TGI Friday’s Closes In Highwoods Preserve; Nothing Bundt Cakes & Cookie Plug Coming Soon? 

When I lived in Manhattan, New York, in the 1980s, my apartment was a couple of blocks from the original TGI Fridays on 1st Ave. Not only was it the location where Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown served drinks in the movie “Cocktail,” it also was a truly great non-chain restaurant. 

Then, when I moved to Tarrytown, NY, one of the first TGI Fridays franchises opened and I was disgusted by the “chain-ing” of this fabled eatery. My favorite potato skins on earth went from giant, crispy spuds filled with real cheddar cheese and topped with crumbled hunks of real bacon to mini-potatoes with low-quality American cheese and fake bacon bits. I swore to never visit a Fridays again. 

But, when the Fridays on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Highwoods Preserve opened nearly two decades ago, I still visited fairly frequently, as it often had live music, a hoppin’ bar and the food seemed better than it was in Tarrytown, even though the potato skins were still less than overwhelming. 

So, I wasn’t surprised to hear that the New Tampa Fridays was one of nearly 50 to close its doors on Oct. 24 (see notice, above), following a purge of 36 locations in January, leaving the chain with 164 remaining links and the parent company reportedly ready to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

Hopefully, something good will replace Fridays in this prime BBD location, but can a mom-&-pop even afford to move in there? 

The better news is that zip code 33647 is about to get its just desserts, as Nothing Bundt Cakes (NBC) will open a location about eight miles south of its popular location in The Shops at Wiregrass. Although NBC is limited to moist bundt cakes with amazing icing, it will still be a better choice in the former Subway location next to China City in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center. 

The most interesting news is that Cookie Plug, which also is getting ready to open in The Grove at Wesley Chapel (next to the Ice Dreammm Shop), also is getting ready to open in the former Weight Watchers location about 11 miles to the south in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza. 

We had no further information as to when NBC or Cookie Plug were expected to open, but we will keep you posted. — GN

Everglow Jewelry Is Open In The Shoppes At The Pointe Plaza In Tampa Palms

Everglow Jewelry in Tampa Palms is owned by Kayla & Derrick Pyke.

When Derrick Pyke and his wife Kayla (top photo) moved from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, to Tampa, Derrick already had years of experience, first working in his father’s jewelry manufacturing business and then in a retail jewelry store they had opened together.

After moving to this area, Derrick first worked “for a few years” as a store manager for another jewelry business in Tampa before going into finance for the last couple of years. “Then, I decided I wanted to get back into jewelry but I wanted to do it my own way again,” Derrick says.

The result is the new Everglow Jewelry, located at 17032 Palm Pointe Dr., in the former location of GPS Pools in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms (at the end nearest to Stonewood Grill &Tavern).

One thing Derrick says that sets Everglow apart from any of its local competition is that other than his own custom-made designs (more on those below), there is only one brand sold in the store — Kendra Scott, which specializes in items for (primarily) $100 or less, making the brand perfect for everyone from young girls to “full-grown women,” he says. “We even have grandmas buying Kendra Scott for themselves, too.”

Kendra Scott is the primary brand of popularly priced jewelry at Everglow Jewelry in Tampa Palms.

He adds that, “You kind of have to be picked by Kendra Scott to carry the brand. We are one of only two stores in Tampa that carry it.”

Everything else in the store, Derrick says, “are either pieces I’ve designed and created myself or I can. Our big thing at Everglow Jewelry is custom design. Let me make something for you in the size and color you want, with the metals and stones you choose. When you do that, you don’t need a ton of samples or display cases in the store.”

Derrick notes, however, that if you want something simple and don’t want to have to wait to receive it, “I do have catalogs I can show you or we can look on the internet together so you can find and order pieces that aren’t custom-designed, too.” He adds that even if you see something you like in a catalog or online, “I can usually get you a better price if I custom-design something similar, exactly the way you want it.”

And, best of all, he says, “Unlike most places that do custom, since I do the work myself, I don’t charge a custom-design fee. I price everything as though you found something in a case, loved it and wanted to buy it.”

