Bright Businesses: St. Pete Beach Produce & Deli

ST. PETE BEACH- Fresh produce at reasonable prices and good service is what attracts customers to St. Pete Beach Produce & Deli. The shop’s owner, Odise “Odi” Armata, makes road trips for farm fresh products about three times per week.  He journeys to Tampa, Plant City, Ruskin, or Immokalee based on what is in season. About 80 percent of the store’s fruit and vegetables are locally grown based on what is available at any given time in Florida. One current seasonal option is a selection of pumpkins for carving and cooking.

“People get happy with the selection and quality. I get lots of compliments. I like the smiling faces,” Armata said.

Beyond fresh produce the deli serves up amazing gyros. The secret of course is in the sauce. The carved slices of meat on a soft pita feature homemade tzatziki sauce- a strained yogurt mixture with cucumbers and other farm, fresh ingredients. Other made to order foods include Greek salads, hummus, tabouli, salsa and soups. Soon the store will serve coffee and homemade pastries.

As a child in Greece, Armata’s family had a farm and they sold produce. Armata's passion for cooking with farm, fresh ingredients followed him when he came to Florida 13 years ago. While Armata worked in various, local restaurants people complained to him about the lack of fresh, local produce in stores.

In November 2008, Armata opened his first produce shop. The store has been in its current building with Benjamin’s Barber & Hair Salon since May. Armata also sells his produce at the in Horan Park by the community center.

If you go:

Address:  6355 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach

Phone:(727) 564-0101

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.