Chick-Fil-A Goes Vertical Across From Epperson 

Although not everyone is happy about yet another chicken-driven restaurant opening in Wesley Chapel — with Raising Cane’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Chicken Guy! and Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken all opening in our area within a few months of each other — Chick-fil-A may be the one chicken restaurant that most locals still embrace. 

Chick-fil-A — which is currently the third most popular fast food restaurant by sales, behind McDonald’s and Starbucks (in that order) — has now gone vertical (photo) on the east side of Curley Rd. (north of Curley’s intersection with Overpass Rd.; see map) across from the Epperson community, within the Watergrass Master Planned Unit Development. Most of the building’s shell is now in place. 

This new sign announcing Chick-fil-A’s latest Wesley Chapel-area location gained quite a bit of attention on social media, as Patricia Elizabeth, who has previously described herself on Facebook as the marketing director for “Chick-fil-A Wesley Chapel,” was quick to step into the conversation and give everyone the link to the store’s new Facebook page (created on Jan. 31) and explained that it would be, “Owned and operated locally by the same owner as Chick-fil-A Wesley Chapel” — the one on S.R. 54 just east of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., on S.R. 56, not the location in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets, as some may have been thinking. 

The new Chick-fil-A will be located five miles away, on a 1.9-acre lot appraised at more than $1.28 million. 

According to Patricia, despite being located in Watergrass, the new store is being called “Chick-fil-A Epperson Ranch FL,” because it was named by corporate. However, she assures everyone that, “We are happy to be a part of both neighborhoods!” She also announced that this Chick-fil-A should be open by the end of May. — JP

Bubba’s 33 Has You (& Your Steak, Chicken, Fries, Etc.) Covered 

Managing partner Abby Fletcher says that Bubba’s 33’s menu hasn’t changed much since the Texas Roadhouse-owned sports grill first opened on the south side of S.R. 56 back in early 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic began. 

“The fact that we’ve only made minor tweaks to the menu since the restaurant first started (in Fayetteville, NC, back in 2013) means that we’re doing just fine,” Abby says. “We now have about 50 locations and everyone seems to love that our food is almost all made from scratch, unlike most sports bars.” 

It’s hard for me to believe that the Wesley Chapel Bubba’s 33 has been open for five full years, but considering that we hosted our “car karaoke” and “parking lot karaoke” events outside of the restaurant during the pandemic — and the fact it is still here and still attracting new customers — is clear indication that the Wesley Chapel Bubba’s 33 is doing just fine, thank you! 

And, just because the menu hasn’t changed too much over the years, that doesn’t mean that Bubba’s 33 doesn’t keep adding new items. It just means that most of the original menu also is still around and making local diners happy. 

So, What Is New? 

Bubba’s 33 is famous for its wings, unique, crisp-crust pizzas, burgers and other sports bar fare, but if you haven’t tried the grilled or espresso-rubbed signature ribeye steaks, they’ve been made even better by adding one of the three new “Bubba Style” toppings — with either bacon and bleu cheese sauce, or with queso, peppers and onions, or with sautĂ©ed mushrooms and onions, as shown in the top photo on this page. I’m not really a big mushroom fan myself, but the mushroom and onion sautĂ© adds a great, buttery flavor, as well as additional tenderness, to an already tender ribeye. My first time trying the grilled ribeye with this topping definitely left me wanting more. The menu also shows the already-tasty Southern Fried Chicken dinner with the queso “Bubba Style” topping, which looks pretty great, too. 

As for what else is new, Bubba’s 33 already has had layered cheese fries as an appetizer on its menu, which have not only melted cheese and bacon, but also queso and green onions. But now, when you get a side of French fries or tater tots, you can get them topped with cheddar and Jack cheeses and bacon (as shown in the photo, left). 

The only other new menu additions are the three new Bubba’s “Mocktails” (below right) — which can not be ordered with alcohol (I know because we asked, lol). Left to right in the photo are the Sparkling Berry Bliss, the “coconutty” Tropical Breeze and the Strawberry Cucumber Fizz. Even though “Dry January” may have ended, if you’re trying to continue to at least reduce your alcohol intake, give one or all three of these a try. 

Another item that isn’t actually new to the menu but which we tried for the first time is the cheesy spinach dip shown above right on this page. As someone who finds most spinach (or spinach and artichoke) dips too heavy, this Bubba’s 33 spinach dip is a creamy welcome change — especially because it’s served with freshly baked (and grilled) garlic focaccia bread. Charmaine and Jannah both preferred it with the house-made tortilla chips and fresh salsa — Jannah called the salsa “legit” — but the focaccia is excellent, too. 