As for lead time, Derrick says that custom pieces can take “from a few days to several weeks,” depending upon the design, the number of stones, etc. “We usually start with a hand drawing and then a computer-aided design. We can even create it as a 3D-printed wax first for you.”

He also is proud to be one of the only stores in the area to carry a laser welder, “because a lot of colored stones can’t handle the heat of using a torch. It changes their color.”

Everglow also offers laser-welded, “permanent” jewelry, so be sure to ask Derrick about that, as well as his on-site jewelry repairs.

For more info, call (813) 561-0055 or visit EverglowJewelry.com and please tell Derrick that I sent you!— GN

Everglow is a less-packed jewelry store than most in our area.

Gotcha Covered — When It Comes To Windows, The Name Literally Says It All! 

Franchise owner Khaled Alhamzawi is a long-time New Tampa resident who brings his Gotcha Covered of Central Tampa showroom to your home. (Photo by Charmaine George) 

Local franchise owner says most people who call his Gotcha Covered of Central Tampa franchise say they’re looking for blinds for their homes. But, many are surprised to discover that blinds are actually not what they really wanted, as there’s actually a whole array of window coverings available from Gotcha Covered that have so much more to offer. 

“Before I became a Gotcha Covered franchise owner, I didn’t know how many options there were,” Khaled admits. “But the options are unlimited.” 

While custom blinds come in many varieties — from aluminum to vinyl to wood and much more — are cordless and can be motorized, people sometimes find what they really want are custom shades or even shutters, both of which also are available in a wide variety of options. 

“Usually people are looking at style, functionality and price,” Khaled says. “It’s always about finding what the customer is looking for.” 

Khaled launched his Gotcha Covered franchise six months ago. The company has been franchising since 2009 and currently has more than 170 locations in the United States and Canada, including 28 in Florida. 

Although his franchise is labeled “Central Tampa,” Khaled is able to serve clients anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, including all of our readers in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. 

He has worked in leadership at a national corporation for more than a decade, but says he wanted to move in a new direction for his family’s future. 

“In the corporate world, we’re constantly being asked to do more with less,” he says, sharing one difficult time when his company let go of 2,500 employees. He says that also made his job feel less secure. 

“I wanted to change my career,” he says, “and choose something to build for myself.” 

For Khaled, who migrated to the U.S. from Syria 24 years ago, owning his own business feels like the fulfillment of the American dream. He and his wife have three boys — ages 16, 12, and 11 — and have lived in Tampa Palms for the last 12 years. 

Khaled says he enjoys remodeling and has done renovation projects on property that he owns, so when he learned about Gotcha Covered, it seemed like a good fit. 

Before launching his business, Khaled completed extensive training to ensure he was fully equipped to help all customers – residential and commercial – with all of their window covering needs. 

In addition to training from Gotcha Covered, the vendors he uses require that he completes courses to become certified to sell their products. 

For larger projects or those that require a special touch, Khaled says he will collaborate with interior designers. 

Gotcha Covered’s custom window treatments include blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and curtains. 

“Our window treatments are custom-made, so they’re not something you’re buying off the shelf from a retail store,” Khaled says. “They fit the style of your home and are made specifically for that window in that home.” 

Customer Rama Al Ghannam offered this 5-star review on Google: “I consulted with Gotcha Covered of Central Tampa for drapes in my formal living and dining spaces. I am very pleased with the results and the experience was seamless, beginning to end. Great customer service and high quality products! I will be using them again to install shades in my guest bedroom!” 

Today’s Big Trends 

Meanwhile, Khaled explains that automation is something that’s big in window treatments these days. Customers can control their shades using Alexa, Google Home, or even their smartphones. 

“Programming your window coverings is trendy in this day and age,” he says. “People are looking for ‘smart’ everything.” 

For example, he says, if you have a window where you get a lot of sun throughout the day and it gets too warm, you can put up a shade and program it to cover the window just for the times when the sun is beating down, having it automatically roll out of sight in the evening so you can enjoy the view. 

This helps keep the room cool and allows families to avoid overtaxing their air conditioning units and save on their electricity bills. 

An option Khaled says not many people know about is a dual shade with a roller that actually includes two shades – one to protect from the sun and one for design. You can have them both up or both down, or one up and one down, or vice versa. 

