Café Soleil: The Struggle to Preserve Small Business in Dolphin Village

Over a decade ago, when Lauren Chezaud decided to leave her native Paris, she embarked on a quest to find America’s best beach. TripAdvisor’s verdict in 2012 led her to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where she eventually opened Café Soleil. This charming French cafe quickly became renowned for its freshly baked bread, pastries, and exceptional coffee, earning a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Florida restaurants list for five consecutive years and national recognition for its croissants. In April, Café Soleil celebrated its 10th anniversary.

However, a cloud of uncertainty now hangs over this beloved cafe. Due to a leasing dispute, Café Soleil is being forced to vacate its original location at 4695 Gulf Blvd. Despite planning to relocate to a remodeled part of the same shopping complex, Chezaud found herself in a situation she didn’t anticipate.

The controversy arose when the landlord allegedly suggested that Café Soleil alter its menu to avoid competing with the neighboring Starbucks. Supposedly, if Chezaud ceased selling specialty coffee, pastries, and egg-based products, her lease could be renewed. Chezaud refused, leading to the dispute that ultimately resulted in her departure from Dolphin Village. The space was subsequently leased to Jersey Mike’s Subs.

The landlord has denied requesting any menu changes, placing blame on “another tenant’s lease.” Meanwhile, Starbucks has clarified that it did not request or compel any business to influence Café Soleil’s tenancy.

This situation highlights the complexities and conflicts that can arise between small businesses and large, chain establishments in shopping centers. Often, chain businesses like Starbucks have exclusive clauses in their leases that limit competition, creating challenges for smaller, independent businesses.

Chezaud’s story has garnered significant community support, emphasizing the importance of small businesses coexisting with larger chains. While the law may not favor her situation, she hopes that speaking out will empower other small business owners facing similar challenges.

Ultimately, Café Soleil’s departure from Dolphin Village serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining thriving local businesses and accommodating larger corporate interests in commercial spaces.