ST. PETE BEACH, Fla., Oct. 22, 2009 - B.R. Guest Restaurants and President Stephen Hanson announce the official opening of the Postcard Inn on The Beach, an affordable refuge and a beachgoer's escape in St. Pete Beach (2007 World's Best Beach by Dr. Beach). The newest property from Stephen Hanson, president of B.R. Guest Restaurants and creator of the James Hotel (2004 America's Sexiest New Resort by Travel + Leisure), the Postcard Inn on The Beach is a reprieve from fussy hotels - a vintage American getaway, relaxed, beachy and carefree. 

From decor to dining, the Postcard Inn on The Beach stays true to its low-key vibe with eclectic, unique design components in every room as well as a friendly bar and restaurant. PCI Beach Bar offers beers and spirits to sip poolside, plus gulf views, live music and rich local color; Wildwood BBQ & Burger hits the spot after a day of catching waves. From sun-up to sundown, Pit-Master "Big Lou" Elrose serves up world-class ribs, brisket and pulled pork. 

"The Postcard Inn on The Beach is an authentic reflection of its environment, incorporating the laid-back essence of St. Pete Beach," says Stephen Hanson, president of B.R. Guest Restaurants. "Similar to opening the James, our first hotel property, we're looking to build a successful brand with unique character that will cater to all types of travelers looking for more than just the trendiest new hotel."

Accommodations:
Reminiscent of surfers' digs, each room offers quirky decor elements including vintage light fixtures, refurbed surf gear and cozy bedding. Co-designed by B.R. Guest Design Director Tara Oxley and SL Design Founder Chris Sheffield, the Postcard Inn on The Beach offers rooms that overlook the gulf, the garden, or pool. Select rooms boast private poolside patios, bringing the cool gulf breeze and rocking pool party right up to guests' doorsteps. Every room comes equipped with a work-station, flat screen television and desk, but no two rooms are exactly the same. 

Dining + Drinking:
The Postcard Inn on The Beach offers several dining options, available throughout the day. For a quick bite on the way to surf lessons, the hotel will offer guests a complimentary hot and cold continental breakfast, served adjacent to the lobby. 
During lunch and dinner, Wildwood BBQ & Burger serves up slow-smoked BBQ favorites like ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Wildwood BBQ & Burger comes to St. Pete Beach via New York City, where it has received raves for its authentic BBQ and lively atmosphere.

For drinks, PCI Beach Bar is the Postcard Inn on The Beach's watering hole, where guests and locals mingle at the bar, catching local sports on the TV over beers and admiring the paraphernalia adorning the walls from its storied past.  For poolside snacks and bites, the PCI Snack Shack offers burgers, 'dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and other short-order dishes. 

Activities:
Guests hardly need to step out of the hotel as the Postcard Inn on The Beach is a destination within a destination, boasting prime beachfront real estate and a selection of activities that will satisfy every visitor, from surfing to shuffle board to shelling. Or, just sink into a hammock or lounge chair and enjoy cocktails by the pool. Additional activities include: gym with cardio and weight room, bike rental, long walks and runs on the beach, outdoor volleyball and basketball, local fishing and excursions, dolphin sightseeing trips, outdoor movies and more. The Postcard Inn on The Beach is also minutes from downtown St. Pete and local attractions like nightclubs, mini golf and local shops.

For reservations at the Postcard Inn on The Beach, please dial 727-367-2711 or toll free (800) 237-8918 or visit us virtually at www.postcardinn.com. The address is 6300 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, Florida.

B.R. Guest Restaurants

STEPHEN P. HANSON is the founder and President of B.R. Guest Restaurants, a New York-based multi-concept operator that began with one restaurant, Coconut Grill, in 1987 and has since expanded to fifteen restaurants in three cities. With each B.R. Guest restaurant, Hanson and his dedicated staff work to meet their own - and the public's - increasingly demanding expectations through an emphasis on hospitality and quality. 

Hanson began his career in the restaurant business as a maitre d' at the original TGI Friday's during the early 1970's. He became a manager shortly after receiving a degree from New York University's Stern School of business. From there, Hanson delved into the nightclub business when he opened the immensely popular Westchester nightclub, Peachtree's with two college friends. He remained in the nightclub business through his career change as a commodities broker. After several years in this field, Hanson sold his share of Peachtree's and began to serve as an executive in the fashion business for his family's designer sportswear company, Betsy Hanson. In 1987, he decided to pursue his original passion: restaurants. 

In 2004, Hanson created and co-founded the James Hotel concept with Danny Errico, (founder of Equinox Fitness) and served as a partner in this venture until 2006. The James Hotel, a value-based, stylish hotel concept, opened in Scottsdale, Arizona and was named "America's Sexiest Hotel" by Travel + Leisure in 2004. The Chicago location was also awarded a spot on Travel + Leisure's 2006 "It List." 

In 2008, Hanson focused on continued growth with the company's current concepts, from our Modern-Mexican cuisine and lounge, Dos Caminos Las Vegas, which opened in February 2008 at the Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino, and our newest concept, Wildwood Barbeque, which opened in New York in April 2008. B.R. Guest Restaurants will also provide unique dining concepts to '1' Hotel and Residences set to debut in the near future throughout the country.

Hanson currently sits on the Board of Directors for NYC & Company, New York City's official tourism organization and Public Color, focused on using art to empower students to transform their communities. He also served on the Board of Directors for Caribou Coffee for a number of years and is a Patron of the Metropolitan Opera. In 2003, Hanson received the Restaurateur of the Year award from Bon Appetit and in 2004, he received the Platinum Circle Award from Hospitality Design for his commitment to incorporate unique design with his innovative concepts. Recently, Hanson received the Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America and was profiled in Forbes magazine.