Bright Businesses: Smiley's Snack Shack

ST. PETE BEACH – Want the feel of a backyard barbecue without the cooking or cleanup? Nestled under palm trees, Smiley's Snack Shack is on the beach side of Gulf Boulevard. Opened this summer, the place is where guests can rest in a hammock or unwind watching their favorite team, from an Adirondack chair. The sides of the sunny yellow snack shack hold flat screen TVs. For patrons who prefer to run and play, the eatery offers its own mini-playground in the shade. Parents can easily watch the play area from the wooden gliders.

While patrons unwind, the team at Smiley's cooks to order carefully crafted backyard favorites. The "kegger" is a specialty foot long soaked in beer then grilled. Flame grilled chicken sandwiches, drum chicken wings with a choice of sauces and grilled cheese are some of the other menu choices.

Owner Paul Nicklaus thought the snack shack would offer neighbors at nearby condominiums and resorts the opportunity to have a backyard barbecue. He did not want to create a fast food experience but developed each menu item with its own special recipe, much like backyard grill masters would. Even the handwritten look to the menu board has a home feel.

As patrons pull into the Gulf Boulevard lot, look closely at the smiley face on the sign. The logo was inspired by a sketch Nicklaus made of himself as a sixth-grader growing up on St. Pete Beach.

If you go:

Address: 3700 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach

Daily Hours: 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Phone: 727-803-6885

Dine-in, delivery and carry out are available.