The signage (photo) is now up outside of the Wesley Chapel/Lutz area’s first of two Cava restaurants — in the former Mod Pizza location at 2227 Sun Vista Dr., next to Clarkson Eyecare (on the south side of S.R. 56).
The fast-expanding Mediterranean-style bowl and pita sandwich chain, now with more than 460 locations, also is planning to open in the Whole Foods-anchored plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., but that location may not open for a year or so.
For more info, visit Cava.com. — GN
Growth in and around Wesley Chapel can feel a little scary/unwanted at times, as new roads, new rooftops and new developments seem to continue to pop up in the local landscape almost overnight.
But, alongside that rapid change comes something exciting — a glimpse of what our community might look like in the future.
One of the latest ideas quietly floating around in development plans could bring something many local residents already enjoy — a new brewery. If the concept comes to life, it would mark what would effectively become the third brewery serving Wesley Chapel and the nearby surrounding area.
Local craft beer fans already know the two that helped put our area on the map: Florida Avenue Brewing Co. on S.R. 56 and Double Branch Artisanal Ales at The Grove.
Now, plans emerging from the massive Two Rivers development — located just east of Morris Bridge Rd. in Zephyrhills, but looking very much like an extension of Wesley Chapel — hint that another brewery could eventually join the local lineup.
The potential site of the new brewery is inside the Two Rivers community, specifically in the Two Rivers West section (see map).
According to conceptual plans (see rendering above), the brewery would be located roughly a quarter of a mile behind a proposed Publix on S.R. 56, and just off the roundabout that leads residents to an upcoming resort-style private club known as “The Landing.”
But, the brewery itself might only be part of the story. The concept appears within a planned village-style retail district called Hawthorn Village (labeled “SITE” on the map), which is being developed by Two Rivers developer the Eisenhower Property Group.
Leasing materials from Colliers describe the village center as a 42,000-square-foot hub for specialty restaurants and boutique retail.
At the heart of the project would be an outdoor event lawn designed to host community gatherings, holiday celebrations and al fresco dining. The hypothetical brewery concept even suggests it could share space with a coffee shop and restaurant on the same property, creating more of a social hub than just another place to grab a pint.
In many ways, that’s the bigger story.
Village-style centers like this are becoming a defining feature of many modern master-planned communities. Instead of long commercial strips, these smaller walkable hubs are designed to bring neighbors together for food, entertainment, and local events.
Two Rivers itself is being planned with 13 distinct villages and a long list of lifestyle amenities, including the aforementioned The Landing private social club, a Pasco K-8 school, the Peak Surf Park, a proposed golf course on the Hillsborough side of Two Rivers, plus miles of scenic nature trails, kids’ play areas and resort-style pools.
If Hawthorn Village does eventually land a brewery, it would certainly be a welcome addition for many residents.
But, more important is that it signals the continued evolution of our area — from a quiet suburban crossroads into a place building its own identity, gathering spaces and community traditions. While many long-time local residents aren’t happy about this transformation, it is happening.
And, if that new identity happens to include a few good local beers along the way, many neighbors probably won’t complain.
The first time I ever had New York New York (aka NY NY) Pizza, my friend Suzi had just finished her set at an Open Mic night at The Improv in Ybor City in 2007 and all of the comics went to NY NY’s take-out window on 7th Ave. for a slice.
As a native New Yawka who had moved to Wesley Chapel 14 years earlier, I was impressed enough with the crust, sauce, cheese and overall flavor of that first slice that when I was told, in 2012, that NY NY was opening a location in Wesley Chapel, I was excited to meet the owner, Freddy Mamudi, and tell him how much I enjoyed that first slice (with pepperoni and Italian sausage) and just how much I was looking forward to his 2013 opening on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.
NY NY has been in my top two or three favorite pizza places in Wesley Chapel (or New Tampa) ever since, at one point just behind the former La Prima Pizza (which originally opened as the second location of Pizza Suprema) in the Target shopping center, and neck-and-neck with Amici Pizza on Wesley Chapel Blvd.
