provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Village Shops has become a new center of activity for Sanibel Island, and on July 30, the SanCap Chamber celebrated with a double ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Over Easy Café (OEC), it’s The COOP retail sidekick, and neighboring JRod’s Surf Fish Style at 2340 Periwinkle Way.
Liza Clouse and Trasi Sharp first took ownership of OEC at its original location in Olde Sanibel Shoppes in 2007. They had earlier opened their retail pet boutique Island Paws in the same shopping center in 2003. The two operations catered to pet-lovers, with OEC being known for its dog-friendly patio and special events and fundraisers for more than 20 years.
After Hurricane Ian hit in September 2022, many of the shop-owners at Olde Sanibel closed for renovations. OEC, at ground level, was one of the hardest hit. It suffered closure for 18 months, with a March 2024 reopening. To move to higher ground, Olde Sanibel Shoppes retailers have relocated to The Village Shops. OEC reopened at the former Traders2 restaurant.
“We love being here, especially the higher elevation and with all our Olde Sanibel Shoppes friends and neighbors!” said Clouse. “The most challenging part was taking a building that has not been occupied since pre-Ian. It’s been through three hurricanes and sat vacant for three years, so there was a great deal of work to do. The good part was that the bulk of the work we did was while we were still open at our old location. The actual move had us closed down for only 17 days, which was truly amazing!”
The new location retains the same staff, menu, furniture, neighborly feel, and pet-friendliness. The owners changed the look from farmhouse French to an open urban feel. The COOP sells OEC merchandise along with chicken-themed and pet gifts.
Jerod Edgington had opened JRod’s at Olde Sanibel in May 2022 and moved to The Village Shops June 20. It carries a mix of surf-inspired wear and coastal lifestyle apparel.
“This new space just feels right,” he says. “We’re surrounded by other great businesses, and the whole plaza has this classic Old Florida charm that fits the vibe we love. It’s also made it easier for people to find us, hang out, and enjoy the full shopping experience.”
“How gratifying it is to see Village Shops come alive with the bustle of shoppers and diners!” said SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer John Lai. “With Over Easy as a long-loved hub of activity, the shopping center exudes energy. JRod’s fits right in with the island spirit of the place.”
“The community, the chamber, and our visitors have been amazing,” said Sharp. “Like us, most customers were sad we were leaving that historic location. People have shared so many memories and stories through the years, about when it was Calamity Jane’s, The Post Office, or Crazy Gators. We really feel we are integral to island history.”
“From day one, we’ve felt welcomed and encouraged. It’s one of the best parts about being on Sanibel—people truly show up for each other,” said Edgington.
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