About Our Nominee
Robert Benaquis has been in our community since around 2003. He started out by owning Double G Gas Station, and eventually turned it into TC’s Front Porch. On top of being the founder of TC’s, he has also been a developer in the area for many years. Among the places he has developed in are near Henderson Beach in Destin, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, and the surrounding areas. Robert is also intimately involved with the Town Center in Navarre. Jamie Benaquis is his daughter, and she runs 98 Signs and Designs.
Q & A
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career/owning your business?
A: I’d say survival of the fittest. Originally, it was a gas station. Someone said, “This would be a good restaurant.” I won the Sunset Times. When I stood up, I decided that this would be the last day, that the Double G Gas Station, of fifty-something years, will be open. I transformed it into an outdoor café and I stuck with it. It’s been open since 2007 as a restaurant.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
A: Since 2003, when I put the real estate deal together for the gas station.
Q: Who is the most interesting person/business owner you’ve met here in Gulf Breeze/Navarre? Who would you like to see nominated as a Face of Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
A: My daughter, Jamie Benaquis, with 98 Signs and Designs.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people? (Or someone starting their own business?)
A: Number one, they have to have passion to do it and the perseverance. They also have to believe in it. Create your plan, then work that plan.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about (or what is most iconic in) Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
A: Other than the upside potential, I would say the quaintness and the quietness. It’s a very relaxing place. I would also say the old tollbooth.
Q: Where do you see yourself (and your career/business) in 5 or 10 years?
A: I see myself having a lasting positive influence in the community and people’s lives.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Gulf Breeze/Navarre, and what do you love there? (What is your favorite dish, and where do you get it?)
A: Samurai Steakhouse probably, my favorite thing there is the steak.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Probably Disney World with some family members.
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: Probably right now is The Graduate. I think the first movie I saw in a theater was probably Mary Poppins. I quote Mary Poppins a lot.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Probably to sit at a table with President Donald Trump and have a discussion.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
A: I’ve gotta say the beautiful beaches.
Q: Choosing anyone alive or not: with whom would you love to have lunch?
A: I would say Martin Luther King Jr.
Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: Rhythm and Blues. I’d love to see Elton John and Bonnie Raitt.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: I have a desire to contribute to the world.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Sanctuary, meditation area, and enjoying family.
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
A: Eddie Murphy
Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose?
Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: I would pick a housekeeper.
Want more information on Robert and his business?
Visit his website and his restaurant! If you haven’t already stopped by to try the mouthwatering food, make sure you do so!
Website: https://tcsfrontporch.com/
Address: 8558 Navarre Pkwy,
Navarre, FL 32566
Phone: (850) 936-1601
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcsfrontporch/
