Updates On Steak N Shake, The Alley, 3 Natives & Bosphorous

Although some folks online will try to convince you that it’s going to be a different restaurant, I can say with full confidence that the building directly west (southwest?) of The Palms Car Wash will indeed be a Steak ‘n Shake. 

Owner Todd Webb and general manager Jason Good were hoping to have the new restaurant open at 5542 Post Oak Blvd. (off Wesley Chapel Blvd.) by the time this issue reached your mailbox, but Todd says he is now hoping to open sometime around the first or second week of September. 

“It’s definitely been tough,” he says. “But we are confident we will get this place done and open, hopefully soon!”

Todd, who also owns the adjacent Palms Car Wash (5550 Post Oak Blvd.), says that in addition to Grand Opening specials at Steak ‘n Shake, he plans to do cross-promotions between the two businesses.

(L.-r.) General manager Jason Good and owner Todd Webb’s sons Wyatt and J.R. can’t wait until the Wesley Chapel Steak ‘n Shake opens on Post Oak Blvd. 

“We do full detailing at The Palms Car Wash,” he says, “so while your car is being detailed, you can go next door and enjoy a Steak & Shake burger, those famous fries and a milk shake. And, we will have promotions like buy a car wash membership, get a coupon for Steak ‘n Shake.”

He says he and Jason also plan to do kids specials on Thursdays afternoons at Steak ‘n Shake.

“On Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., we’ll have a balloon artist and face painter. We’ll also do a Facebook Live from Steak ‘n Shake every week, with drawings for about 10 prizes, like a $30 gift certificate for The Palms for a free Car Wash Club, free value meals at the restaurant and more.”

Todd, who has owned more than 30 different businesses, says he is as excited about Steak ‘n Shake as he has ever been about any previous business. 

“I just want to get it open,” he says. 

For more information about The Palms Car Wash, go get your car washed or visit ThePalmsCarWash.com. Until the Wesley Chapel location actually opens, visit the Steak ‘n Shake at 17509 N. Palms Village Pl. in New Tampa or SteaknShake.com.

New Food & Beverages At The Mall

If you’ve been hoping for some new food and beverage options to open in our area, the Shops at Wiregrass is getting ready to welcome two new places to replace two that closed.

The first is The Alley Tea ‱ CafĂ© ‱ Life (photo right) at 28211 Paseo Dr., Suite 180, in the former location of PhoLicious. But, where PhoLicious was more of a fast casual restaurant with Vietnamese cuisine, The Alley is strictly a place for a variety of boba (bubble) tea drinks (although some locations of the 17-store West Coast-based chain do list desserts on their menu, too). The Alley is expected to open on or around Aug. 15. 

Speaking of beverages, the former location of Clean Juice (and a previous juice/smoothie place) at 28216 Paseo Dr., Suite 170, in the mall is getting ready to reopen as 3 Natives Açai & Juicery, which is a Florida-based chain with more than 30 current locations. What appears to be promising about 3 Natives is that in addition to the usual pressed juices and açai bowls, the online menu also includes nice-looking wrap and pressed sandwiches, as well as salads (photo below). 

According to 3Natives.com: “We source the finest and freshest ingredients possible for all of our menu items…Whether you’re on a lunch break, looking for a quick snack, or just in the mood for sweet and healthy — we’ve got you. Our diverse, fresh and extremely delicious menu items are made to order and hand-crafted to satisfy.” 

3 Natives also is expected to open later this month but also is looking for members to join the team.

There’s a sign out in front of the place with a QR code to scan if you’re interested.

But of course, the new restaurant many people are excited about is Bosphorous, the Turkish cuisine eatery with six existing locations (including one  expected to open soon at 714 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa). Unfortunately, according to a spokesperson for the mall, Bosphorous isn’t likely to open much before the end of this year.

We also hope to have an announcement about the replacement for Irish 31 soon.— GN

Dr. Nicole Mitchell-Toth Of Blue Water Dental Wants To Be Your Family’s Dentist! 

Dr. Nicole Mitchell-Toth of Blue Water Dental in the Pebble Creek Collection is an experienced family, implant and cosmetic dentist who has been practicing in New Tampa for 18 years. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Dr. Nicole Mitchell-Toth, a highly skilled, caring and dedicated dentist, has been practicing in the New Tampa area since 2006. She offers family, implant and cosmetic dentistry, with an extensive array of dental services — and has the experience and background to match. 

Dr. Mitchell (which is what she says her staff and patients call her, despite her recent married name) graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry. She earned her Doctor of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.) degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville. 

