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Business as Usual – Dyan’s Country Kitchen, Dyan Harpest, owner

Business backstory: Since opening in 2006, this homestyle restaurant/deli has endeared itself to the Coral Springs community. Harpest, who previously operated Duffy’s Diner in Fort Lauderdale, pours her heart into the business, which, under normal circumstances, serves everything under the sun—breakfast offerings, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads, dinner entrées, desserts, bagels, and even egg creams. (dyanscountrykitchen.com)

The impact: “I was hopeful to keep things going; we adjusted our hours [of operation] to offset expenses, food costs, labor, utilities, etc. I wanted to provide food for our guests and accommodate their individual circumstances: older people, working people, special family needs, isolated people. As the severity of COVID-19 became clear, we transitioned to just myself and my chef, assisted at times by my deli man. We thought this would keep us in a good operating position, but it became too difficult to stay open for takeout, curbside and delivery. So, we shut down temporarily. I stayed in contact with my employees and began the process of applying for relief grants and loans, so I could assist them if needed. I have about 14 full-time employees. It was a good time to start some minor renovations at the restaurant, so I utilized a few employees and family members skilled in these areas. Plus, it was a way to pay some of them.”

In the interim: “We all will be ready to come back better, stronger and happy to be working again. I picture seeing many smiling faces. I will be offering some discounts and special offers to my dear customers to welcome them back.”

The future: “To have a small business in our community is a gift to me. To know my business well, not take a day for granted, work hard and do things right is all second-nature. But to provide jobs to others and to provide something special to people and make their day—through a delicious meal and a friendly

hello—those are the true rewards. To know the sacrifices that we all make is what connects us and makes us who we are. My family is at the heart of all I do, and we will all continue to be the best versions of ourselves in all the good times and the bad.”

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Drew Limsky

Drew Limsky

Editor-in-Chief

BIOGRAPHY

Drew Limsky joined Lifestyle Media Group in August 2020 as Editor-in-Chief of South Florida Business & Wealth. His first issue of SFBW, October 2020, heralded a reimagined structure, with new content categories and a slew of fresh visual themes. “As sort of a cross between Forbes and Robb Report, with a dash of GQ and Vogue,” Limsky says, “SFBW reflects South Florida’s increasingly sophisticated and dynamic business and cultural landscape.”

Limsky, an avid traveler, swimmer and film buff who holds a law degree and Ph.D. from New York University, likes to say, “I’m a doctor, but I can’t operate—except on your brand.” He wrote his dissertation on the nonfiction work of Joan Didion. Prior to that, Limsky received his B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Emory University and earned his M.A. in literature at American University in connection with a Masters Scholar Award fellowship.

Limsky came to SFBW at the apex of a storied career in journalism and publishing that includes six previous lead editorial roles, including for some of the world’s best-known brands. He served as global editor-in-chief of Lexus magazine, founding editor-in-chief of custom lifestyle magazines for Cadillac and Holland America Line, and was the founding editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Interiors South Florida. He also was the executive editor for B2B magazines for Acura and Honda Financial Services, and he served as travel editor for Conde Nast. Magazines under Limsky’s editorship have garnered more than 75 industry awards.

He has also written for many of the country’s top newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Boston Globe, USA Today, Worth, Robb Report, Afar, Time Out New York, National Geographic Traveler, Men’s Journal, Ritz-Carlton, Elite Traveler, Florida Design, Metropolis and Architectural Digest Mexico. His other clients have included Four Seasons, Acqualina Resort & Residences, Yahoo!, American Airlines, Wynn, Douglas Elliman and Corcoran. As an adjunct assistant professor, Limsky has taught journalism, film and creative writing at the City University of New York, Pace University, American University and other colleges.