For many it was a home away from home with a pleasing ambiance, a cozy feel that owner JoEllen Schilke ensured with love, a spirit of community and festive flair. Regulars of the St. Petersburg mainstay the Globe Coffee Lounge flocked to the beloved hang one last time on Dec. 21. It was a lively if at times bittersweet celebration of the java retreat and entertainment venue. The coffee, food and beer lounge has closed after its 12-plus-year run as a hub for homemade treats and arts events.
Schilke will now devote herself exclusively to a full-time job with WMNF-88.5 FM Community Radio, where many of our readers already recognize her from the "Art In Your Ear" program. Also, on Boxing Day, Dec. 26, Schilke will host a garage sale and auction, selling off the Globe's decor, funky bric-a-brac, equipment and furniture. … Best of luck, JoEllen! (Words by Julie Garisto; photos by Chip Weiner)
Bye-bye Globe. RIP 1999-2011. Photo taken Dec. 21, 2011. Credit: Chip WeinerFinal shift of the final night of the lamented closing of the Globe, Dec. 21, 2011. Credit: Chip WeinerGlobe Coffee Lounge, Dec. 21, 2011 Credit: Chip WeinerGlobe Coffee Lounge owner, JoEllen Schlike, prepares some of the last meals at the Globe, Dec. 21, 2011. Credit: Chip WeinerOlga Buf bonds with a donkey during the Globe Coffee Lounge’s closing celebration on Dec. 21, 2011. Credit: Chip WeinerJen Schafer and Dan Alesi play one last game of Scrabble during the Globe Coffee Lounge’s closing celebration on Dec. 21, 2011. Credit: Chip WeinerA packed house parties with ska band Can’t Do It at the Globe’s closing celebration on Dec. 21, 2011. Credit: Chip WeinerCan’t Do It lead singer Josh Sullivan pumps up the crowd at the Globe’s closing night celebration on Dec. 21, 2011. Sullivan’s band enjoyed its heyday a decade ago when he was a favorite barista at the Globe. Credit: Chip Weiner
