Carls Patio will expand to California

Staff -- Casual Living, 6/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

Carls Patio, Inc. has announced the formation of a new corporation, Carls Patio West, Inc., and the acquisition of Saddleback of San Diego, an 18,000-sq.-ft. retail patio store. This is the first venture out of the state of Florida for the 11-year-old patio retailer.

"This is a very rare opportunity," Carls Patio President Gary Ecoff said. "We saw so many similarities when we compared the Florida market with Southern California that it just seemed like a natural for us. Tony Stevens and his wife Donna have done a tremendous job here and we feel fortunate that we'll be able to keep their great name and continue that tradition."

Carls Patio West will be operated by Lyle Ecoff, a 20-year veteran of the patio industry. Ecoff has worked extensively on both the wholesale and retail side, and started the Robb & Stucky patio division and served as its president.