When La Prima closed in 2019, NY NY became #1 in my book, especially once I sampled NY NY’s “Grandma’s pizza” (left), which most NY-style pizza places now serve but which wasn’t even a thing yet when I left the Big Apple in 1993.
In my opinion, NY NY’s crisp, thin crust is the closest to true NYC pizza locally and the sauce and mozzarella cheese are spot-on. But, the garlicky sauce and fresh basil on NY NY’s Grandma’s pizza has made it competition for my favorite, along with the restaurant’s pepperoni and sausage pizza.
These days, the Wesley Chapel location is one of nine that Freddy at least co-owns. He keeps his hand in every location because he insists that all of his partners — like his cousin Disi Musa (at right in the top photo, with Freddy) — have worked at another of his locations for years before giving them the opportunity to partner in their own locations. Disi worked for Freddy since 2008 in Ybor and was a partner in the Carrollwood location since 2014.
“It’s all about quality control,” Freddy told me on my most recent visit with photographer Charmaine George. “If everyone puts their own spin on our recipes, it’s no longer the NY NY pizza our customers have come to expect.”
When you visit NY NY Pizza for the first time, instead of a pie, I suggest trying four or five different slices — since most or all of these are available every day in the display case next to the cash register. Get one Grandma’s; one regular cheese; one pepperoni, sausage or meat lovers slice; one of whatever your favorite specialty slice may be and one square Sicilian slice (definitely the most authentic crust and flavor of any Sicilian that I’ve sampled in the Tampa Bay area; more on this below). I’ve never been a big fan of “white” pizza or veggie pizza, but if these or other “Gourmet” slices are your go-tos, definitely give them a try here, too.
Speaking of Sicilian, as I was preparing to write this story, I happened to be in downtown Tampa and decided to check out Tampa’s most storied (and busiest) pizza place — Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza on E. Twiggs St. Although I honestly thought Eddie & Sam’s (which I hadn’t visited in years) was good, neither its Grandma’s nor its Sicilian slices could touch NY NY. I’m fine if you disagree, but I say try both places for yourself and tell me which you really like better.
Although it’s hard for me to venture away from NY NY’s pizza, I do enjoy a lot of the place’s other menu items.
The chef’s salad, with rolled ham, turkey and cheese and lots of fresh veggies, is good, as is the big portion of lasagna. I told Freddy and Disi that I’d prefer to see a little thicker sauce on the lasagna, but the amount and flavor of the ground beef and ricotta cheese stuffing were both spot-on. I also enjoyed the penne alla vodka, to which I added grilled chicken. Both the lasagna and the penne were served with tasty toasted garlic bread on my most recent visit, because the usual yummy garlic knots on the menu weren’t made yet that day (Charmaine and I were there fairly early).
We also were genuinely impressed with both NY NY’s baked crispy and zesty mild Buffalo wings (which also are available in hot, hot garlic, teriyaki, garlic parmesan, sweet chili, BBQ & hot BBQ, lemon pepper and mango habanero). The wings are available as extras in NY NY’s “Family Meal” deals (see below and the ad below for details). And, even the extra-crispy French fries are really excellent.
But, while I’ve never had a calzone or stromboli at NY NY (I really don’t love those anywhere), I have enjoyed NY NY’s properly oven-baked meatball and chicken parmigiana subs. What I didn’t expect, to be honest, was how much I’d appreciate NY NY’s Philly cheesesteak, although I definitely won’t claim that it’s authentic Philly-style — and that’s what I like about it! I’ve had both Pat’s and Gino’‘s and a couple of others in Philadelphia and I prefer NY NY’s oven-crisp sub rolls to the traditional, soft Amoroso rolls in Philly and you can give me the real mozzarella over that city’s usual cheese sauce every time. NY NY’s grilled onions and peppers were properly sautéed to tender and the overall flavor was outstanding.
In the previously mentioned ad below, you’ll find a number of “meal deals” and specials that will please your wallet nearly as much as they please your appetite. The Family Meal Deal includes one extra-large one-topping pizza, 10 wings and six garlic knots for just $39.99, or upgrade it to two XL pizzas for just $59.99.