Other favorites of ours include the Bubba’s Bacon Cheeseburger (left), one of ten burgers on the menu (which also includes a black bean & quinoa veggie burger), and the Meaty Meaty Pizza (below left), which features bacon, homemade Italian sausage, pepperoni and scratch-made tomato sauce. I told Abby that I enjoy Bubba’s pizzas even though they are not truly New York-style, because the sauce, cheese and always-crispy crust are still mighty tasty. 

One dish I can’t sample but has become Charmaine’s new favorite at Bubba’s is the creamy chipotle pasta, which combines corkscrew-shaped pasta, grilled chicken, sautĂ©ed shrimp, roasted peppers, onions and mushrooms, all tossed in a semi-spicy chipotle cream sauce and topped with cilantro and parmesan cheese. It’s also served with garlic focaccia bread. 

And, Jannah and I still enjoy the Bubba’s lasagna, the Chicken & Bacon Mac & Cheese, the California Chicken (grilled chicken breast topped with avocado, pico de gallo, Jack cheese and scratch-made honey lime sauce, which we order on the side, over garden rice), the Southern Fried Chicken and Fish & Chips (Atlantic cod golden-fried in Sam Adams Boston Lager batter). 

Popular appetizers at Bubba’s 33 include the “Big O’Rings,” the Crispy Fried Pickles, Crooked Fried Cheese, Bubba’s Nachos and Chorizo Queso Dip. There’s also a Combo Appetizer featuring boneless wings with your choice of sauce, the crooked fried cheese and fried pickles served with a trio of sauces. 

And of course, Bubba’s offers nine different sauces for its traditional (bone-in) and boneless wings, from hot or mild Buffalo-style to “Kickin’ Teriyaki,” Garlic Parmesan and Cajun spice rub, plus unique options like Habañero Heat, the hot- &-sweet “Shotgun” and Raspberry Chipotle. 

For dessert, the chocolate chip cookie and Oreo¼ brownie (bottom picture) sundaes are both great, as is the Bubba’s cheesecake, especially the “Turtle” style (topped with fudge and caramel). The cheesecake also is offered “plain,” with strawberries and whipped cream, but why bother? (Just kidding!) 

The Bubba’s 33 Kids’ Menu ($5.99-$7.99) includes everything from a mini-pizza to a Kids’ Mac & Cheese or Grilled Cheese and many more. 

Entertainment, Specials & More 

Like most sports bars, Bubba’s 33 has lots of TVs all around the place, but it also usually shows rock and other music videos on some of the screens. And, pretty much every day has either a different food or entertainment special — or both. 

For example, there are Burger Mondays, which features all burgers on the menu for just $10.99. Mondays also are “Ditch the Digital” days where you earn a free dessert or appetizer for your next visit if you put your electronics in a pizza box and don’t open the box for the entire meal. 

On Tuesdays, any 12” pizza on the menu is just $12.99. The always-fun “Music Bingo” game also is played in the bar area on Tues., between 7 p.m.-9 p.m., with prizes awarded for each round. 

Wednesday is “Kids Day,” when up to two kids eat for just $0.99 with each adult entrĂ©e purchased. Abby says there also usually is a “craft” for kids every Wed. and “Magic Mike” (not the one you’re imagining) performs magic for kids and twists balloon animals some Wednesdays. And, Thursday is Trivia Night, starting at 7 p.m. 

Bubba’s 33 also has a “Fan Club” rewards program which includes news and special offers an can earn you FREE food. The restaurant also supports the late Jim Valvano’s “V Foundation” with $1 donated for each “Dickie V” pizza (named for sportscaster and Tampa Bay local Dick Vitale, a close friend of the former North Carolina State coach) sold. Valvano lost his battle with cancer in 1993. Bubba’s 33 also donates $1 for every Patriot Burger sold to Homes For Our Troops, which has provided multiple homes for veterans in Wesley Chapel. 

Abby says if you want your food delivered, it’s “always better to order it direct at Bubbas33.com, which has a flat $5.50 delivery charge and no added fees or higher menu prices.” 

Bubba’s 33 (26340 Silver Maple Pkwy.) is open every day for lunch and dinner. For more info, call (813) 522-5090, visit Bubbas33.com or see the ad below for this month’s FREE appetizer (with entrĂ©e purchase) coupon special. 

37 Couples Wed On Valentine’s Day By Crist!

Newly elected Hillsborough Clerk of the Court & Comptroller (and Tampa Palms resident) Victor Crist was the officiant at the “Tie The Knot” wedding ceremony of 37 couples on a gorgeous Valentine’s Day at the Joe Chillura Courthouse Square in downtown Tampa.

This is the 17th year the Hillsborough Clerk of the Court has presided over the mass ceremony, which has had a total of 325 previous couples get married.

Do You Know Any Of These Newly Married Couples?

On a beautiful Valentine’s Day, February 14, 23 couples were joined in holy matrimony by Pasco Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles (photo), in front of the historic courthouse building in Dade City. This is the 17th year Pasco has held a Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony, which has previously helped more than 300 couples tie the knot. 

