New eatery gives diners fresh option

With Longbeach Café, Harry’s Continental Kitchens and Blue Dolphin Café, residents on the north end can easily get their breakfast fix. Those who live mid-Key or on the south end, however, didn’t have any conveniently located breakfast locations — until recently.

Werner Wegener, a Germany native, opened the 12-seat Fresh & Fresh Café next to Michael Saunders & Co.’s mid-Longboat Key location in October, after finding the space in July.

“I’m here because residents need it,”  Wegener said. “We’re trying to give people something they need.”

The restaurant serves breakfast items such as omelets, bagels, pancakes and waffles. It also serves various sandwiches and salads, and Wegener plans to begin serving soup in the future.

The most popular item on the menu is crepes, which are available in both sweet and savory flavors. Wegener also makes freshly squeezed juice each morning.

Wegener worked in the restaurant industry for more than 40 years in Frankfurt, Germany, before moving to Florida 10 years ago. In addition to Fresh & Fresh, he owns the German American Bakery in Cape Coral and Fresh Fresh Café in the Dominican Republic.

Since opening, Wegener has seen a steady stream of diners.

“It’s going great,” Wegener said. “Every week, we get a little bit more people. I expect it to be packed when season comes.”

Wegener’s ultimate goal is to provide Longboat residents with another breakfast option to enjoy.

“I think the other restaurants here are good, but people need different,” he said. “They don’t want the same thing every day. I think I can provide that variety.”