PALM COAST, Fla. (August 15, 2023) – Wide green fields rolled over the horizon in slight hills and were backed by tall trees in the distance. Clouds and a growing breeze kept the heat from becoming unbearable, aided by various tents. From the well-kept porch of the newly opened Loopers, excited citizens packed the area.
With the ribbon cutting on its way to starting, lines formed to snag the best off of the heavily laden tables. Platters consisted of crackers, various cheeses, sliced meats, cut fruits and artfully placed flowers in shades of purple, red and white. Fresh salads, humus and sticks stuck with tomato, basil and small globes of cheese gave a fresh scent that danced through the air.
Along the back side of the porch, staff cut slices of tender meats and offered various sauces and fresh buns. Neither the tent set on the lawn, nor the bar was exempt from the rich offerings Loopers had to give. Set with a wide window overlooking both the porch and the golf course, patrons packed the inside of the restaurant, enjoying drinks, food, and getting to greet Jamie Bourdeau, the owner.
Pleased at the turnout and life that sprung up in the new golf-themed restaurant, Jamie happily answered why he believed the business to be a good investment. “We have a great restaurant down at the beach and we were looking to expand a little bit, and this was a great opportunity for us.”
The public response was also something he was keen on sharing. “So far, pretty good. We opened up toward the end of golf season, so we had the summer to work out all of our kinks and then when golf season starts in the middle of October, we’ll be ready for it,” he said.
According to Jamie, his favorite part of being a restaurant owner is the people.
“I’ve got a lot of good friends in the restaurant business, all three of them. A lot of my best friends I’ve had in the restaurant business, I’ve met at the bar. So that’s what it is. It’s a great bar room and it’s a great place to hang out with people.”
A quick word with Mitch Lehman, the General Manager of the golf course, brought more of Jamie’s great personality to light. “Jamie and his crew bring a fun and light-hearted atmosphere to the club. I enjoy being around them and their jokes, and the food is great too. I’ve had their meals here; I don’t know how many times. It’s really nice to have them here. They’re a great addition to the golf course.”
As the ribbon cutting drew ever closer, Heather Thompson, owner of HT Production Company had a lot to say about working with Jamie. “My favorite part about working with Jamie is that he’s a true professional and he’s got nothing but the community on his mind. He supports all the hospitals, first responders. It’s just the way he supports everybody.”
She added, “Jamie brings a light to the darkness, on the things that are wrong. He picks up the pieces and goes out of his way to make sure everybody is safe and supported and loved and cared for, bringing hundreds and hundreds of meals to the hospital workers, training people in the jails to come out of that and have a full-time job. It’s the best thing that he’s done for the community.”
To celebrate, Vice Mayor Ed Danko stopped by to say a few words on the city’s behalf. “I’m very, very proud of this new partnership. I’m very proud of Jamie bringing this business to our city golf course. He’s done so many improvements here. I have eaten here so many times since he started this soft opening.”
“The food is excellent, and I want people to come out and enjoy this restaurant, our beautiful golf course. I think it’s going to bring more people to our golf course, more people to our city. I think it’s going to be a great, great thing just to attract a whole bunch of new people. Tourists will stop here. I think it’s going to elevate our brand and the brand of Palm Coast and the brand of Loopers all at once, and it’s going to be a fabulous thing.”
Loopers Par & Grille is located at 100 Cooper Lane, Palm Coast at the Palm Harbor Golf Course.
Flagler Broadcasting’s Kirk Keller and Heather Thompson, HT Production Company.
