the return of Stu and Josh…

Patrons Travel “The Globe” in Local Café

By CHRIS DORSEY
USFSP Graduate Student
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you fry it, they will come. But more importantly, if you cook them a batch of love, they’ll throw their remaining change into your tip jar.
Eleven years ago, JoEllen Schilke began the Globe Coffee Lounge, 532 First Ave. N., to nurture the neighborhood she loves.
Born in New York, JoEllen found Saint Petersburg irresistible while attending Eckerd College. Years later she opened her brainchild, dubbed “the Globe” by locals, as a quirky hangout spot where people from all walks can come together and feast.
The Globe got its name “because I love to travel. I love the whole big world,” said JoEllen. And the world appears to love her back.
Nick Thompson, a longtime customer, created the Globe’s Facebook page to
mingle with other patrons and to support the revered café. Now, the site’s wall is plastered with praise.
On the lounge’s 1950’s diner tables, condiment trays hold postcards from around the world—all written by costumers, addressed to the Globe or its owner. Over the last decade, the matron and her café have blended together, and one might be hard-pressed to differentiate between the two.
As both coffee shop owner and host of the WMNF radio show, “Art in Your Ear,”
JoEllen’s personal and business philosophy remains simple: “I like being the place where people can manifest their ideas.”
Shamelessly self-labeled a progressive café, the Globe caters to those who want their creativity to blossom. “People want to try something, do something, and as long as children and animals don’t get hurt, they can,” said JoEllen.
Not only does the café attract a diverse crowd, it supports them too. Musicians and painters are able to present their newest pieces to customers. When the gulf oil spill broke out, the Globe collected items for animal relief.
Wednesday is Tarot readings.
For three years, Natti has been the resident fortuneteller and psychologist for the Globe’s eclectic patrons. With her bustling personality and ability to read one’s cards, she’s become a staple at the lounge.
The Globe “has become this sort of gathering place for many groups of people,” said Natti. “There’s this real social connection that happens here and I miss that in the world.”
But inside the Globe’s coffee world, term papers and friendships evolve on handme-down couches. Existential conversations are encouraged, including the Atheist meeting that gathers on the third Tuesday of each month.
As for the menu, animal lovers will struggle to find a better meat-free meal under $6 downtown. But those who enjoy their critters have plenty to choose from as well.
Daily specials range from cheap beer to food for the starving artist. Oh, and they have typical coffee selections too.
JoEllen sees her job as more than just a business. “I love, just absolutely love, cooking for people. I think that if you make food with love, it [shines] through—really hippy thing to say, but true.” Hippy or not, everyone gets the munchies, and everyone is welcome in JoEllen’s Globe.

2 female fronted, roadhouse rock & roll & folk…

free, but donations are loved.

She is the best, just amazing. Natty gets here around 7:15, and is here until 11 or so. There is no set charge, but you tip, usually between 5-20$, depending on how long and involved the reading is.

yay!

We are thrilled to be celebrating our country’s birth. So thrilled as a matter of fact, that we aren’t opening until 5pm on Monday, July 5th.

I hope you have a safe, happy and thoughtful 4th,

xoxxo,

JoEllen

happy 4 of 7! Our gift to you this weekend is to bring back Maggi and Pierce with Hymn for Her!

Starts at 9pm