Fresh Coffee, Homemade Fudge, and Alaska Hospitality.

Meet Kelly & Mike

Mike and Kelly met in Whittier. Mike was in his second year of running Lazy Otter Charters, and Kelly was working for Phillips Cruises and Tours. They like to say their mutual love of Prince William Sound led them to the love of their lives.

Kelly loves to joke that she joined the “Whittier Wives Club,” being one of the few who met their husbands in this small maritime town. Together, they raised their three kids in Whittier and on the waters of Prince William Sound, creating a life deeply rooted in adventure, community, and family.

The Benders loved being a family business, with all three kids helping run the four charter boats, café and gift shop, and kayak rental and guiding business. In 2021, to add a little more controlled chaos and charm to the mix, they purchased Whittier Fudge and Sound Ideas Gifts. In 2024, Lazy Otter Charters celebrated its 30th anniversary.

In January 2026, Mike and Kelly sold Lazy Otter Charters to two longtime employees, while keeping the café business and moving the fudge operation into the café building. This exciting new chapter brought the rebrand to Frisky Mermaid Café and Gifts and Whittier Fudge.

Throughout the years, Mike and Kelly Bender have continually worked to keep the wilderness values of Prince William Sound a top priority. In support of these efforts, they have served as active board members of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council, Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation, and the Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce.

The Benders were honored with the Visit Anchorage Tourism Advancement Award in 2016, the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Alyeska Award in 2018, and most recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Visit Anchorage in 2026.