Remember when you would vacation in paradise before you moved to paradise and wondered why can't we live in a place like this? Julie Quinlivan and Sally Woodward had those same thoughts all the years that they would vacation on islands with blue water and white sand until one day they set out to make it happen.

 

They sold their restaurant business in Colorado, bought an RV and started driving the Gulf Coast, hitting every beach town along the way. They were about to give up without having found the perfect spot when by dumb luck they drove over the Cortez Bridge and headed north right into the perfect beach town.

 

That same day they signed a contract on a house in Holmes Beach, returning a month later on April 1, 2008, for good. With a combined 70 plus years in the restaurant business, Quinlivan and Woodward knew what their next venture would be, and it didn't take them long. On Dec. 2, 2008, they opened the doors of Rudy's subs and more, offering breakfast and lunch and featuring homemade cookies, cupcakes and brownies.

 

Lunch features the famous philly cheese steak, or you may be tempted by a meatball sub, or roast beef and cheddar or french dip.  The italian sub is the local favorite as are the club, turkey, tuna and chicken salad.  Any sub can be made into a salad, just ask.  All subs and salads are served with Rudy's special homemade pepper relish.

 

The beach mural on the wall, drawn by Quinlivan's sister-in-law, artist Kathryn Dawson, is a dynamic mural which Dawson updates whenever she visits.

 

Toward the back of the restaurant you'll find surf boards painted on the wall, which were as a record of kids heights, right next to the paw prints of the canine customers. And don't forget to look up at the ceiling near the counter where they have turned the counter post into a palm tree that includes coconuts. The overall affect is so bright and old time beach town, you'll stay for that second cup of coffee.

 

Woodward wears a bracelet with the motto "Live The Life You Love." There's no doubt that both Woodward and Quinlivan are more than living the life they love. They're living the life they dreamed about for years. Visit them at Rudy's, a happy place run by two very happy women.

 

All menu items can be ordered to eat in or to go, but once you're through the French doors, you'll probably want to stay. Quinlivan and Woodward have transported the beach right into the restaurant with unique beachy touches.

 

Breakfast at Rudy's is served until 11 am. and includes the Early Bird, ham or sausage patty, egg and cheese on a toasted English muffin, croissant or bagel; and the Roo or the Veggie Roo, steak, egg and veggies on a sub roll. You can also choose from homemade muffins or cinnamon rolls.