Meet Dunedin's Top 'Moms & Pops' of 2012

You've been getting to know some of Dunedin's small business owners with us throughout the year in a regular feature we call "Meet the Moms & Pops."

Many local business owners have shared the story of their successes and struggles. They have intrigued us, inspired us, and captured our hearts. And today, as we look back on 2012, we highlight the 10 stories that you loved the most. 

Of course, you can read the stories behind all the local merchants we've featured anytime you want. Visit them here on a special page we dedicated just for them! Or do them a big favor: find their shop in the Dunedin Patch directory and leave a nice review. Your review helps connect your favorite, hard-working small business owners with more customers, so it's an easy way to pay it forward.

So, without further adieu ...

Dunedin's Top 'Moms & Pops' of 2012

10. Vanessa Wilks and Nancy Zareczny, Middle Earth Olive Oil Company.
These were ladies who "lunch" before they opened their specialty food shop in Westfield Countryside Mall in 2011, and moving to Dunedin in July 2012. (Read the Story: Second Olive Oil Shop Opens in Dunedin.)

9. Lisa Bever, Tiny Treasures Boutique & Consignment. 
Bever had dreamed of a baby for so long that she couldn’t bear the thought of putting her child into daycare. So she found a way to build a business around her daughter. (Read the Story: Consignment Store Born after Miracle Pregnancy.)

8. James Ryan, Kalamazoo Olive Company.
He was among the first, along with Middle Earth on Broadway, to bring the olive oil craze to Dunedin. And his speciality oils definitely add zest to good cooking. (Read the Story: Specialty Olive Oil Shop Comes to Dunedin.)

7. Nick Annenos and Susan Norton, Hot Dogs on Main.
Annenos had always wanted to own a hot dog cart for when his tiling business was slow. Norton cooked for families and people with special diets. The result is a love story for the ages. (Read the Story: A Match Made in Hot Dog Heaven.)

6. Walt Wickman, Olde Bay Cafe & Dunedin Fish Market. 
Wickman's intentions are to return to the spirit of 1971, where his father strived to have the freshest local fish in the area. (Read the Story: .) 

5. Rondell McNeil, In the Cut Barbershop.
McNeil installed flat screen TVs on every chair and offers video games for entertainment. (Read the Story: .)

4. Danielle Pastore, Sweet Peas Cafe. 
She managed to create a safe, relaxing, child-proof restaurant where kids can play with their friends and parents can sit with other parents and enjoy a healthy meal. (Read the Story: Sweet Peas Café Makes Dining with Children Delightful.)

3. Philip and Tammy Renaud, Dunedin Smokehouse and The Living Room. 
The new owners said their dream was to find "a small place near the water on Florida’s west coast," where he could feature some of his special recipes and share his love of good wine. (Read the Story: .) 

2. Michel and Robin Rey, Pensare.
This up-and-coming Italian eatery is moving into where Paris Hair used to be. They have been thinking of bringing a restaurant to Dunedin since they bought the stretch of shops on the southeast corner Highland Avenue and Main Street in 1994. (Read the Story: Italian Restaurant Moves Into Downtown Hair Salon.) 

1. Greg Smeader, Our Place Dunedin. 
This Michigan native has been working in the industry since he was 10. He's done everything from washing dishes to cooking and baking in his family’s restaurant back home. (Read the Story: 24-Hour Diner Comes to Main Street.)

[Last Updated: Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, at 11:21 p.m.]