Latest news with #Callis
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida Donut Shop Closes After Being Open for Just 3 Days
A new donut shop in South Florida has closed down after being open for only three days. Dixie Highway Donuts was the brainchild of owner Sarah Callis, who has spent more than two decades in the donut-making business. On May 30, Callis hosted a soft opening at the shop located at 6108 S. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, with the grand opening scheduled for one week later. The grand opening took place as scheduled last Friday, June 6, which was National Donut Day. However, on Monday, Callis posted a surprising social media message announcing that the business was closing after it had just opened. 'Dear Guests, [due] to a dissolution of partnership on grand opening day unfortunately we are no longer open. I am deeply saddened by this event. I apologize from the bottom of my heart," Callis said, via the Sun Sentinel. All social media pages for the donut shop have been shut down as well. It appears that Callis had some kind of dispute with her business partner, who she referenced, but not by name, in an article with the Palm Beach Post before Dixie Highway Donuts opened. The official website for the now defunct establishment remains up and running. "Our bakers start work before the sun rises each day to ensure that every batch is as fresh as possible before it gets to you. The warm smell of baking often escapes onto the street before we've even opened," reads one portion of the homepage. It's crazy that a fledgling business could disintegrate so quickly just because of a fight between owners, but things must have gotten crazy. It's a shame for prospective customers, as the menu for Dixie Highway Donuts looked rather enticing. Florida Donut Shop Closes After Being Open for Just 3 Days first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 10, 2025
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New shop featuring hand-made donuts opens on Dixie Highway in time for National Donut Day
Coinciding with National Donut Day, the new Dixie Hwy Donuts in West Palm Beach will celebrate their grand opening on Friday, June 6. This new mecca for the sacred, circular pastry is located on South Dixie Highway about midway between Southern and Forest Hill Boulevards and had a soft opening May 30. The new restaurant is owned and operated by donut veteran Sarah Callis. Definitely not her first foray into the game, Callis has been perfecting her craft for over 25 years and got her start at the iconic, nearly 100-year-old Dixie Cream Donuts in Fort Pierce. Making all of their donuts by hand at the new shop, Callis said they use same yeast dough recipe that the popular Fort Pierce store has been using since 1929. Callis described donuts made using yeast-raised dough as "fluffy, lightweight, heavenly." This is not accomplished without putting in the time and effort. "Yeast donuts are actually a very hard craft. We make them by hand every single night... it's what sets our donuts apart." Honing her skills for years at the shop in Fort Pierce, Callis eventually moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina. There for several years, she opened and ran Southern Angel Donut Company before eventually moving back to Fort Pierce and purchasing Dixie Cream Donuts. Unfortunately, her purchase coincided with the pandemic and she ended up selling the business back to the original owner and set her sights south. Callis said that her two adult daughters still work at the store. Dixie Hwy Donuts will feature 25-plus varieties at all times. In addition to many traditional glazed, cake and filled donuts, they will also have several specialty donuts including the peach cobbler, strawberry shortcake, M&M, Fruity Pebbles, Samoa's, maple bacon, cinnamon rolls, and apple fritters. Callis said the "Apple fritter is hands down one of our most popular sellers." Dixie Hwy Donuts owner Sarah Callis says their apple fritter is a top seller and is often the first thing they sell out of. Get there early! In addition to over two dozen varieties of donuts, Dixie Hwy Donuts will also offer milkshakes and smoothies. Among those milkshakes: Cookies & Cream and the Sin-A-Bun made with vanilla ice cream, crushed cinnamon toast, chocolate and caramel drizzle and whipped cream. Though Callis is confident on the donut side, she said the milkshake idea was her business partner's. Knowing how busy the donut business can get she laughed about her business partner saying "You better pull your pants on… it's about to get crazy." Callis said "I'm very excited to be in West Palm Beach... very blessed and grateful." Dixie Hwy Donuts opens in West Palm Beach