The Tides provides for Safety Harbor

The Tides Seafood Market and Provisions gives Harborites what they’ve always wanted – a downtown fresh market.

When Jon and Mary Kate Walker thought about opening a fresh market in downtown Safety Harbor, they knew it was something area residents had been clamoring for for many years. “We always wanted to do something on our own, and we knew Safety Harbor wanted a market,” Mary Kate said recently from their shop, located in the former post office at 305 Main Street. “Everything started to line up, and that’s how it happened that we opened this place.”

One year after opening, the Walkers’ place is now a haven for foodies, as the Tides features a wide-open floorplan lined with shelves, freezers and displays full of fresh, all natural and organic items including honey, produce, meats and seafood and ice cream, plus gifts and local artwork. The combination, along with the owners’ friendly demeanor, gives the Tides a relaxed and calming atmosphere, a place where people can come and relax that’s quickly gained a growing list of loyal regular customers. “The support from the community has been fantastic,” Mary Kate said. “We’ve been very well supported by the people of Safety Harbor. I think the people in Safety Harbor who this market is for have really shown us the love.”

To that point the Mary Kate, a baker with a passion for single-ingredient food, and Jon, a classically trained chef who honed his skills in the kitchens of New Orleans, understand the Tides, which features seasonal organic and specialty foods sourced from 35 local vendors, isn’t the type of shop for everyone. “We’ve stepped firmly into our identity as a specialty market,” Mary Kate said, adding, “we’re not a quick-stop or a grab-to-go. Our reputation is quality, and our focus is the best in class. When you come here you are going to get our passion and a quality product. This is our passion, and we want the best.”

The Walkers acknowledged they have made some changes since they opened the Tides last November, including having pre-prepared meals customers can take home and bake themselves, as well as adding things like instructional classes, wine tastings and happy hours. According to Jon, they are dedicated to improving the business while living their dream. “We’re working harder and longer and making less money!” he said. “But this is a dream come true for us.” As Mary Kate pointed out, they are committed to providing for Harborites for the long haul. “We signed a long lease, so we are going to be here for a long time,” she said. “We’re committed to this.”