Pier at Full Occupancy With Reno's Flop Haus

ST. PETERSBURG – Years ago, Jon Reno La Budde had an idea to open a flip flop store because 30 percent of his surf shop’s sales at his 4th Street store were in sandals.

He didn’t jump on the idea right away, and a franchise (Flip Flop Shop) was born elsewhere. In true laid-back Florida fashion, La Budde doesn’t sweat it.

He does not need a franchise to learn how to sell flip flops. That's clear when visitors walk into his latest venture: Reno’s Flop Haus at the city Pier.

The shop is located in one of the very first spaces near the entrance at the Pier. Previously, the store area was occupied by Lost in Time, which has moved to a different location within the Pier.

Jon Reno La Budde also owns Jonny Reno’s Waterfront Grill, with gorgeous views of Tampa Bay. That restaurant and meeting place is going gangbusters, with La Budde introducing a paddle Sunday, where folks can dip their boards in the bay before retiring to the grill's bar for some tropical drinks.

Now La Budde is bringing that same energy to his sandal store. He hired a married couple and dynamic business duo to help with design, creation and ownership. Combined, Kristin and Elliott Bedinghaus possess the whole package: marketing, management and creativity.

With La Budde and the Bedinghauses working side by side to create the Flop Haus, the finished product is nothing short of professional, with an unusual theme that perhaps speaks to our times while creating a sense of nostalgia. Old newspapers are made into the flooring while vintage dressers and mirrors are used for product displays.

According to a news release, La Budde was going for an old school, downtown feel. Hotel rooms that were usually occupied by transients sparked this idea from La Budde. The hobo lifestyle, where sandals, shorts and a T-shirt will do, spark ideas of a free-wheeling, take-it-as-it-comes lifestyle.

Flip flops make up the majority of La Budde’s inventory at the Flop Haus, but accessories and other styles of sandals are also for sale. Wooden watches and specialized electronics speakers are among some of the hot items at Reno’s Flop Haus.

Hours of operation for Reno’s Flop Haus are:

• Mon-Thurs: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Fri- Sat: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Sun: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.