- May 2, 2024
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Selling Maggie's European Bakery & Cafe, at 909 N. Oceanshore Blvd., in Flagler Beach was personal for Maggie Bochnar. She and her husband, Andy spent three months in 2007, looking for just the right spot to open their restaurant and share their heritage with others.
After searching with no success, Maggie began to question whether opening a restaurant was truly what they were supposed to do, so the couple, also looking for a place of worship in their new home town, said they walked into Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach, to pray. The next day, and another drive down State Road A1A, revealed a “for lease” sign that prompted an immediate U-turn.
“Upon entering, it was like electricity in the floor going through my feet to the pit of my stomach,” Ms. Bochnar said. “I gasped from excitement. I realized we had an ocean view to die for and my husband asked me, 'Did you see the view from the back? It was the church you prayed at yesterday.'”
When the Bochnars decided to focus on retirement, they knew there would be more time for travel and family. They also knew they were leaving something they loved behind, their restaurant, friends, and loyal customers, something they weren't going to turn over to just anyone.
“Maggie interviewed us,” new co-owner Patsy Rainey said. Rainey and her husband, John, both who had gotten their realtor licenses, found the listing on the MLS. “She wanted to know who was buying her restaurant.”
Discovering that being realtors wasn't their passion, the Raineys decided to search for the perfect spot to open a restaurant in Flagler Beach. Owning and operating a restaurant isn't a new career for Mr. Rainey.
“This is John's third restaurant he has owned, and the seventh he has opened, in 37 years,” Ms. Rainey said.
“I owned the Lasalle Market and they are still using the same menu I created 10 years ago,” Mr. Rainey said. “I also owned the Crown and Hammer, both in Collinsville, Connecticut.”
The familiar lavender restaurant, Maggie's favorite color, is now an ocean blue with white board, and has a new name, The Blue Heron. The Raineys have gutted the inside of the structure, and created a “Key West, shabby chic, décor.”
“We've changed everything, the colors, and every inch, inside and outside,” Ms. Rainey said. “I was a little worried because she (Maggie) put so much of herself into the restaurant, but Maggie has been really excited for us.”
The second floor restaurant provides an elevated view of what everyone comes to the coast to see, the ocean.
“You can't beat the view,” said Mr. Rainey.
Ms. Rainey grew up in Flagler County, and is a graduate of Flagler Palm Coast High School.
“He (her husband) moved down here five years ago,” Ms. Rainey said. “He though he had retired.”
The Blue Heron will have a new menu as well, including specialties like Eggs Benedict for breakfast and a grilled meatloaf sandwich, with sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy mustard.
“I want it to be something special, a place someone might celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or a teenage boy could take his first date,” Mr. Rainey said.
The Blue Heron will open on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (maybe 9 p.m.) Friday and Saturday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
