Qdoba Ready To Move Into Moe’s Spot In Highwoods 

By the time this issue reaches your mailbox, the new Qdoba Mexican Eats should either be open or within just a few days of opening in the former location of Moe’s Southwest Grill in the Highwoods Preserve area at 17509 Preserve Walk Ln. (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., next to EggTown). 

Considering that Moe’s was pretty popular for years in the same spot, I’m guessing Qdoba will do pretty well there, too, even with a Chipotle located less than a half-mile north (Chipotle is in the same outparcel building in the Walk at Highwoods Preserve as Panera Bread). 

“We make everything fresh and have no freezers,” franchise owner Mike Montante, who also owns the Qdoba franchise on Falkenburg Rd. in the Brandon area (but not the closest location to us on E. Fowler Ave., next to MOSI, where I took the photos below), told me when we met him at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s Final Friday event at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux on Jan. 26. 

Qdoba allows you to craft your own entrée — whether you want a bowl, burrito, grilled quesadilla, nachos, salad or three tacos. Available proteins include veggie, grilled adobo chicken, ground beef, Cholula® hot & sweet chicken, pulled pork, grilled steak or brisket birria. There also is a nice variety of salsas and toppings — from tortilla strips, shredded cheese and pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo, salsa roja, chile crema and more, as well as both hot and mild queso sauces. 

For my bowl (right), I chose grilled steak, white rice, red beans, romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, chile corn salsa and the chile crema sauce and everything did indeed taste very fresh. 

The New Tampa Qdoba was still hiring at our press time, but I can’t be sure whether or not positions will still be available as you’re reading this, but you can text “116A” to 31063 to find out for yourself. For more information, call (813) 761-0005 or visit Qdoba.com. 

Neighborhood Nibbles — Barberitos & Oishi Express Out, Fazoli’s & Namaste XP Coming Soon!

Here are a couple of updates on restaurants we’ve written about before. In New Tampa, Oishi Express, a decent fast-casual Japanese place, lasted only about a year in the spot in Highwoods Preserve between Taste of New York Pizza and Lapels Cleaners (behind EggTown), as a sign in front of the location says that Namaste Express (or XP) is “Coming Soon.”

According to the restaurant’s website (NamasteXP.com), Namaste Express’ vision is to bring the varied rich flavors of Indian cuisine to cater to Tampa area communities…We will present a menu featuring authentic Indian delicacies which includes North Indian, South Indian, Street side food, kids favorites and fusion dishes (Indo-Chinese) – all crafted with fresh, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Executed by a highly skilled chef who is specialized with decades of experience in Indian cuisine, we aim to provide high-quality, fresh, affordable and convenient flash chilled grab & go and take out options, including catering services tailored to your needs. We prioritize your dietary preferences, offering options including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.   

Considering how many Indian restaurants there already are in New Tampa — including Saffron, Minerva, Raaga, Dosa Hut and the café inside the Taaza Mart (as well as the Nepalese Gorkhali Kitchen, which also offers Indian specialties) — we hope that Namaste XP will be able to find its footing in what has so far proven to be a difficult location.  

We do not yet know how long it will be before Namaste Express is expected to open, but we will keep you posted.

Meanwhile, according to Jon Mott of plaza developer Paradise Ventures, the new 8,000-sq.-ft. building to be called The Shoppes at Cypress Creek that will soon be home to the only Tampa-area location of Fazoli’s (since the only other Tampa-area link in the fast-casual chain on E. Busch Blvd. closed a couple of months ago) on S.R. 54, less than a mile west of the Tampa Premium Outlets, should be completed within the next couple of months and turned over to the tenants, who will then have to build out their respective spaces. 

And, while Mott says that Fazoli’s is still among those tenants, he also says that Barberitos, the fast-casual Mexican place that was previously announced as the three-space plaza’s other restaurant tenant — but is still listed as “Coming Soon” at Barberitos.com — is no longer going to open in that location. Mott says that among the interested tenants to take over for Barberitos are a popular juice bar chain as well as a “well-known national taco place.” 