Gotcha Covered offers curtains and drapes, too. “Shades are trendy now” Khaled says, “but people often do side panels, rather than full draperies.” 

He says shutters are very common in Florida because they last many years and don’t go out of style. 

“They become part of the structure of the home and can last 10, 15 or even 20 years,” he says. 

Also popular are outdoor motorized screens for those patio areas that aren’t enclosed by a pool cage. Motorized screens go in tracks that allow families to enjoy their outdoor spaces while blocking some heat and intense light, while also limiting bugs, debris from trees and dirt. 

He says these screens are especially popular not just with families, but also at restaurants with outdoor seating areas. 

For anyone interested in learning more about products and options or what Gotcha Covered could customize for in your home or business, Khaled offers a complimentary in-home consultation. 

“We bring the showroom to you,” he says. “That is an advantage over visiting a store. You want to look at the fabric and colors in your home so you can see if they match your furniture or paint.” 

Once you’ve selected the perfect products to meet your needs and fit your budget, everything is measured, ordered and then installed, usually just two to three weeks later, by expert installers who ensure a perfect, custom fit and can help with any smart options. 

“I enjoy working with people, explaining the different options that are available, giving them design tips, and explaining how to choose the right product for them,” Khaled says. “I’ve found it to be a very rewarding experience making homes nicer and more beautiful.” 

Ricc Rollins, the owner of Riccardo’s Menswear, recently opened a new store in West Tampa. 

“Gotcha Covered came in and assessed what we needed,” says Ricc. “I was very pleased that Khaled worked within our budget and was not trying to upsell us.” 

Ricc explains that he had a list of wants and Gotcha Covered met all of them. 

“We needed our window coverings to be energy efficient, in a color that was fashionable but not take away from the aesthetic of the historic building we’re in, and cost effective [for someone] opening a new business,” says Ricc. “Khaled checked all the boxes. He lives up to his name. He made sure all my bases were covered.” 

Gotcha Covered offers a free in-home consultation. For more info call (813) 787-5550 or schedule an appointment online at GotchaCovered.com/Central-Tampa.

Pediatric Dentistry Of New Tampa Now Offers Aesthetic Spa Services For Adults! 

Dr. Marta Rivera of Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa, located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center just off the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. exit of I-75, has made sure that the children of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel have had beautiful, happy smiles for more than two decades. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Marta Rivera, D.M.D., has been one of the most trusted children’s dentists serving the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area for more than 20 years, but her Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa — located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center — added The Aesthetics Beauty Lab just a few months ago to provide skincare services for the parents of her pediatric patients (and other adults). What made “Dr. Marta,” as her patients affectionately call her, decide to add these services for adults? First, let’s talk about this popular local pediatric dentist and the services she has been providing for the children of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for two+ decades. Then, we’ll get into her new services for adults. 

Dr. Marta’s Journey 

Dr. Marta first opened her Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa in Hunter’s Green in 2003 but moved to her current location on Primrose Lake Cir. in Tampa Palms in 2008. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Marta moved to Puerto Rico at the age of 10, a place she loved growing up. However, she now considers Florida her true home, saying, “Florida, especially New Tampa, is my favorite place.” She also is fluent in Spanish, making her practice accessible to a diverse community. 

Dr. Marta graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, where she later also earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the university’s School of Dental Medicine. Before moving to Florida in 1997, she ran her own dental practice in Puerto Rico. After passing the Florida Dental Board exams, she worked with other dentists before starting her own practice. 

“I’ve seen this area grow, and it’s been a pleasure to be here,” says Dr. Marta. Over the past 21 years, she has treated many patients, mostly children, but also a few adults. 

“Some of my patients who grew up coming to me don’t want to go anywhere else now that they’re adults,” she says with a smile. However, she adds that she is no longer accepting new adult patients. 

Embracing Innovation & Technology 

Dr. Marta’s office is designed with children in mind. “When I first started decorating my ‘house,’” she says with a laugh, explaining that she calls her office her house because she practically lives there, “I wanted the space to be fun and welcoming, like a second home. The practice is all about having an environment where kids feel comfortable and at ease.” 