Though they technically had a soft opening on May 30, the new Dixie Hwy Donuts in West Palm Beach will have their grand opening on Friday, June 6, National Donut Day. What: Dixie Hwy Donuts Where: 6108 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week Information: If you're craving more donut options, here are some local spots offering Donut Day deals. National Donut Day Deals The Salty The Maple French Toast Donut will be available on National Donut Day, Friday, June 6 at The Salty. For one day only, this family-owned shop will offer its Maple French Toast Donut. This is a 24-hour brioche donut stuffed with French toast cream (yes, made from their own brioche donuts), dipped in maple glaze, topped with maple brioche crunch and a mascarpone whip quenelle, and finished with a maple drizzle. There are 12 locations with one in Palm Beach County Details: 460 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Duck Donuts Known for serving warm, made-to-order donuts, this chain which started out with one shop in Duck, N.C. will offer one free cinnamon sugar donut (no purchase necessary, but limited to one per guest), six cinnamon sugar donuts for $6, and $1 off a medium hot or iced coffee for National Donut Day. There are dozens of locations nationwide with one in Palm Beach County. Details: 11051 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Dunkin Donuts This juggernaut of coffee, iced coffee, frozen coffee, breakfast sandwiches and, yes, donuts, will be offering guests one free donut on the big day with the purchase of a beverage. There are dozens of locations throughout Palm Beach County. Details: Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: New West Palm Beach donut shop to open in time for National Donut Day
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Proper Cloth's Design Guru On Fabric, Fit And The Future Of Menswear
I fell in love with Proper Cloth at first sight of a corduroy jacket. Specifically, their Olive Stretch Corduroy Waverly Jacket: understated and sophisticated, blending the rich texture of wide-wale Italian corduroy with an unstructured, unlined design. Refined yet relaxed—a versatile staple for both casual and elevated ensembles. And as I was pleased to find out, the color—that of moss on a stone wall, a green that's grown wise—was exactly that pictured on the Proper Cloth website. That jacket turned out to be perfectly emblematic of a brand-wide commitment to thoughtful design, refined fabrics and versatility, and the spirit of a made-to-measure dress shirt company that has evolved—quietly and confidently—into a full-spectrum menswear label. As Head of Design at Proper Cloth, Chris Callis oversees a collection that spans sharp Italian shirting, rugged utility wear and laid-back tailoring—an evolution he's helped steer from the very beginning. 'We've gone from a scrappy startup hyper-focused on dress shirts to a full-spectrum menswear brand with a broad, thoughtful collection,' he says. 'But the one thing that hasn't changed is our obsession with quality and customer feedback.' Raised by an artist father and steeped in gallery visits and creative schooling, Callis gravitated toward menswear for its functional creativity. 'I was always drawn to the balance between creativity and functionality,' he explains. 'Menswear felt like this perfect fusion—visually expressive, but grounded in real-world use.' Callis' attraction solidified during his time at Ralph Lauren, where he interned in the neckwear department—a division close to Ralph's own roots—and worked weekends at the brand's Rugby store in Manhattan. 'It felt like Menswear Mecca. There was just so much talent and taste packed into that company.' After college, he helped Suitsupply launch their social media presence but was eager to move into product design. A mutual friend introduced him to Proper Cloth founder Seph Skerritt, who was looking for someone to do both sales and fabric design. 'It was a bit of a leap, but the timing was right,' Callis recalls. 'I knew I wanted to be hands-on with the product, and I loved the idea of helping build something from the ground up.' Under Callis' design direction, Proper Cloth has refined not only its tailoring but its design process. 'In the early days, our focus was crystal clear—build the best dress shirt on the market,' he says. 