Sips celebrates two years of keeping Longboat residents caffeinated

Sometimes it's difficult for small businesses to survive on an island that’s reliant on seasonal tourism. But Sips thrived through almost two years of business on the north end. 

The north-end coffee and breakfast shop in Whitney Plaza has not only made it through its first two years of business but found ways to expand its operations.

Sips is owned and operated by Chris and Justina Carter, with her brother, Lorenzo Condensa, often at the front of the house.

Aside from running a business on Longboat Key, the Carters and Condensa call the island home. 

When the shop celebrated its first anniversary, Justina was expecting her and Chris' first child. 

Justina Carter continued to help run the shop during her pregnancy. Condensa remembers his sister was still making orders of avocado toast and breakfast croissants the morning before she went into labor.

Now, Sips customers receive greetings by the newest family member, Micah, who was born in March last year.

Condensa said working alongside his family and watching both the business and family grow along the way has been extremely fulfilling. 

"It has meant the world to me to see the business and family grow," he said. "I've never been more excited about the future of Sips but, most importantly, the future of our family...every day it's easy to serve coffee with a smile knowing I'm always with family." 

In two years, the family-run business expanded from a single-unit coffee shop to taking over a neighboring unit to expand its kitchen in early 2024 and, thus, its menu offerings. 

Through the process, the menu has expanded to include things like the sunrise breakfast burrito and fresh acai bowls. 

Recently, Chris Carter said they are also trying to make more in-house baked goods with the expanded kitchen space. 

The Carters said offseason lulls were never too low, thanks to the support of year-round and loyal customers. 

“We had very good support from the locals,” Carter said. “And a lot of seasonal vacationers have continued to support us, too.”

One challenge last year, though, was Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which forced the shop to close for nearly a month. 

When it reopened, the community support was prominent. 

This support flowed from all directions. During the town’s recovery process, donors helped Sips serve coffee to Longboat Key’s first responders and also the visiting first responders who were helping in the cleanup process. 

Courtesy image

The official second anniversary of Sips is on March 1, when the shop had its ribbon-cutting ceremony. This year, Sips will host a special anniversary event. 

At the event, Sips will put on live music, a special grill menu, “happy hour specials” and cake and coffee all day. 

Most important, Carter said the celebration is meant to appreciate the community’s support of the business, which has been crucial in the first two years. 

“That’s what we’re celebrating. It’s all about their support of us,” Carter said.