After graduation, Dr. Mitchell served in the United States Army, where she was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, and completed her residency in AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry), as well as the “Spear Curriculum” in advanced comprehensive dentistry. She earned the rank of Major before leaving the Army. 

Dr. Mitchell has received implant training from implant educators and has averaged about 100 hours of continuing education per year for the last 20 years. She also completed the Executive Practice Management Curriculum through the University of Florida. 

She opened her first private practice office 18 years ago in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza before moving to her current location in the Pebble Creek Collection in New Tampa in 2020. 

Having moved just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Dr. Mitchell calls the move, “perfect timing. We were able to complete everything before building materials became scarce,” she says. “I was very fortunate to be a dentist in Florida, since the relatively lenient restrictions here allowed us to resume seeing patients after only six weeks,” which was a small amount of time compared to the six months some states shut down their dental offices. 

Using AI Technology 

During the pandemic, Dr. Mitchell says she was introduced to new technologies that continue to benefit her patients, including both hardware and software that utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI). For example, she has a device that attaches to a smartphone camera, enabling patients to take and then transmit pictures of their teeth to the office for evaluation, eliminating the need for some (but not all) in-person visits. 

“It’s not just what we see but also what the AI technology analyzes.” Dr. Mitchell explains. 

In the office, she adds, AI technology enhances dental care by identifying problem areas in photos and X-rays. “The AI can detect early signs of cavities, allowing me to prescribe medication before they become serious,” she says. This tech also allows her to create 3D models of a patient’s teeth, which can reveal changes over time, such as gum recession or wear and tear. 

Dr. Mitchell uses AI technology to show patients where they have problems with their teeth. 

“We can use these images overlaid to show the patient how and why things have changed and what they can do to improve.” 

For more than a year, Dr. Mitchell also has been using AI software to analyze X-rays. 

“The software highlights problem areas in different colors (see photo left), making it easier to explain to patients what they need,” she says. “This visual aid helps patients understand their dental health and the necessary treatments.” 

Dr. Mitchell’s approach to dentistry is grounded in honesty and openness. She ensures that each patient is fully informed about treatment options and costs, empowering them to make the best decisions for their dental health. 

She also emphasizes the importance of education in maintaining oral health. New patients fill out detailed questionnaires about diet and lifestyle to identify potential causes of dental issues. 

“You may not realize it, but what you eat or drink can affect your teeth,” she says. 

The Blue Water Dental team includes three dental hygienists, four dental assistants, three administrative staff members and therapy dogs Max and Mandi. 

“In January of 2016,” says Dr. Mitchell, “we welcomed to the office these two nine-week-old Maltese-Shih Tzu mix pups, who we named after the Maxillary and Mandibular jaws. These therapy dogs were trained for the purpose of providing comfort and kindness to our patients.” 

The hypoallergenic pups enjoy roaming the office, “but mostly they enjoy sitting on the laps of patients and getting a good belly rub” says Dr. Mitchell, who adds that most patients find Max and Mandy to be very calming and comforting. 

Implant & Cosmetic Services 

In addition to general/family dentistry, Dr. Mitchell specializes in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. 

“Creating new smiles is a favorite part of my job,” she says. Her practice offers a number of cosmetic procedures, including veneers, crowns and teeth whitening. She provides comprehensive assessments and multiple treatment options, ensuring that patients can choose the best solutions for their individual needs. 

When it comes to implants, Dr. Mitchell handles everything from individual teeth to complete replacements. 

“Replacing teeth can significantly improve a person’s appearance and confidence,” she says. “Depending upon what the patient wants or needs, the implant process can take from four months to a year.” 

Mandi is one of two hypoallergenic therapy dogs in Dr. Mitchell’s office. 

Cosmetic services include single-visit permanent crowns, customized cosmetic veneers, specialty orthodontic care with virtual checkups, dental implants and same-day emergency appointments. 

Giving back to the community also is important to Dr. Mitchell. She volunteers with Missions Smiles, a program of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Mission Tampa that provides dental care via a mobile unit to underserved areas. 

“We offer care once or twice a month, and sometimes we see patients in the office as well,” she says. “This program also assists survivors of human trafficking.” 

Another volunteer effort is with “Operation Stand Down,” presented by the Chapters Health Valor Program of HPH Hospice in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. This annual event provides comprehensive services to veterans, “many of whom are homeless and haven’t had dental care in years,” Dr. Mitchell explains. The event offers a range of services and accommodations, creating a supportive environment for these veterans in need. 