Dr. Marta stresses the importance of starting dental care early. She takes a holistic approach to dentistry, promoting whole-body wellness. “Why think of dental, skin, and bone health as separate things?,” she asks, adding that she believes in a comprehensive approach to health, which includes proper nutrition for strong teeth and gums. 

In addition to dental care, Dr. Marta offers guidance on tooth-friendly diets and supplements that can support dental health, like Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. 

The office features lots of new technology, and Dr. Marta prides herself in having many devices not available at other pediatric (or even adult) dental offices. You can read about them all on her website under the “Technology” header. 

One of the most advanced treatments offered at Dr. Marta’s practice is ozone dentistry. Ozone, known by most people as the layer protecting the earth’s atmosphere, also can be used in dentistry to fight bacteria and promote healing. 

“Our bodies naturally produce ozone to fight off illnesses,” she explains. But, in dentistry, it’s used to kill the bacteria that cause cavities, without the need for invasive procedures. 

Dr. Marta explains, “The equipment is something that looks like a pen that I point at the affected area.” Ozone can save a tooth before it gets to the point of needing a root canal. 

“When a dentist cleans out a cavity,” she says, “no matter how well they clean it, there is always the possibility of some bacteria staying behind. Even the tiniest amount of bacteria can continue to grow and cause the patient to need a root canal. By using the ozone, all of the bacteria is killed before filling the cavity.” 

The ozone treatment can be as simple as pointing this pen-like wand at the tooth or, for more serious cases, the tooth can be covered and then the gas is released inside that cover. 

Ozone treatment also is effective in treating periodontal disease, preventing cavities and even promoting healing for cold sores and canker sores. It’s a pain-free, side-effect-free option that many patients appreciate. And, Dr. Marta is one of only a few hundred dentists in all of North America offering this treatment. 

Before the tooth can be treated with ozone, the dentist must clean out the cavity. There is conventional drilling but now, thanks to a company called Biolase, Dr. Marta uses a laser called the Waterlase MD. This laser replaces the drill, is less invasive and requires less anesthesia. 

Another service Dr. Marta can provide is early orthodontic treatment. Although she is not an orthodontist, because she was trained in her residency to do orthodontics, and was able to first provide it in her practice in Puerto Rico, she is able to provide orthodontic treatments at Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa. She specializes in early interventions with Invisalign First. 

“Many kids benefit from early orthodontic treatment, and Invisalign is a great option for them,” she says. Invisalign First helps address issues like crowding, spacing, and narrow arches without the need for traditional braces. 

The office also has a machine called iTero Element, which kids love because it eliminates the goop used for impressions. It is a scanning system that can capture a detailed 3D model of teeth and gums. This procedure is ideal for crowns, bridges and, of course, Invisalign clear aligners and retainers. Dr. Marta has a video on her website under the “Technology” heading where you can see how the iTero Element works. 

She also specializes in assessing and then treating infants and children with tongue or lip ties with simple laser frenectomy procedures to remove or modify a frenulum (a small fold of tissue that limits movement in the mouth). These quick, minimally invasive treatments can help babies with reflux, poor latch, or colic issues, and children with speech delays or mouth breathing. 

“We offer same-day treatment for infants because a hungry baby needs help right away,” she explains. Parents often notice improvements immediately after the procedure. 

The Aesthetics Beauty Lab 

As we mentioned earlier, Dr. Marta isn’t only focused on children these days — as she now also offers aesthetic services for her patients’ parents (and other adults) at her new “Aesthetics Beauty Lab.” 

Using advanced technology from Alma and Reveal, her office now provides services like skin tightening, dark spot treatment, hair and tattoo removal, as well as Botox and fillers. 

Dr. Marta offers the parents of her young dental patients and other adults a variety of innovative skincare treatments at her Aesthetics Beauty Lab using the latest technology, like the Alma Opus Plasma machine (below left) and the Alma IQ skin analysis machine (above). 

“We want to take care of the kids, but parents need pampering too,” Dr. Marta says. 

“I’ve always enjoyed taking care of my skin and especially my face,” she adds. “For many years I have gone to an aesthetician and when the American Dental Association gave the ok to move into this area, I was very interested and excited. A lot of dentists are now doing Botox and fillers in their offices. It is part of the dental career evolution. Everything face- and neck-related is part of our expertise as dentists.” 