'As we expanded into more product categories, we had to learn how to be merchants as well as designers. When you're working with a small assortment, it's easier for a customer to understand the story. But once you have dozens of pieces in a collection, you need each one to have its own reason for being.' Proper Cloth's Corduroy Stretch Waverly Jacket Proper Cloth That evolution is visible in a sampling of some of Proper Cloth's most recent offerings. The di Fabio Taupe Wool and Linen Basketweave Waverly Jacket blends wool and linen in a sophisticated basketweave pattern that breathes well across seasons. The Black Merino and Cashmere Ribbed Crewneck Sweater provides both warmth and elegance through its luxuriously soft knit. The Coffee Irish Linen Dress Pant is made from premium Irish linen—a relaxed and polished look perfect for summer days. The Blue Melange and Rose California Plaid Shirt is that rare thing: an attractive all-season shirt offers casual refinement. The Fresco Suit, a highlight of Proper Cloth's recently launched spring collection, offers excellent airflow through its tropical fresco fabric. Callis has a few personal favorites—'I could talk about this all day,' he admits—pointing to the Reda Merino Wool Dress Shirts as emblematic of the brand's design ethos. 'They're kind of a signature for us now,' he says. 'It's a really elevated progression from the non-iron dress shirt—smooth, naturally wrinkle-resistant, with stretch, and machine washable. This season we updated the fit, refined the interlining for a cleaner finish, and introduced some low-contrast mélange plaids and solids. It's all about the details.' Proper Cloth's Reda Merino Wool Shirt Proper Cloth Another highlight: the Stretch Wool & Linen Bedford Suit, a solution for summer dressing that doesn't sacrifice structure. 'We developed a wool/linen/elastane blend that has just enough linen for that summer texture, but not so much that it gets stiff or wrinkles easily,' Callis explains. 'Then we cut it in our Bedford model, which works great as a full suit or broken up. The soft shoulder, patch pockets—it all gives the suit a casual refinement that feels right for warm-weather events.' For a more rugged offering, Callis is especially excited to launch their Sedona Cotton & Linen Plaid Utility Shirts, a homage to mid-century American workwear. 'We call them 'country plaids,' inspired by brands like Big Mac and Old Brother,' he says. 'We teamed up with a small Japanese mill that uses vintage American looms, which gives the fabric this perfectly imperfect texture. We added linen to make it summer-appropriate, updated the fit to be a little shorter and more wearable untucked, and finished it with a garment wash for softness and puckering. It's a faithful reinterpretation, but totally modern in how it feels on.' This kind of fabric-led approach is central to Callis's philosophy. 'We believe in following the fabric,' he says. 'That means finding the right mill for each job. The mill that makes our rugged utility plaids is totally different from the one that does our fine dress shirting, and that's intentional. A mill that's amazing at luxury shirting just isn't going to get that vintage workwear texture right, and vice versa.' As Proper Cloth has grown, so has its ambition. Callis sees the brand expanding its presence both physically and conceptually. 'We want to become a best-in-class menswear brand. That means more retail stores, better storytelling, more visual consistency. We've built a strong internal design identity, but now it's about making that more legible to the customer.' Still, Callis acknowledges that bridging the world of custom and ready-to-wear has been one of the company's biggest challenges. 'Not everyone is ready for custom. Some people just want a great casual shirt or are skeptical that you can get something well-fitting online,' he says. 'Last year we overhauled our standard sizing and size charts. It was a ton of work, but we learned a lot. What's interesting is that being good at custom helps you get better at standard sizing, and vice versa. That's part of what sets us apart.' Chris Callis, Head of Design at Proper Cloth Proper Cloth Callis's own style, as eclectic as it is thoughtful, informs the brand's direction. 'One day I'm into countrywear like RRL, the next it's minimalist tailoring from brands like Stoffa or Auralee. Then it might be a traditional tailoring label out of Asia like Assisi or The Anthology,' he says. 'I love seeing guys who commit fully to one style, but that's never been me. I'm more of a synthesizer, which is something I picked up from Ralph Lauren—he's the ultimate merchant, pulling together influences and making them feel like they've always belonged together.' That same philosophy—rooted in quality, storytelling, and cross-genre curiosity—continues to define Proper Cloth's design evolution. 'Ultimately, we want to make pieces that are as interesting as they are functional, and as thoughtful as they are beautiful,' Callis says. 'It's that mix that keeps us—and hopefully our customers—excited about getting dressed.'