Dr. Mitchell has built long-term relationships with her patients, some of whom she has cared for since they were school aged and are now married with children. She takes pride in building these relationships and doing her absolute best to cater to every patient’s needs 

For more info about Blue Water Dental, the Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry office of Dr. Nicole Mitchell-Toth (19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite A-1), call (813) 957-5887 or visit NicoleMitchellDMD.com to request an appointment. The office is open Mon.- Thur., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fri. 

The Hub At Lexington Has Gone Vertical; No Tenant Announcements Until Early 2025 

The Hub at Lexington, in front of the Lexington Oaks community (and Sentosa Lexington Apts.) on Wesley Chapel Blvd. has started to go vertical, but likely won’t open until Oct. 2025.

If you’ve recently driven by the Sentosa Lexington Oaks Apartments on Wesley Chapel Blvd. (in front of the Lexington Oaks community), you may have noticed that The Hub at Lexington — the 40,000-sq.-ft. dining and shopping center we first told you about back in Oct. of last year, has started to go vertical. 

But, don’t get too excited just yet. Co-developer Courtney Bissett-Hayes of Center Connect Development, says that although the walls are now up on Building One and all six foundations for this six-building project are now in place, she still doesn’t expect The Hub at Lexington to open until October of 2025. 

“The project will open as a whole, not in pieces,” she says. The build-out will take about 13 months and then the tenants will have six months to build out their spaces.” 

Sadly, Courtney, who operates Center Connect with her brother Paul Bissett, also says that no announcements will be made regrading tenants until the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of 2025. 

Even so, she says The Hub at Lexington, like its predecessor, The Hub at Bexley off S.R. 54 near the Suncoast Pkwy., will provide, “Experiential dining & entertainment,” including 15-20 local and regional restaurants and retail shops. And, as we previously reported, there will be twelve artificial trees (photo from Bexley above) providing shade for the complex, twice as many as at The Hub at Bexley. 

Courtney also says that even though Shanks Indoor Golf & Bar’s website still says the indoor golf experience is coming to the complex, she can neither confirm nor deny that at this time. 

“What I can confirm,” she says, “is that our 6.5-acre, $24-million project has been designed as a neighborhood amenity, like the Lexington Oaks community’s clubhouse, so we are serious about providing something special for the area.” 

She also says that Center Connect plans to build 10 “Hubs” in and around the tri-county area (Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough), with Bexley and Lexington being just the first two. “We will probably announce the third location fairly soon. All of the Hubs will be in front of well-established master-planned communities.” 

For leasing info at The Hub at Lexington, call Courtney Bissett-Hayes at (813) 340-7936. 

Primary Care Of Wesley Chapel — Nurse Practitioner-Run Primary Care 

When you visit The Primary Care of Wesley Chapel, located off Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz, you’ll meet the team of (l.-r.) Alexis, Megan, Scarlette and Maggie. (Photos provided by Primary Care of WC) 

Scarlette Owens, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, has spent her entire career caring for patients. First, as a nurse in obstetrics and gynecology, then as a nurse practitioner. 

With decades of practice in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area, the word has gotten out that Scarlette is a knowledgeable, experienced primary care practitioner who listens to her patients and treats them with compassion and care. 

When Scarlette found herself at a career crossroads, the timing seemed perfect for her to open a new primary care practice of her own. 

So, Scarlette joined fellow nurse practitioner Megan Dudley, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, to open The Primary Care of Wesley Chapel just after Memorial Day weekend of this year. The office is located in the new Cypress Bend Professional Park, off Wesley Chapel Blvd., next to Harley Davidson of Wesley Chapel. 

The letters behind their names mean Scarlette and Megan have advanced credentials and participate in ongoing training to treat both female and male patients, ages 18 and up. They have each received a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, earned credentials as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and have earned Board certification as family nurse practitioners (FNP-C) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. 

Both Megan and Scarlette say they were looking for more flexibility in their work/life balance and thought that opening a new practice, with each of them as part owner, would give them that opportunity. 

Megan, as the mom of 10-year-old twins, wanted a schedule that would allow her to chauffeur her kids to soccer games and figure skating practice. Scarlette, after 18 years in internal medicine as a partner at a local Florida Medical Clinic office, was looking to slow down with a schedule that allowed her to work just four and a half days each week. 

As a member of the clinical faculty at the University of South Florida, in Tampa, Scarlette says she has trained many nurse practitioners. 

“I made a big leap to leave all of that behind,” she says, adding that she had signed a contract to work for a company that was putting primary care practices inside of Walgreens pharmacies. At the last minute, that company pulled the plug on the practice and told Scarlette they no longer had a job for her. She attempted to return to primary care, but the right fit wasn’t available, so she started working in urgent care for Florida Medical Clinic. 

