By John Hayden

Despite being in the heart of Wilton Manors along Wilton Drive, Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Cafe doesn’t stick out as you drive by . . . or even as you walk by. Yet for years it has remained a staple for area residents and visitors who want to live like locals.

Now, change is coming, and that starts with new owners. Shawn posted on their social media, “To all our loyal customers! As of 4/26/2023 Courtyard Cafe is under new ownership. I would like to thank the community for 15 years of love and support. I hope that you continue to support them as you have supported me over the years! Thank you for everything.”

The news caught many people by surprise. For regulars, Courtyard Cafe is a constant, feel good spot serving up delicious comfort food. For now, that’s staying the same.

“Being so involved in the LGBT community, how can we bring something to our own community ourselves?” Branden Vidal is one of the three new owners, and spoke with OutClique  the day after taking over. “We were able to get in contact with Shawn. It’s been a staple here for so many years.”

Vidal, along with Javier Valdez and Deiler Beltran are all LGBT and have worked in South Florida, including Greater Wilton Manors, for years. Vidal knows Courtyard Cafe is beloved by the community and says they’re looking to make improvements to the restaurant while keeping its neighborhood credibility. “What we want to do is continue to have a place where the locals come to an establishment that they already know.”

The new owners say they know big changes are coming to Wilton Manors, including development and growth. They said they’re excited to be planting their flag in the city and will be full participants in Wilton Manors’ future.