Kermit and its wonderful world of "All Things Lime" takes great pride in its participation in three completely different evens in just one happy weekend. In Kermit's own neighborhood of Key West, his Lime Shoppe sponsored Scott Free Racing, which won third place in the 2012 World championships. Way to go Stephen and Steve!
After that, they went to Disappearing Island in Ponce Inlet, FL, where they participated in activities like kayak and paddleboard races for "Paddle Out Poverty," an event which supported the organization Entrust; the organization helps support emerging entrepreneurs in poorer nations improve their economic status. Kermit's products were available at the barbecue, to the delight of all, and one lucky attendee at the silent auction even won a basket full of Kermit's products! Word is that Entrust will be bringing the fun back for another event this April.
And finally on Saturday, November 10th, at the Volusia County Fair and Youth expo, Kermit's Key Lime Pie Eating Contest was held. It was the first annual such contest and proved to be a thrilling sight for visitors and a challenge for those participating. There were only two rules to follow, no hands allowed and the first to finish wins the prize.
Over 20 years ago, while working as a bookkeeper for Papa's Restaurant in Key West, Kermit Carpenter started selling smoothies from a tiny stand in front of the restaurant. One night the head chef abruptly left and Kermit needed a new enterprise. While discussing his problem with his sister and brother in law, Anita and John, they all agreed that regardless of what they might do, it had to be of the highest quality and have Key West in the name. Gourmet food and key lime fit the bill, and out of this was born Kermit's Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe.
When the store first became available, the price of the location was appealing, but there was one issue with that particular location on the corner of Elizabeth and Greene. It was directly across the street from a sewage station. It also happened to be on the bight, the waterfront area which the city of Key West had some big plans for. As long as Kermit, Anita, and John could stick out the first few years they knew the location would turn out to be great.
Before the Shoppe opened for business, Kermit and Anita drove to Maryland to visit their parents. During the long drive, they made a list of everything they could think of that could contain Key Lime. This list would provide the blueprint for the gradual expansion of Kermit's Key Lime product line.
Fast-forward to 2003, and Kermit's was bursting at the seams. John came onboard as Managing Director after his military career, and due to the economies of shipping to his expanding internet customer base and lower manufacturing costs the DeLand production facility and showroom were born. The DeLand location contains a Shoppe, warehouse and production kitchen in 10,000 square feet of space. Best of all, in DeLand they have a superb group of folks who make the business run. For the past couple of years, Kermit has been able to invest in a small core of truly wonderful people. They are now the mainstay of Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe. From the DeLand location, they not only support Kermit's own shoppes, but also ship his website orders and support the wholesale customers.
The possibility arose in 2011 of opening on Duval Street, which would let an additional number of Key West visitors experience Kermit's Key Lime treats. Kermit is in two Key West spots, so you'll always be near a Belgian chocolate dipped piece of key lime pie on a stick!
After that, they went to Disappearing Island in Ponce Inlet, FL, where they participated in activities like kayak and paddleboard races for "Paddle Out Poverty," an event which supported the organization Entrust; the organization helps support emerging entrepreneurs in poorer nations improve their economic status. Kermit's products were available at the barbecue, to the delight of all, and one lucky attendee at the silent auction even won a basket full of Kermit's products! Word is that Entrust will be bringing the fun back for another event this April.
And finally on Saturday, November 10th, at the Volusia County Fair and Youth expo, Kermit's Key Lime Pie Eating Contest was held. It was the first annual such contest and proved to be a thrilling sight for visitors and a challenge for those participating. There were only two rules to follow, no hands allowed and the first to finish wins the prize.
Over 20 years ago, while working as a bookkeeper for Papa's Restaurant in Key West, Kermit Carpenter started selling smoothies from a tiny stand in front of the restaurant. One night the head chef abruptly left and Kermit needed a new enterprise. While discussing his problem with his sister and brother in law, Anita and John, they all agreed that regardless of what they might do, it had to be of the highest quality and have Key West in the name. Gourmet food and key lime fit the bill, and out of this was born Kermit's Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe.
When the store first became available, the price of the location was appealing, but there was one issue with that particular location on the corner of Elizabeth and Greene. It was directly across the street from a sewage station. It also happened to be on the bight, the waterfront area which the city of Key West had some big plans for. As long as Kermit, Anita, and John could stick out the first few years they knew the location would turn out to be great.
Before the Shoppe opened for business, Kermit and Anita drove to Maryland to visit their parents. During the long drive, they made a list of everything they could think of that could contain Key Lime. This list would provide the blueprint for the gradual expansion of Kermit's Key Lime product line.
Fast-forward to 2003, and Kermit's was bursting at the seams. John came onboard as Managing Director after his military career, and due to the economies of shipping to his expanding internet customer base and lower manufacturing costs the DeLand production facility and showroom were born. The DeLand location contains a Shoppe, warehouse and production kitchen in 10,000 square feet of space. Best of all, in DeLand they have a superb group of folks who make the business run. For the past couple of years, Kermit has been able to invest in a small core of truly wonderful people. They are now the mainstay of Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe. From the DeLand location, they not only support Kermit's own shoppes, but also ship his website orders and support the wholesale customers.
The possibility arose in 2011 of opening on Duval Street, which would let an additional number of Key West visitors experience Kermit's Key Lime treats. Kermit is in two Key West spots, so you'll always be near a Belgian chocolate dipped piece of key lime pie on a stick!
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