin Key Condominiums.

The 2,680-square-foot space was previously home to the Original Pizza Restaurant, a longtime family-operated staple with Sicilian-style pies.

“My wife [Claire] and I owned two bakeries in Lyon, France for 20 years, but we sold them in 2023. We just obtained work visas to open our first bakery in the United States,” Philippe Monnet said to St. Pete Rising.