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. 

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. 

Call Heat Wave Pressure Washing For Residential & Commercial Exterior Cleaning! 

Owner Brennan Vargas of Heat Wave Pressure Washing can make the exterior of your home or business look like new. (Photo By Charmaine George)

Whether you’re looking to bring the freshness back to the exterior of your home or business, Heat Wave Pressure Washing has got you covered! Based in Wesley Chapel, Heat Wave provides residential and commercial pressure washing services to customers located in Pasco, Polk, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. 

Owner Brennan Vargas, a Wesley Chapel High graduate, is dedicated to both his work and the company’s legacy. Brennan started in the pressure washing business as a summer job when he was 20 years old. Although it initially wasn’t something that he was particularly passionate about, Brennan says the inspirational influence and mentorship of the business’ previous owner, Christopher Brenner, showed him that he and the business could grow. 

Unsure of what he wanted to do at the time, Brennan asked his father Chris if he knew of anyone looking for help. When his father mentioned Brenner, who was in Chris’ networking group as a potential resource. At that time, Brennan says he couldn’t predict that the connection, and the summer job that came from it, would fuel his entrepreneurial growth and future. 

“Originally, when I first started working there, I was just looking for something to do over the summer,” Brennan recalls, “since I wasn’t planning on going to college.” 

Halfway into that first summer position, Brennan could see that Brenner really wanted to grow Heat Wave Pressure Washing. So, Brennan decided to stick around and help his boss with that endeavor. The positive work environment, and his appreciation for Brenner, led Brennan to continue with the company. He credits that relationship for teaching him to be the conscientious businessman that he is today. 

“[Brenner] taught me to be extremely meticulous, find a solution, do the research, don’t speak out of pocket, and come to the client with what you can do for them,” Brennan says. “And then, when you can’t do [something] for them, you help them figure that out.” 

That service-oriented, mindful approach shaped Brennan’s attention to detail and his desire to always provide stellar work during his seven years with the company. 

But then, when Brennan purchased Heat Wave in April of 2024, he kept the name to honor the legacy of Brenner, who passed away in 2023. The insights and lessons Brennan gained over the years, under Brenner’s tutelage, still guide his work ethic today. Those lessons also are obvious in the way Heat Wave Pressure Washing approaches every job. 

“Whether it’s paver sealing or pressure washing your house, it’s about preserving your investment,” Brennan explains, “and making sure that whoever is working on your property knows what they are doing, is using the right stuff, isn’t going to kill a bunch of plants, or alter the color of your paint. When we’re cleaning a roof, for example, we’re covering everything [below it] that is delicate. We put bags on the bottom gutters for collection. We always go the extra mile.” 

Those are just some of the precautions that Brennan and his team of technicians take at Heat Wave Pressure Washing. They also do everything they can to protect any wildlife at the site, by choosing cleaning products carefully, as well as checking for nests and animal burrows. Looking out for the property’s landscaping and fauna is part of that preparation, too. 

(Before & After photos, provided by Brennan)

While Heat Wave incorporates these and other mindful practices, Brennan shares that he’s heard too many horror stories from too many of his customers who have had bad experiences with other companies. “I’ve met guys who’ve killed every single plant on a property,” he says, “and that can end up being like $8,000 to $10,000 to replace, over the cost of an $800 pressure washing job!” 

Protecting your investment from these mishaps is exactly why Heat Wave Pressure Washing exercises due diligence and takes precautionary measures ahead of time. Brennan says that using mainly soft washing, at low pressure, and using the proper solutions also are key. Since many of the solutions that take care of algae and mildew are chlorine bleach-based, they unfortunately also can kill plants. To avoid this potential outcome, the Heat Wave techs apply a neutralizer on nearby plants to protect them from chemical exposure. They also use a very diluted bleach-based solution that has a surfactant (surface-active agent) that helps it stick to surfaces. This keeps the solution from dripping all over and enables the team to use less solution in order to get surfaces clean. Covering less hearty plants with tarps is another especially important step the techs take when washing roofs. 

Brennan knows that attention to detail, and incorporating ongoing advances in the industry, will continue to add to the stellar services Heat Wave Pressure Washing already provides. 

“I’m a bit of a nerd sometimes,” he admits. “I really like the idea of innovation. Since I’ve taken over, I’ve purchased systems that allow me to control things more delicately, so that way I don’t need to use as much solution.” 

With an eye to the future, Brennan also says that he sees himself continuing to learn everything he can about how to make the work safer and more efficient. “Expanding the business, and improving how things are done, are my two big goals for the future,” he says. He adds that he is hoping to add more like-minded people to his team and would like to eventually franchise the business. 

Brennan stresses that pressure washing isn’t just something to consider for curb appeal before selling your home, or for when the homeowners association comes knocking at your door. He recommends that people consider his company’s services as part of their regular property maintenance routine. “Addressing issues immediately is one of the best things owners can do, especially when it comes to emergency clean-ups,” he says. 

Left unattended, potential issues can easily compound. Brennan describes an instance where a call from an elderly widow turned into a much bigger project than initially anticipated. 

“She hadn’t had anything taken care of in quite a few years,” he explains. “It was supposed to be just a simple pool cage and deck cleaning, but when we got back there, she had weeds as tall as her pool cage. It was genuinely like a jungle.” 

Brennan was undeterred by the challenge and went above and beyond. He rallied a couple of buddies — a landscaper and a pool cleaner — and together they tackled it all. They cleared the overgrowth, cleaned the pool and pool cage, and repainted the deck. True to the lessons he learned from Brenner, he gathered the necessary resources to address the client’s needs, which shows in the company’s online reviews. 

“I’m incredibly impressed with the fantastic job done by Heat Wave Pressure Washing! They transformed the exterior of my property, removing grime and dirt with their thorough and effective cleaning. The team’s attention to detail and dedication to delivering top-notch results truly stood out. I’m beyond satisfied with their service and would highly recommend Heat Wave to anyone in need of professional pressure washing.” – JaRhonda M. (on Yelp) 

That commitment and follow-through is what makes Heat Wave stand out. Whether for a residential property or a commercial business, Brennan Vargas and his team are ready to help. 

For more info about Heat Wave Pressure Washing, or to request an estimate, call (813) 693-5522, visit TampaWash.com or see the ad below. While most estimates can be done over the phone, Brennan says more complex jobs may require scheduling a visit to the site.Â