The Sarasota-Manatee Originals are Looking to the Future
with a Newly Elected Executive Board
Beth Owen-Cipielewski, co-owner of Siesta Key Oyster Bar, takes the reins as Board President for The Sarasota-Manatee Originals
Sarasota, FL, November 14, 2016 — The Sarasota-Manatee Originals announces the election of new board president, Beth Owen-Cipielewski, co-owner of Siesta Key Oyster Bar, and Josh Halbrucker, managing partner of Duval’s. The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a not-for-profit organization with nearly 60 locally owned and independent restaurants throughout the Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Incoming President: Beth Owen-Cipielewski, Co-Owner of SKOB
When Beth moved here thirteen years ago and bought Siesta Key Oyster Bar, she was encouraged by other members to join the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, and it has been a great partnership. Beth Owen-Cipielewski said, “When we started this venture, one of my goals was to find other local leaders in the restaurant industry. The Originals, was just what we were looking for, they share our same mission and I knew it would be beneficial for my business. “Prior to becoming board president, Beth s served on the board for five years in a variety of offices, and has volunteered on a variety of community focused boards and committees.
Looking ahead at the direction of The Originals, Owen-Cipielewski says “After almost five years of being on the board I’m honored to take over the reins as President. I look forward to finding new opportunities to build awareness for our member restaurants not only in our own communities but throughout Florida. I feel fortunate to take on this task with Josh as our Vice President. His talents and focus will help The Originals grow as an organization.”
Incoming Vice President: Josh Halbrucker, Managing Partner Duval’s
Josh Halbrucker has been in the restaurant industry for over 18 years. Halbrucker said, “I love what I do. For the last four years I have been the managing partner of Duval’s and have really enjoyed assisting in our growth and seeing how far we have come over that period. I am a wine enthusiast and foodie at heart. The marriage of food and wine coupled with superlative service is the essence of true dining in my eyes and what has kept me passionate in this industry through the years.”
Josh Halbrucker continued: “I love being a member of The Originals because like Duval’s, they are passionate about dining excellence and are committed to serving our community. I have chosen to volunteer my time as an Executive Board Vice President to assist in growing the organization to new levels and finding better ways that we can serve our community. One of the goals that I hope to achieve is to nurture the passion of dining excellence will all members of the organization, and have The Originals be synonymous with world class dining establishments.”
Kate Atkin, Executive Director of The Originals states, “The success of such a large organization has come highly in part from bringing together like-minded individuals to serve on the Board of Directors. Our Executive Board helps to guide and lead the organization. I feel so lucky to work with such a dynamic group. Each board member may have different backgrounds, areas of expertise, and years of experience, but it is exciting and inspiring to see the group working together for the greater good of the organization. With their shared passion to promote our local culinary scene and independent restaurants, I expect great new initiatives under their guidance.”
The Executive Board of Directors includes:
- Beth Owen-Cipielewski, Co-Owner, Siesta Key Oyster Bar (Board President)
- Josh Halbrucker, Managing Partner, Duval’s. Fresh. Local. Seafood. (Board Vice President)
- Emma Kate Silvestri, Marketing Director, Venice Pier Group (Board Secretary)
- Michael Harb, Owner, Fast N Fresh (Board Treasurer)
At Large Board Members include:
- D’Arcy Arpke, Co-Owner, Euphemia Haye
- Greg Campbell, Executive Chef and Manager, Pier 22
- Steve Harner, Owner, The Crow’s Nest
- Michael Klauber, Co-Proprietor, Michael’s On East (Founding Board President)
About the Sarasota-Manatee Originals
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a group of locally owned restaurants who share a passion for dining excellence and commitment to our community. With more than 50 restaurants the group has become the go-to resource for an “Eat Like a Local” experience. For more information, call 941-365-2800 or visit www.dineoriginal.com.