It seems unlikely that the taco place would be another Taco Bell, considering that there already is one less than a mile to the east, next to the coming-soon Shake Shack across S.R. 56 from the Outlets, and another on Collier Pkwy., or less than two miles west of this new plaza. There also already is a Taco Bus in the Shell gas station located between the S.R. 56 Taco Bell and The Shoppes at Cypress Creek.

Mott also says that the space between Fazoli’s and whatever restaurant takes over for Barberitos in the plaza will be an orthodontic office. We’ll keep you posted when we get any additional updates.   

‘Dreamgirls’ Tickets Are Nearly Sold Out, So Grab Yours Now! 

The New Tampa Players Production of “Dreamgirls” has only three performances left — Feb. 9-11 — at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. (Above, l.-r.) Caron Davis, Patty Smithey, & NaTasha McKenzie. (Rehearsal photos by Charmaine George)

Get ready, theatre enthusiasts! The vibrant and talented cast of the New Tampa Players’ production of “Dreamgirls” is in the middle of two weekends of an unforgettable experience, as the Players bring this iconic musical to the stage at the brand-new New Tampa Performing Arts Center (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., behind the plaza that is home to Sprouts). 

In what promises to be a showcase of local talent, this production is set to captivate audiences with signature songs, like “Dreamgirls,” “Move” and “Hard to Say Goodbye.” 

By the time this issue hits your mailbox, “Dreamgirls” will already have completed its first weekend, with only shows on February 9-11 remaining. If you haven’t seen it as you’re reading this, hurry to NewTampaPlayers.org to get any of the very few tickets that may be left. 

Since its premiere on Broadway in 1981, “Dreamgirls” has had a revival, three US tours, an international tour, and a West End run, as well as a hugely successful movie adaptation. With the New Tampa Players’ production, the musical is receiving a fresh and dynamic interpretation under the skilled direction of Clay Christopher, who brings a unique vision to this beloved classic. The excitement is palpable as the cast and crew pour their combined passions into every rehearsal, promising a show that resonates with energy and spirit. 

“‘Dreamgirls’ is more than just a show; it is a celebration of local talent, community spirit, and the transformative power of theater,” says New Tampa Players Producing Artistic Director Nora Paine. “The echoes of the soulful melodies and poignant moments will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of the audience, showing once again that the magic of Broadway is alive and well in our own backyard.” 

Dreamgirls isn’t just a Broadway musical spectacle: the plot takes inspiration from the tumultuous rise of R&B and soul music during the 1960s and ‘70s. Written by Tom Eyen with music by Henry Krieger, the show delves into the challenges faced by a female African- American singing group, the Dreams, as they navigate the cutthroat world of the music industry. 

The musical’s portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the Dreams mirrors the real-life stories of several iconic R&B groups, including The Supremes and The Shirelles. The show deals with themes of ambition, betrayal and the cost of success while shedding light on the challenges faced by artists, particularly women of color, in an industry that often prioritized image over talent. 

Don’t miss your chance to see the magic unfold on the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) stage. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a first-time attendee, this community production of Dreamgirls promises an evening of entertainment, inspiration, and incredible talent. Get your tickets now at NewTampaPlayers.org. 

The New Tampa Players Present “Dreamgirls”
Featured Cast 

Effie White….. NaTasha McKenzie 

Deena Jones…. Caron Davis 

Lorrell Robinson….. Patty Smithey 

James Early…… Christan McLaurine 

Curtis Taylor…. Eric Erte Stillings 

CC White… Javen Jackson 

Marty….. Yolanda Cabrera-Liggins 

Michelle Morris…. Leia Ambrister 

Tiny Joe Dixon….. Michael Dixon 

Ensemble 

LaVette Berrian 

Kieshia Clarke 

Alyson Gannon 

Angel Larrieux 

Bill Liggins 

Stephon Mikell 

Joseph Moore 

Monica Paine 

Makayla Raines 

Jamyra Rainey 

Monai Saberille 

Pavonne Scott 

Jake Veit 

Genesis Wiley 

Director: Clay Christopher 

Musical Director: G. Frank Meekins 

Choreographer: Eboni Graham 

BellaBrava Bexley Cuts A Ribbon; Has Local Connections!

