As the Wesley Chapel area grows, the Shops at Wiregrass mall, which opened in 2008, continues to face competition.
But the mall’s unique towncenter feel and commitment to community events, says general manager Greg Lenners, has helped it not only survive in the face of increased choices for area shoppers, but thrive.
“As a matter of fact, with the buildings that are going up in the front, and we are continuing to sign leases, business itself has been great,’’ said Lenners, who spoke at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC)’s monthly economic development briefing on June 23. “We took a little hit in the beginning with the outlets opening, but we’ve rebounded. We are actually exceeding our expectations right now.”
Lenners pointed to community events like the Fresh Market, charitable events with the American Cancer Society and March of Dimes, and new stores continuing to cycle in that have kept the Shops growing.
Lenners said Menchies Frozen Yogurt is coming to the mall, in the same area as Irish 31, and also teased about a possible “fast food Greek concept” restaurant in the same area.
He added that Avalon Spa, which will be located in between La Macaron and Dillard’s, will open by the fall, as will VisionWorks and Vitamin Shoppe, which share a building near JCPenney. Blingin’ Buddha, an eclectic giftshop, opened on June 1.
Lennars also heralded the June 24 opening of Vom Fass, a German-based store that sells exotic oils, vinegars and spices, as well as wines and gourmet foods.
The mall’s 30-acre Wiregrass expansion site, which could be open by the spring of 2018, is close to securing its environmental permits. When that happens, Lenners said, “We have earth movers ready to go.”
He said the plan is to build a connection to the existing mall with its own identity, but to make sure it flows properly from the mall.
As previously reported by the Neighborhood News, the mall expansion will have 200 high-end apartments, and be anchored by a movie theater, which Lenners said he has a letter of interest for and will be “dinner-type theater,” as well as a specialty grocery store.
“We’ve done a lot in seven and a half years,’’ Lenners said. “More than what your typical mall might do in 20 years.”
One restaurant that won’t be coming soon? The oft-rumored, Wesley Chapel Community Facebook forum favorite Cheesecake Factory, which Lenners says has been talked about for years.
“Will we eventually get a Cheesecake (Factory) or PF Chang’s? Nothing in the near future,’’ Lenners said. “I’ll be candid on that as far as those kind of guys.”
But as more businesses – Raymond James, anyone? – move to the area, creating great lunchtime crowds, and more homes are built in the Wiregrass area, the closer the mall gets to adding eateries like those.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Café Olé, the continental and authentic Spanish restaurant located in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. (at Kinnan St.; behind the Shell gas station) is still the best restaurant in New Tampa, hands down.
I’m also partial to Café Olé’s Little Neck clams tapas in garlic, white wine and onions and Galician-style grilled octopus (pulpo a la Gallega), both of which are still among the non-fish seafood I can safely eat). If you’re craving lobster, shrimp, mussels and scallops, There’s even unique bruschetta, fried calamari and traditional Spanish chorizo sausage Salteado (in herbs and a light red wine sauce) on the tapas menu.
I’ve also never had a sub-par steak, lamb or veal shank or lamb chops and although the prices aren’t cheap, neither is the quality of the food. Although I’ve had very good lamb chops at other local restaurants, the grilled lamb chops (in some sort of red wine reduction sauce) were the best I’ve had in New Tampa this year. And, I’ve had everything from New York strip to filet mignon to bone-in cowboy ribeyes from the specials list and all were tender and tasty, with sauce or without.
Café Olé also hosts the New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meetings every Wed. at noon. Attend one time as a guest and you’ll love the food so much you’ll probably join.
If you’re like me and not particularly into beer the may have been avoiding The Brass Tap in the Shops at Wiregrass mall, even though you like the location and the live music and other “stuff” going on there.