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Profiles





        At Ann’s



        Florist Cafe &



        Wine Bar



        Business is




        Blooming                                              reflection of the deep understanding Ann’s has of their
                                                              customers’ lifestyle needs and preferences.

         By Jennifer Nayak                                    “We really pay attention. The feedback from our customers
                                                              was, we love to come here for flowers and gifts. Why not
        Adapting to a                                         offer coffee? Why not offer wine? After all, they both go
                                                              so well with flowers,” Shaw chuckles.
        changing boulevard.                                   Artfully situated among the fresh flowers, seasonal displays

                                                              and curios of elegant gifts, the cafe offers coffee
           ong-time local favorite, Ann’s Florist is now blossoming  aficionado’s cult favorite, Panther Coffee of Wynwood,
           at night. Inspired by feedback from customers, the
        L newly-expanded cafe and wine bar brings welcome     imported Italian sodas and a rainbow of fresh macaroons,
        additions to a neighborhood on the brink of renewal.  tea cakes and pastry, provided by a local bakery.
        Named for Mom, Ann’s is the 3rd generation Florida    Ann’s signature good taste and eye for detail is
        family business co-owned by brother & sister duo, Buddy  everywhere. A long communal table begs for company
        Shaw and Kim Fuentes. Fuentes’ daughter, Taylor Fuentes,  among the potted orchid garden, Parisian inspired vintage
        has recently joined the business as an operations manager  collectibles and witty greeting cards.
        for the cafe and bar.
                                                              ‘When we first moved here, it was pretty quiet,” describes
        The new experience is unique and exceptional. Walking  Shaw, speaking of the two-story, fern and floral covered
        into Ann’s today, it’s almost as if the award-winning florist  patio overlooking Las Olas. “We liked that it was a free-
        and European-inspired gift shop is now the backdrop for  standing building with its’ own character and uniqueness,
        this hip bistro, boutique, bar & café. Elegant and relaxed,  that you just can’t build,” says Shaw.
        the velvet-covered and chandelier-lit wine bar is another
                                                              Why the changes? “Before, people would only go up to
                                                              Mango’s and turn around at night,” Shaw describes.
                                                              “Now, with the afternoon and evening crowds from
                                                              businesses like Louie Bossi’s, Archives, Sweet Nectar and
                                                              BSquare, we needed to become a more active part of the
                                                              street,” says Shaw of the decision to expand.
                                                              Already available for private parties, Ann’s Wine Bar will
                                                              soon be hosting events featuring floral design workshops and
                                                              wine tastings. “We want to stay engaged and be an active
                                                              part of the business community for a long time,’ says Shaw.
                                                              Ann’s Florist is located at 1003 E Las Olas Blvd.
                                                              Open Monday-Friday, 8am-5:30pm for floral and retail;
                                                              Cafe & Wine Bar, Monday-Friday, 8am-10pm/11pm
                                                              Fri & Sat. Sun 8pm.
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