There were two couples listed with Wesley Chapel addresses:

Edwin Rodriguez & Loretta Hernandez

Renande Valcine & Michelle L. Santiago

Best of luck to all of the happy couples!

Please Be Aware Of The Crossing Guards & Signals On Mansfield Blvd. 

In our Sept. 3 issue, we told you about the new traffic signal that was installed along Mansfield Blvd., directly in front of Wiregrass Elementary, and that the signal was activated only a few days before the start of the school year. 

Only a few months later, that signal has already gotten a safety upgrade, thanks in part to some ongoing inattentive motorists, although the upgrade actually had been planned from the beginning. 

In Nov., a crew from Traffic Control Products of Florida was seen removing the overhead metal sign panels that said “No Right Turn On Red” and replacing them with electronic “No Right Turn” graphic signs that illuminate in all directions when pedestrians get the walk symbol (called an “exclusive pedestrian phase”), so that right-turning motorists stop and do not conflict with pedestrians in the crosswalk. 

These electronic signs had already been installed facing the two heaviest right turn movements but now, all four approaches to the location have them. When the signal was first installed, loops of wire were coiled on the span so that crews could easily come back and replace the signs with electronic ones when needed. 

It’s important that motorists pay attention to these overhead signs, as their primary purpose is to protect school children (and anyone else) using the crosswalks. 

Even more important is that motorists MUST pay attention to and obey the commands of the crossing guards/traffic control officers (TCOs), as they are trained by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and frequently control traffic independently of what the overhead signal shows. 

Tasked With Keeping Your Kids Safe 

For the newer signal location, this traffic control responsibility falls to TCO Bob Terracciano (top photo) — the guy with the green gloves and whistle, who’s normally directing traffic from the middle of the signalized intersection. “Some days it runs smoothly, other days are a mess,” Bob told the Neighborhood News while keeping a constant eye on the approaching traffic. 

Bob has lived in the area for more than nine years, having moved from New York to Florida in January of 2016. He previously worked at a telephone company for 34 years, and found his current TCO job online, shortly after arriving here. 

He says that in all of the years he’s been directing traffic at that intersection (he also says that he hopes to be there for at least nine more years), he’s never had an incident with any of the pedestrians, but not without a lot of effort sometimes by him and the other crossing guards. 

Even though the signal has been in operation for months, Bob says there have been quite a few close calls and delayed starts caused by drivers who are staring up at the signal — or (more likely) down at their phones — even though Bob is waving them forward or telling them to stop using hand commands. If no commands are being given, then motorists must obey the traffic signal. 

Back in November, a local resident reported that the driver of an SUV was either not paying attention, or intentionally drove straight through the intersection when they weren’t supposed to, which caught Bob by surprise, leading him to waive his arms and yell to get the driver’s attention, causing the motorist to stop in the middle of the intersection not knowing what to do. Bob ultimately waived the driver through, but says close calls like these are completely avoidable. 

In general, Bob says he really likes the signal and that it’s been a huge improvement from the old 4-way stop: “Before the signal, I had to move and direct every single car from the stop signs.” 

However, Bob said he’s not really a big fan of the new electronic signs and prefers the metal ones, because he believes that when the electronic signs turn off and on, it may distract or confuse motorists from what he is directing them to do. 

Bob says the number one thing he asks of every driver is to “stay off your phone,” while driving through any school zone, which starts on Mansfield just south of the gate for the Wrencrest subdivision of Meadow Pointe. “When they get a big traffic ticket [over $400] they tend to not do it again.” He just wishes the Pasco Sheriff’s Office was able to patrol the school zone more often, as he feels that’s the biggest deterrent to poor driver behavior but, he says, Pasco doesn’t alway have the resources to do so. 

This sentiment is shared by the TCO down at the Wrencrest gate, who the students refer to as Mr. Thomas, who has been at that intersection for seven years and has never missed a single day, “or even a single second,” he says. 

Mr. Thomas also says that before he was a crossing guard, he worked for the California Highway Patrol for 30 years. He says that, at first, he was a little apprehensive about the signal down the street, but feels it has worked out well. The number one thing he asks of drivers is to please slow down whenever you are driving through any school zone. Mr. Thomas also says that he’s also never seen an accident with any pedestrians at his intersection, but you can tell that both Bob and Mr. Thomas fully intend to keep it that way. 

Both crossing guards also say they help cross the students from the adjacent John Long Middle School, even though they are not required to (as they are there for the elementary school students), but they do it as a joint effort, since the bell times for Long and Wiregrass Elementary are so close together. Bob notes that if the bell times change next school year, middle school kids may not have him or Mr. Thomas available to help them cross. 

But please, pay extra attention anytime the school zones are active.