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mathews County: Hotspot for storm damage
MATHEWS COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — Tree branches, pieces of metal and the remains of a once-standing boat house lay scattered across after a powerful thunderstorm brought winds of upwards of 60 mph. There were no tornado warnings issued, but residents say it felt like one had passed through. 'For five seconds, that's all it was — this huge rumble, … so I got up, looked there and saw the roof in my yard,' said neighbor Ellen Ferrell. 'And I turned around. … The marina was completely flattened.' Even the marina's owner, Ricky Callis, was shocked by the destruction. The boat house, which had stood through Hurricane Isabel in 2003, couldn't withstand the force of last night's storm. 'Honestly, this has been in my family for probably 15, 16 years,' Callis said. 'We purchased it from the previous owner. I worked here when I was a kid, like a summer job.' Cleanup efforts are already underway, with the goal of rebuilding and restoring the marina. 'Most of the debris landed on land, which is kind of nice,' Callis said. 'It's a lot easier to pick up from land than out of the creek.' Despite the damage, residents say they are grateful no homes were destroyed and no one was injured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
27-02-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
One Firefly Supports the Future of STEM with $10,000 Donation to FIRST Robotics Competition South Florida Regional
CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / February 27, 2025 / One Firefly, an award-winning marketing agency that caters to technology professionals in the residential and commercial custom integration markets, is reinforcing its commitment to innovation and community impact by donating $10,000 to the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition South Florida Regional. This sponsorship underscores the company's dedication to fostering the next generation of STEM leaders and providing opportunities for young minds to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in meaningful ways. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a globally recognized nonprofit that equips students with hands-on experience in robotics, teamwork, and problem-solving. The annual FIRST Robotics Competition brings high school teams nationwide to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots to compete in high-energy challenges. The South Florida Regional event in April 2025 is one of many held nationwide that encourages students to develop critical STEM skills while fostering creativity, leadership, and collaboration. One Firefly CEO, Ron Callis, has had a long-standing connection with FIRST, dating back to 2012 when he co-founded a robotics team in South Florida after being inspired by a keynote address from FIRST founder Dean Kamen at CEDIA. Reflecting on his experience, Callis shared: "I've seen firsthand the profound impact of FIRST Robotics on students. This program teaches STEM skills and instills confidence, teamwork, and business acumen. Many students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, can access opportunities they never imagined possible. At One Firefly, we believe in giving back and investing in the future of our industry. Supporting FIRST Robotics is one way to help shape the next generation of innovators." The connection between FIRST Robotics and the custom integration industry is particularly relevant, as many students develop skills that translate directly into technology, engineering, and automation careers. Callis noted the increasing need for skilled talent in the custom integration space and emphasized how programs like FIRST can serve as a pipeline for the next generation of industry professionals: "The custom integration industry faces real challenges regarding labor shortages. Many of these students have the technical aptitude, problem-solving mindset, and hands-on experience that make them ideal candidates for careers in our field. By supporting FIRST, we're not only investing in these students' futures but also in the future of our industry." For Jessica Telles, Corporate Programs Lead at One Firefly, the sponsorship holds personal significance. A former FIRST Robotics team captain, Telles experienced firsthand how the program opens doors for students. After participating in FIRST, she interned at One Firefly before joining full-time, where she has now been an integral team member for nearly a decade. "FIRST Robotics shaped my career in ways I never expected," said Telles. "It gave me leadership experience, technical skills, and a network of mentors who supported my growth. Seeing One Firefly support this initiative is incredibly meaningful because I know firsthand how life-changing this program can be for students." As part of its sponsorship, One Firefly will participate in the South Florida Regional event, engage with students, and explore additional opportunities to support STEM education in the future. The company remains dedicated to fostering innovation, education, and career development within the technology industry. For more information about the FIRST Robotics Competition South Florida Regional, visit About One Firefly One Firefly is an award-winning marketing agency specializing in custom-tailored marketing solutions and other growth solutions like recruiting and hiring technology professionals in residential and commercial markets. The company was founded in 2007 to help businesses in the AV and integration industry grow and succeed through effective branding, digital marketing, and web development. A five-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S., One Firefly is proud to have built a reputation for delivering purposeful marketing solutions to the niche audio-visual space. For more information, visit
