By Louise Bolger
sun staff writer

What do people love most about Anna Maria Island? The beach and the Gulf waters are always the first things mentioned, but mostly people love the old time relaxed feeling that island life is famous for. Ginny Dutton and Jane Joyce have fashioned an old time country store in the heart of Anna Maria, and made an art form out of being laid back.

Ginny’s & Jane E’s At The Old IGA was born July 1, 2004, six weeks before Hurricane Charley threatened the island. Thankfully, all the hard work that went into converting the historic IGA Market was saved, and two years later Dutton and Joyce can’t believe how they’ve grown. The sisters both say the business has "taken on a life of its own" and propelled them into new and innovative directions.

Ginny’s & Jane E’s still carries a rotating inventory of vintage furnishings for home and garden. Bamboo, rattan and painted furniture geared to a coastal lifestyle are all part of Ginny’s Garden Party. The inter-net café is always a hit and very popular with Island visitors, some of whom who come in for breakfast, conduct some business and stay for lunch.

Jane E’s Bakery continues to offer fresh baked breads and deserts along with smoothies, organic juices and gourmet hot and cold coffee. Jane E’s also has daily lunch specials to eat in or take out. During the last two years, the café has added a gourmet grocery including plants and produce, bulk coffee and olive oil. There is also a "Grab & Go" section for quick meals.

Next on the horizon will be Jane E’s spa cuisines with recipes based on the South Beach Diet and gourmet pizza with daily specials. Joyce also plans on offering prepared dinners and breakfasts for rental agents to leave for incoming renters getting their vacation off on the right foot.

As if all of this change wasn’t enough, when customers started asking Ginny’s & Jane E’s if they could cater private parties at their location, the sisters said "why not."

They were suddenly off and running in a brand new direction offering private evening parties up to 100 people with individualized menus for birthdays, wedding rehearsals, clubs and even business meetings.

Another nice touch added in February was Silvia’s Fresh and Unusual Flowers located within the shop. Silvia’s flowers are creative and unique, she offers complimentary delivery on the island and can accommodate individuals and weddings.

Ginny’s & Jane E’s certainly doesn’t fit into an exact category, it is an entity unto itself, and is continually evolving. In spite of or because of this, they were nominated as rookie of the year in the small business category by the Longboat Chamber of Commerce, an important recognition.

If you have a longing for the days of old you don’t need a time machine, just step through the doors of Ginny’s & Jane E’s At The Old IGA. You’ll be transported back to the days when the pace was slower, the food was homemade and the furniture invited you to stretch out on and stay a while.

Ginny’s & Jane E’s at the old IGA
Address: 9807 Gulf Drive,
Anna Maria
Bakery: 778-7370
Garden Party: 778-3170
Silvia’s Fresh & Unusual Flowers: 720-0424
gparty@tampabay.rr.com
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m-ish; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m-ish