Photos by Charmaine George

Although it is located ten miles west of Wesley Chapel off S.T. 54, the new BellaBrava New World Trattoria Bexley has connections to both of our distribution areas.

We’ve been visiting the newest BellaBrava location in The Hub at Bexley since it’s pre-opening last month & our most recent visit was for the restaurant’s North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting on Jan 30.

All three Bella Brava locations are owned by 2B (it’s actually 2 over B but I have no idea how to write that here) Hospitality, which is led by president Thomas Sanborn. Sanborn was the original chef at Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms under then- (and long-time former) proprietor Dave Rathbun. Rathbun, who left Stonewood a few years ago, is now a manager at BellaBrava Bexley. 

In addition, Sanborn says that before finding the Bexley location, he actually negotiated with two separate locations in Wesley Chapel. 

“We looked at the space where Azteca D’Oro is now in the Shops at Wiregrass,” Sanborn says. “We also looked at the (still-open) space next to the new Cooper’s Hawk on State Road 56, but we couldn’t come to an agreement on either site, so we went with the Bexley location.” 

The 7,000-sq.-ft. BellaBrava at Bexley is an elegant restaurant with a premium full-liquor bar and is definitely worth a visit — especially if you’ve ever dined at the original BellaBrava location on Beach Dr. in downtown St. Petersburg or the recently opened Midtown Tampa restaurant. Sanborn’s 2B Hospitality also owns Stillwaters Tavern two doors down from the original BellaBrava. 

Anyway, our first couple of visits to the Bexley location have been excellent. We all agreed that our favorite dish was the hot honey pepperoni pizza (top left photo), although we also enjoyed the Bella bruschetta (top middle; which has a unique layer of goat cheese between the diced tomatoes and Jamison’s breadhouse ciabatta toast points), the bucatini with meatballs (top right), the lasagna Bolognese and the Trattoria chicken parmesan. Oh, and BellaBrava’s wine list is HUGE (and fairly priced), too! 

Photographer Charmaine George (who took all of these pictures) also gave high marks to her seafood fra diavolo (not pictured) and Italian gimlet cocktail (right). 

BellaBrava also offers wonderful-looking sandwiches, Rhode Island-style calamari fritti and a prime NY strip steak. 

Tell Sanborn, Rathbun and general manager Tina Stormer we sent you. 

BellaBrava Bexley is open every day for lunch & dinner. For info, call (813) 489- 4890 or visit BellaBravaBexley.com. 

O2B Kids Opens New Location Off WC Blvd. 

Congratulations to co-founder/CEO Andy Sherrard and location director Rashonda Powe on the opening of the 50th location of O2B Kids, the preschool/ daycare that opened earlier this month, and held a ribbon cutting on Jan. 10, at 2400 Ashley Creek Trail, which is a side street off Wesley Chapel Blvd., where it meets S.R. 56 and S.R. 54 (next to the Wawa). 

This is the 39th O2B Kids location in Florida and the second serving kids in our area, as there also is a location in Seven Oaks (at 27830 Summergate Blvd., between Sam’s Club and Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). 

The new location has room for about 170 children, from infants through pre-Kindergarten, and also offers after-school care for elementary school-aged children. 

O2B Kids locations are vibrantly colored, immaculate and offer play-based learning curriculums for preschoolers and lots of after-school activities for elementary-aged kids. 

For info, call (813) 499-1150 for the new O2B or (813) 994-2700 for the Seven Oaks location. Or, visit O2BKids.com.