The Pasta Special includes two baked pastas and six garlic knots for just $25.99, while the Pizza Special is one medium one-topping pizza and one hot appetizer for $19.99. There also is a Sandwich Special (2 hot or cold subs, with fries, for $25.99) and Every Day Slice Specials with a drink ($8 for two cheese slices, $10 for pepperoni and $12 for two Gourmet slices).
And, if you mention the Neighborhood News when you call or pick up, you’ll save 10%.
Try NY NY for great pizza and great people!
NY NY Pizza (3757 BBD Blvd.) is open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., & 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. For more info, call (813) 528-8771 or visit NYNYPizzeria.com. Online ordering and delivery are available.
Special to the Neighborhood News
Do you love singing competitions like “American Idol,” “The Voice” and “Star Search?” Then don’t miss the Wesley Chapel Theater Group’s upcoming production of “ICON: Auditions,” a laugh-out-loud musical parody show that brings the drama, talent and chaos of televised competitions to the local stage — Saturday & Sunday, March 28-29, at the Zephyrhills Lions Club.
Inspired by the golden age of reality singing competitions, “ICON: Auditions” playfully captures everything we secretly love: unforgettable auditions, emotional back stories, shocking talent (and lack thereof ), a twist ending and, of course, the over-the-top drama.
At the center are three distinct judges (above): a fame-seeking Soundcloud rapper, a former child star chasing love and a brutally honest critic who isn’t afraid to shatter anyone’s dream. Facing them are twelve colorful contestants, each vying to become the next big pop icon. From shy crooners to bold divas, and from comeback hopefuls to hilariously questionable auditioners, the stage is filled with big personalities and even bigger performances.
And, here’s the twist: this isn’t just a show you watch — it’s a show you control.
As the competition narrows, the audience votes live to decide which three finalists advance and ultimately earn ICON status. Each performance becomes a one-of-a-kind experience shaped by the crowd, making every show uniquely unpredictable.
The musical features recognizable radio hits spanning genres and generations, making it a crowd-pleaser for teens, adults and families alike. Whether you enjoy powerhouse ballads, pop anthems, or feel-good classics, there’s something in “ICON: Auditions” that will have you tapping your feet, dancing and maybe even singing along.
The Wesley Chapel Theater Group continues its tradition of showcasing incredible local talent while creating unforgettable community experiences, and “ICON: Auditions” may be its boldest concept yet. From performers and directors to stage crew and volunteers, the show represents months of dedication and collaboration. It’s a testament to the thriving arts scene right here in Wesley Chapel.
Performances will be at the Zephyrhills Lions Club (5827 Dean Dairy Rd.), on Saturday, March 28, 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 29, 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org.
For more info, scan the QR code on the ad below or visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org.
If you haven’t yet tried the new Greenlane Salads and Wraps drive-through location at 24801 S.R. 54 in Lutz (next to Los Chapos Tacos and the now-closed Fazoli’s), photographer Charmaine George, Jannah and I all urge you to go ahead and give it a shot.
We all agree that co-founders Chris Kern (above) and former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Bucs tight end Rob Gronkowski are onto something with this growing local mini-chain that is now up to five locations.
We all have our own favorites — Jannah loves The Gronk wrap above left (she’s also now had it as a salad bowl), with roasted broccoli (which Jannah calls “amazing”), roasted sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, green onions and cheddar Jack cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce with Greenlane Goddess dressing. Charmaine’s fave is the Tuscan Sun salad bowl (right), with pepperoncini, crispy chickpeas, marinated mozzarella, salami, grape tomatoes and Italian vinaigrette on a bed of romaine. She liked it with the grilled steak shown below, but says she definitely will try it with the grilled chicken next time.
I already have three favorites — the caprese salad (bottom left), with nut-free basil pesto mozzarella, Florida ripe cherry tomatoes and house-made balsamic vinaigrette; the ginger sesame crunch wrap (below) and the Cobb wrap. You can order any of these as a wrap or a salad and everything is customizable to your exact specifications. There also are smoothies and slushies on the menu. In our eyes and tastebuds, Greenlane is a winner! For more info or to order, visit GoGreenlane.com. — GN, photos by Charmaine George
