Sips has been a hit.
“It’s definitely exceeded what our expectations were from when we first opened up the shop,” co-owner Chris Carter said. “We didn’t think we would grow to where we are today.”
The coffee shop at Whitney Beach Plaza has been a regular gathering space on the northern end of Longboat Key since its 2023 opening. The concrete floor and wicker lamps give Sips a beachy, laid-back vibe, and residents return time after time. Adela Ibric is there every day, except for Sundays when the shop is closed, she said. Often seen with headphones on and laptop out, she spends hours working remotely at the coffee shop. On Thursday, steam drifted from her cup of herbal tea while she got some work done. Even as she tries to reduce her caffeine intake in the new year, she still supports Sips…