Hospitality Awards 2021

Page 40 www.lux-review.com LUX 2021 Hospitality Awards Cocoa Beach is an hour’s drive away from Orlando, on Florida’s glorious Space Coast, providing a blissful escape and home to a wide variety of activities for business or pleasure. For an adventure and some seriously good food while you’re there, visit The Tiny Turtle. As a husband-and-wife duo, Moises and Kelly have been able to bring family inspired cuisine from his Puerto Rican heritage to their customers. The duo started The Tiny Turtle as a “Food Truck Style” window at the back of a building during an annual art exhibition in Downtown Cocoa Beach, and only six months later they knew there was potential for more. Co-Owner and Manager Kelly Lieneke says, “The quick growth in our first year allowed for the opportunity to grow and expand to first an indoor dining with counter service establishment, and then to further evolve into a full-service restaurant.” Having sustainability at heart, Kelly tells us, “We are proud to have evolved into one of the few Ocean Friendly Restaurants practicing sustainability when we can and have eliminated single use plastics and Styrofoam.” It is this kind of dedication to the environment that has helped to drive the business further in the market. “Our client base is locals and visitors alike. We support the happenings in our community because they are with us daily,” Kelly shares. By giving back to the community, The Tiny Turtle is keeping in touch with it’s customers and working with them to create a better world. “We have always valued our local SEP21338 The Tiny Turtle Best Casual Caribbean Fusion Restaurant – East Central Florida supporters and have always been involved in our community by sponsorships. We believe it is important to support those that support you,” she says. The Tiny Turtle’s Caribbean food and exquisite atmosphere have just earned it the accolade of Best Casual Caribbean Fusion Restaurant – East Central Florida. Kelly tells us, “Described as an island flavour, our signature dish, the Sofrito Bowl, has been the fan favourite since our beginning. Sofrito is the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine.” Its menu is packed full of unique yet traditional flavour to make a one-of-a-kind Caribbean Fusion. With a menu for main meals, breakfasts, children, desserts, and beverages, it has plenty to offer its customers. Catering for meat eaters, vegetarians and gluten intolerant customers, there is something on offer for a wide range of tastes and preferences. Not only are they a brilliant duo, but Kelly and Moises have a full staff of kitchen and serving employees to support them. This small, family business is flourishing and growing at an exponential rate, even despite the temporary yet debilitating effects of a global pandemic on Cocoa Beach and its hospitality industry. During initial COVID-19 restrictions they were able to maintain their restaurant on their own with curbside TOGO service. They adapted to the changes and are now back with their team coming back better than ever. The Tiny Turtle has improved their outdoor dining to include Tiki Huts over their patio seating and are working on expanding to include a bar with full liquor. Having just completed a full kitchen remodel to include a hood system, commercial gas grill and range, and Eco-Grip flooring. “We are excited to step into our next phase!” concludes Kelly, and we are not surprised! Contact: Kelly Lieneke Company: The Tiny Turtle Web Address: http://www.thetinyturtle.com/ Since 2013, The Tiny Turtle has been introducing the indulgent flavours of the Caribbean to its East Central Florida customers. This Caribbean fusion restaurant has been recognized as the Best Casual Caribbean Fusion Restaurant – East Central Florida. Here we talk to Co- Owner and Manager of The Tiny Turtle, Kelly Lieneke, for an insight into their journey and incredible service.