“I loved the crew there,” Scarlette says. But, she also says that her former patients were tracking her down, asking her where they could see her for primary care again. 

“It was very humbling,” Scarlette says. “You’re busy doing your job, so you don’t realize how much your patients appreciate you and want to see you.” 

In addition to Scarlette and Megan, The Primary Care of Wesley Chapel has two employees who are both cross-trained as front desk staff and medical assistants, Alexis and Maggie. Scarlette says she expects them to become the leadership team as the practice grows. 

Megan and Scarlette look forward to being your primary care providers, too.

There also are two other providers in the office. Fellow Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Patricia Moore, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a part-time provider who focuses on women’s health. While she’s trained as a primary care provider, Patricia can take the time to have more lengthy conversations surrounding women’s issues and problems, such as hormones, bladder issues and contraceptives. 

And, occupational therapist Irfan Choudhry, OT/PTA, is expected to offer occupational therapy services at the practice starting in a couple of months. 

Scarlette and Megan say they are both focused on being available, accessible and good listeners, proactive in decision making and taking care of people. 

“So many people can’t get in to their primary care provider for six months,” explains Scarlette. Or, she adds, they may have an urgent issue — such as an infection or low blood sugar — and they’re told they can wait three weeks for an appointment or go to the emergency room, because those are the only options. 

“They don’t feel cared for,” Scarlette says. “I saw it from the urgent care perspective. All these people were there because they couldn’t get into primary care.” 

Telehealth Benefits 

So, at The Primary Care of Wesley Chapel, the team has Telehealth appointments available every day. If someone is on vacation and needs antibiotics or has high blood pressure or is having an allergic reaction, they can speak to a health care provider right away. 

“We are small, but that’s what makes us special,” says Megan. “We know our patients expect us to have knowledge and experience but we also want to have kindness and personal interactions. I hope people feel listened to, heard and valued. That’s what we’re here to do.” 

Megan says she often has patients she recognizes from her kids’ school or activities in the community, since she and her husband have lived in Wesley Chapel for more than 10 years now. 

“We live here, we’re raising our kids here, we go to church here and they go to public school here,” Megan says. “We’re entrenched in our community, and I love that I’m home from work in less than 15 minutes.” 

Scarlette says it means a lot to her that her patients continue to seek her out. 

“As a former OB nurse, I have patients who remember that I was the one who told them they were pregnant, and I’m still seeing them,” she says. “And now, those babies I delivered are all grown up and sometimes I see them, too.” 

One of Scarlette’s long-time patients is Donna, who asked that we not use her last name. She says she first met Scarlette nearly 20 years ago. 

“She is always so responsive and caring,” says Donna. “When I first became her patient, she spent so much time going through my chart, making sure she was very familiar with everything. She really listens and doesn’t just run in and out of the room.” 

Donna says she’s already seen Scarlette at The Primary Care of Wesley Chapel for both an in-person well check and sick visits via Telehealth. 

“The whole staff is so personable,” Donna says. “They seem so genuine and caring. And the office is beautiful.” 

The Primary Care of Wesley Chapel accepts many major health insurance plans, Medicare and some plans from the “Obamacare” marketplace. Patients also can self-pay if they don’t have insurance. 

The Primary Care of Wesley Chapel is located at 2935 Pearson James Pl., off Wesley Chapel Blvd. It is open Mon.- Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For appointments or more information, call (813) 991-4243 or visit PrimaryCareWesleyChapel.com. 

Budget Blinds — The Company That Brings A Full Design Showroom To Your Home! 

If you’ve been thinking about enhancing the beauty of your home, call Budget Blinds of North Tampa & Land O’Lakes for an in-home design consultation. (All photos provided by Adriane Wonderlin) 

As Florida summers seem to get hotter (and start sooner) every year, keeping cool inside becomes a growing priority for local homeowners. You can crank up the air conditioning, but what you may not realize is that a more efficient and stylish solution to the heat is getting new window treatments. These not only help regulate temperature but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, both inside and out. 

Mike & Adriane Wonderlin are the owners of Budget Blinds of North Tampa & Land O’Lakes. 

When it comes to finding a company that meets all of your window treatment needs, Budget Blinds of North Tampa & Land O’Lakes stands out. Owned by Wesley Chapel residents Adriane and Mike Wonderlin, the local franchise on W. Fletcher Ave. (near I-275) in Tampa offers personalized consultation services. Whether you visit their showroom or invite a Budget Blinds consultant into your home, you can choose from the company’s huge variety to find the perfect window treatments that align with your budget and style preferences. 

