Longtime New Tampa fixture Ruby Tuesday abruptly closed its doors in late July, which was a surprise to many local residents. The restaurant, which boasted “Simple Fresh American Dining” and had arguably the best (only?) salad bar around, was located on the corner of Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in front of the popular AMC Highwoods 20 movie … [Read more...]
Nibbles & Bytes
Kate Spade Opens In TPO! “We are now at 100-percent occupancy,” Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) general manager Stacey Nance told me at the July 20 ribbon cutting event for the new Kate Spade store (photo) in TPO. “How many malls can say that?” In addition to Kate Spade (see below), Nance says the remaining three slots at the outlet mall also are all now taken — True … [Read more...]
MOD and Blaze Pizza Bringing Different Styles
Wesley Chapel Already Has Plenty Of Great Pizza Places. So, Why Are So Many New Ones Still Popping Up? Pizza may not be the world’s most-perfect food — although some who feel otherwise might fight you over that statement — but it probably is the most popular. So, as Wesley Chapel grows, and more and more families move in, so do more businesses that sell pizza. There’s … [Read more...]
Business Notes: Build-A-Bear’s UnBearable Promotion, BMW’s Plans
The longest lines in the history of the Shops at Wiregrass ended with sadness for many on July 12, as customers had to be turned away when the popular toy company was forced to abandon its “Pay Your Age” promotion in mid-stream. The promotion sounded great on paper. For one day only, customers could purchase a stuffed animal for the price of their age. For a toy that can run … [Read more...]
Bahama Breeze Island Grille Opens With Caribbean Fare & Flair
OK, you long-time readers know I don’t get too excited about too many of our seemingly neverending supply of new chain restaurants opening here in Wesley Chapel. But, this one’s different. I genuinely love the new Bahama Breeze Island Grille, which opened on July 16 on the north side of S.R. 56, between the soon-to-open Hyatt Place hotel and Chuy’s Tex-Mex. And, it’s not … [Read more...]
