Sunday, March 7, 2010

KEY LARGO -- A well-known bar and restaurant has won the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce's latest Extreme Business Makeover contest.

Snapper's Waterfront Saloon received a check for $1,000 for its efforts in improving its "curb appeal."

Owner Howard Kolbenheyer said the impetus for the brightly colored, Caribbean-theme paint job came from one of the chamber's branding committee meetings.

"After listening to everybody throw ideas around the table, the one thought that I came away with was to get back to the old Keys," Kolbenheyer said. "People who come to the Keys want the flavor of the area; therefore, I decided to concentrate on a more relaxed and casual atmosphere like when I first opened."

The Bahamian color schemes job "fell right into that genre," he said. "The more I did, the more I liked it and it has continued throughout the whole property."

Applicants for the Extreme Business Makeover award are judged in seven categories: building, painting, landscaping, neatness, parking lot, signage, and ambiance and décor.

The award is reimbursement for a business's expenses, up to $1,000, that produce an immediate improvement to the company's appearance.

Only Key Largo chamber members are eligible.

The chamber is in the process of raising its third $1,000 prize. The money comes from donations made during the chamber's general membership luncheons and after-hours festivities.