Adriane says, “Many people think blinds are expensive, but we offer a wide selection that can fit any budget.” Mike, with more than 30 years of experience in the business, and Adriane have expanded their service area from San Antonio to Palmetto and now Lakeland. Their showroom is a hub for exploring various styles, although in-home consultations remain a key part of Budget Blinds’ services. 

“Our consultant will come to your home and help you pick out just the right style and material,” says Adriane. 

Employing a team of about 40 people, the Wonderlins are looking to expand further by hiring additional administrative staff and installers in Tampa. Adriane encourages anyone reading this story to contact her (see contact information at the end of the story) if interested or looking for more information. 

Budget Blinds can show you how easy and affordable it is to add hybrid pleated shades with drapes to your home. 

The Wonderlins just came back from the Budget Blinds Expo called “Shaping Our Future Together” in Grapevine, TX, and shared that the most recent trends in the industry have not changed. 

“Motorization is still one of the most popular features with customers,” Adriane says. “One older trend that is making a comeback, are draperies. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, the trend was draperies, but for many years since then, it’s been blinds or shades. However, over the last couple of years, draperies have made a comeback. The difference is that now, shades and blinds are accompanied by draperies — all of which are motorized.” 

The landscape of the window treatment industry has seen some notable changes, especially with the rising popularity of motorized blinds. For example, “In Canada,” Adriane notes, “a law mandates motorized blinds for safety, prohibiting the sale of homes with corded blinds.” While the U.S. has not adopted this regulation, Budget Blinds educates customers on the benefits of motorized blinds, anticipating potential future legislation. For those who don’t want the expense of motorized blinds, but are still concerned about safety, Budget Blinds does also offer a variety of manual pull-down cordless blinds. 

Adriane and her outstanding sales team are always happy to run down the variety of blinds available, including vinyl, wood, fabric, faux wood and aluminum. Adding draperies for accent can enhance the look with a pop of color. Budget Blinds’ drapery specialist Cheryl Visalli, who has a degree in interior design, assists customers in choosing the perfect drapes to complement their blinds or shades. 

Budget Blinds of North Tampa & Land O’Lakes offers every major trend in the window treatment industry, from (above) hybrid pleated shades with drapes to (below) motorized shades and so many more. 

Among those who appreciate not only Budget Blinds’ selection, but the service she has received, is customer Tina Marie, who says in one of the hundreds of 5-Star Google reviews the franchise has received, “We had our beautiful blinds installed today after about 6 weeks of initial contact with this company. We could not have been more happy! Luis was our installer and made it extremely easy from beginning to end! He was very professional, (we were) impressed with how quiet he was with the installation of all rooms and cleaned up like he wasn’t even here. Also very quick on installing the entire house, our home having 13 windows. I’m very impressed and excited and I will definitely recommend this company as they are the BEST!” 

The Wonderlins actively market their services through advertisements (including in the Neighborhood News), highlighting the benefits of upgrading from builder-grade window treatments. The company offers a buy-one-get-half-off-deal, appealing to those looking to enhance efficiency and aesthetics, as well as 12-month interest-free financing. 

For those who prefer shades, the many options include roller, pleated, Roman, woven wood, bamboo, sheer, solar, or graphic varieties, along with an assortment of panels, valances and drapes. 

Also available are shutters, made from wood or composite materials, which remain a popular choice in Florida due to their durability and innovative designs like the invisible tilt feature, which offers an unobstructed view. 

Even the motorization trend has new advancements that make these systems more affordable and quieter. “Smart Homes,” says Adriane, “benefit greatly from improved motorization features.” This technology is particularly useful for Florida homes with large or high windows, allowing homeowners to easily manage light and heat. 

Businesses also benefit from motorized window treatments, which can be set on timers or controlled via smartphone, remote, wall switch, or voice command. About 70 percent of Budget Blinds’ orders now feature motorized options. 

Budget Blinds, founded in 1992 in Orange County, CA, has grown to more than 1,000 franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The Wonderlins’ North Tampa franchise, purchased in 2018, earned Budget Blinds’ national Franchise of the Year award in 2020, marking the location’s third such honor since 2016. 

Beyond business, Adriane and Mike are committed to community involvement. They partner with Homes for Our Troops, providing window treatments for homes built for permanently disabled military personnel. 

To schedule a complimentary in-home Budget Blinds consultation, call (813) 968-5050. For more information, follow “BudgetBlindsofGreaterTampa” on Facebook and Instagram or visit BudgetBlinds.com/NorthTampa.