A Choctawhatchee High School graduate has returned to his hometown to open a new beachside business combining coffee, sandwiches and cocktails — all housed in repurposed shipping containers.

• Shaun Cooper, whose family has been in the area since the early 1970s, has partnered with Nic Ascenzo to open Sandos Beachside and Nineteen33 Bar at 36 Terra Cotta Way in Destin.

“I grew up here as a kid. I went to elementary, middle school, and high school here,” Cooper said. “Then when I graduated high school, went off to college and worked in a different state before moving back here in 2021 to do this project.”

The business features Sandos Cafe on the lower level, serving specialty coffee from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Sandwiches are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the upstairs Nineteen33 Bar operates from noon to 9 p.m.

The upstairs Nineteen33 Bar offers a full service experience with a variety of mixed drinks, beer and wine in a setting designed to provide a distinctive atmosphere compared to other local establishments.

Ascenzo, originally from Miami, met Cooper in Florida and reconnected with him in Las Vegas before deciding to return to Destin.

• “I met Shaun in college at UCF. I was born in Miami and have lived in Florida most of my life before spending 15 years in Las Vegas,” Ascenzo said. “That’s where I reconnected with Shaun, who suggested we return to his hometown to open a sandwich shop and coffee house concept.”

The duo’s background in food and beverage, particularly in spirits, influenced their business concept. Cooper previously worked for Bacardi, while Ascenzo worked for Pernod Ricard. Their experience in the industry spans from starting as bar backs and bartenders to working for major spirits suppliers. 

Cooper and Ascenzo wanted to create something different for locals and visitors to the area. Their food and beverage background, combined with their love for coffee and sandwiches, led them to combine all three elements in one concept.

“This is family-owned and operated. The owners are on site. It’s me and Nic, we pretty much live here,” Cooper said. “We want people to come here, enjoy the sandwiches, whether you’re local or visiting. The cocktails are different from what everyone else is serving, so we want you to be able to come, hang out and enjoy it.”

The menu features uniquely named sandwiches including “FUHGEDDABOUDIT,” their version of an Italian sandwich with a nod to their Italian backgrounds, and “THE WEEKENDER,” which embraces a vacation mindset of not counting calories.

• Many sandwiches feature “Sandos Style,” which includes chips on the sandwich, Parmesan, salt and pepper, and “Sandos Sauce,” a house-made mustard vinaigrette. 

“During our brainstorming sessions, we realized that while almost everyone puts chips on their sandwiches at home, no restaurants were offering it as a standard feature,” Ascenzo said. “It seemed like a natural opportunity to create something distinctive that people already love.”

The coffee program features beans from Onyx Coffee, based in Arkansas, sourced through Sun City Coffee in Las Vegas. Ascenzo explains they wanted to bring something “more elevated” to the area that wasn’t currently being offered.

The shipping container design was intentional, not just following a trend. Cooper notes that people are increasingly building homes and restaurants using this architectural approach. The design also allows customers to grab their food or drinks and enjoy them elsewhere if they prefer a less crowded environment.

The owners have future plans for community involvement, including beach cleanups and supporting local sea turtle conservation efforts. Cooper, who participated in beach cleanups following hurricanes as a child, said he wants to give back to the area that shaped him. 

• They also plan to eventually offer live music and have ambitions to expand with similar locations in Panama City Beach, Navarre Beach, and Pensacola Beach.

Both owners emphasized their commitment to being hands-on proprietors. They’ve made Destin their home, with their families relocating to the area, and they maintain a daily presence at the business as part of their dedication to the local community.

The grand opening weekend on May 17-18 will feature their full sandwich menu, coffee offerings, and cocktails upstairs with extended hours.

As a special offer to readers, the owners are providing a discount to customers who mention or show this story when visiting during the grand opening weekend.

For more information on Sandos Beachside and Nineteen33 Bar, visit here.

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