Florida House of Destin transforming old Broken Egg and Miss Chen's buildings into restaurant and bakery

Brenda Waldron, of Wilmington, Vt., and Debbie Harris, of Americus, Ga., spent their childhood vacations visiting Destin from their home in Phenix City, Ala. For years, they dreamed about the day when they could live in their favorite beach community.

In just a few short weeks, it looks like their life-long wish is going to come true.

Driving down Hwy. 98 in West Destin, motorists will notice that one of the buildings that has come to characterize the city has taken on a bright red new look.

The former location of Another Broken Egg has been vacant since the Destin staple moved down the road in September. But recent weeks have scene the renovation of the building, including a bright new coat of Deep Coral paint — in sharp contrast from the previous beige layer.

Waldron and Harris are one third of a six-person ownership team, opening the Florida House of Destin. Other members of the team include their husbands Charlie Waldron and Mike Harris, and Gregory and Karen Souran of Greenwood Lakes, N.J.

Branda and Karen spent years together as flight attendants for Pan American and have been able to see some of the most beautiful places that Earth has to offer, and they have chosen Destin out of the lot.

“We’ve been all over the world,” said Brenda. “This is the perfect beach, the perfect island; this is it.”

The anticipated opening of the Florida House of Destin is in the middle of March. They will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner consisting of American and continental cuisine. The owners plan on having 24-hour service from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

They also plan on catering to the fishing industry, by offering specials for those coming up from the docks and providing boxed lunches.

“We look forward to serving the public,” said Brenda. “Getting to know this community is going to be great.”

The owners of the Florida House of Destin really want its visitors to feel at home, which they will help by calling on their own family members as employees. Debbie will also provide the décor for the space with her own original artwork.

“We are going to be very family friendly,” said Brenda. “We want the people who walk through our doors to consider us their friends.”

The ownership team has also leased the building that used to house Miss Chen’s Taiwanese Restaurant, and after the opening of the Florida House, the former eatery will be “reopened” as a bakery. The Miss Chen’s building has been vacant for over three years after Miss Mautsen (Chen) Baker closed after 30 years of serving the Destin community.

The Florida House of Destin is now hiring for all restaurant positions. To inquire about possible positions, stop by 104 Harbor Blvd.