It took Dr. Marta close to a year to become certified in not only the procedures she offers, but also the equipment she uses. She now has earned certifications in Master Botulinum Toxin hands-on training and Master Dermal Filler hands-on training from the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Three of the pieces of equipment she is trained on are the ‘Alma Harmony” and “Alma Opus Plasma,” as well as the “Denza RF System.” 

Dr. Marta says that the Opus Plasma is designed to address many skin conditions. It also helps to fight aging. Sessions last about 15 minutes, as tiny needles break the skin which stimulates healing to produce new collagen and elastin. 

Meanwhile, the Alma Harmony can be used to correct dark spots, skin photodamage and more. 

The Denza RF (RadioFrequency) System can be used in a similar way. It is a non-surgical skin rejuvenation and tightening process that uses monopolar and bipolar radiofrequencies with pulsing. It targets both superficial and deep layers of the skin, thereby stimulating collagen and elastin production. Denza also can be used for body contouring. 

At this time, Dr. Marta is the only one providing these aesthetic procedures in the office. She accepts adult patients ages 18 and over. 

“As I entered my 40s, after years of suffering through adult acne, hormonal imbalances, and inflammatory auto-immune diseases, my skin was showing its battle wounds. I tried chemical peels and facials, but needed a more sustainable regimen with longer-lasting results. Then, as the skin rejuvenation Gods would have it, Dr. Marta Rivera began offering aesthetic skincare services in her beautiful “Aesthetics Beauty Lab” suite. After a thorough skin analysis, Dr. Marta suggested the Opus Plasma laser for my overall skin condition and concerns. Just over a week ago, I experienced my first of three sessions with the Opus Plasma laser. It was fairly painless, and the down time was minimal. As a busy mother, and career woman, this is a complete game-changer. With the right before-&-after-care plan provided by Dr. Marta, I was able to resume all normal activities within 3-4 days. I am already seeing several positive results. My skin appearance is more uniform, and I have a fabulous glow to my face. Several areas of hyperpigmentation are lightened, and a scar on my cheek is not as prominent. I am thrilled to move forward with the Opus Plasma series, with Dr. Marta at the helm. She has certainly outdone herself and set the tone for a streamlined process to skin rejuvenation.” — C. Gonzales 

Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa is located at 5326 Primrose Lake Cir. and is open Mon.- Thur., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The office accepts many insurance plans, primarily PPOs. For more info or to schedule a visit, call (813) 374-0388 or visit TampaHappySmiles.com. 

Kohl’s Opens Behind Tampa Premium Outlets 

After reading some of the not-so-nice online comments about the new Kohl’s (and Sephora) store located at 1854 Sun Vista Pl., behind the Tampa Premium Outlets, next to At Home, I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting too much. 

Whereas some commenters in local online communities railed that Kohl’s was less of a “department” store than they remembered and more like a Ross or TJ Maxx, what I found was very much more like a Macy’s or Dillard’s but with lower prices. The men’s department is many times larger than any discount retailer, with large selections of brands from Nike and Under Armour to Columbia, Izod, Dockers and many more. 

And, the prices (with Grand Opening specials throughout the store) were more reasonable than I expected, too — especially when you sign up for a Kohl’s membership or credit card (or both). I ended up buying an Apt. 9 sports jacket for myself for less than $100, a nice silk tie to go with the jacket for around $20 and a V-neck T-shirt for less than $10. 

The women’s department was even larger (and the Sephora beauty supply area was bigger than I remember at the JC Penney at the Shops at Wiregrass) and the departments for kids and babies (I bought some Bluey and Spider-Man pajamas for the grandkids) were as large or larger than what I’ve seen at, say, Target. There also was a selection of Halloween-themed merchandise (and clothing) available in several departments. And, again unlike Ross or Marshall’s, everything is well organized and clearly marked. 

Is Kohl’s the department store of my dreams? Maybe not. But, considering how close Jannah and I live to it and the prices I’ve already found, I think we’ll both be visiting regularly. 

For more information, call (813) 501- 2601 or visit Kohls.com. And, please tell them I sent you! — GN