The much-anticipated Sprouts Farmers Market has gone vertical, as the The Village at Hunter’s Lake center begins to take shape on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., directly across BBD from the main entrance to Hunter’s Green.
The completion of Sprouts will likely signal the end of the retail segment of the project, which includes still-to-come apartments and the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, which is still in the design phase.
Of the 19 retail spaces at The Village at Hunter’s Lake, 18 have already been leased. The remaining spot, a 3,530-sq.-ft. space in between the Fresh Kitchen and Via Italia Woodfired Pizza & Bar (see list), is likely to be a breakfast-oriented restaurant, according to Regency Centers senior leasing agent Mark Elias. A lease could be signed by the end of the year.
“We are working on the last place now,” Elias says. “Once that’s complete, we will be at 100 percent.”
Sprouts, the first green grocer to enter the New Tampa market, is the anchor of the retail strip and is expected to open around April of 2020.
While some of the other retailers and restaurants may open earlier – according to its website, Via Italia Woodfired Pizza & Bar is hoping for a January opening, for example – the majority of the smaller businesses may wait for the completion of Sprouts, since it is expected to attract a lot of foot traffic.
“We haven’t hit any major delays,” Elias says. “It looks like good weather for the immediate future, so we’ll be delivering to the smaller retailers soon.”
The official numbers hadn’t been tallied at our press time, but according to event co-chair Chris Stennett, there is no mistaking that, once again, the Rotary Club of New Tampa Noon’s second annual New Tampa Brew Fest was a hit.
Hundreds of revelers strolled from table to table in the Venetian Center at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd., sampling nearly 100 offerings from more than 30 breweries, both big and small, sometimes to wash down the food being served by three outstanding food trucks outside.
The breweries represented included everything from large companies like Cigar City, Florida Avenue, Coppertail and Goose Island to smaller craftsmen who brew out of their garages, like Krazy Eddie’s Garage (KEG) Brewing, Ignorant Ales and Wiregrass Brewing Co.
“We were really, really happy with the event,” said Stennett afterward. “I feel good about what we did, and we are thankful for the community for coming out to support us.”
The event is the primary fundraiser for the New Tampa Noon Rotary (which meets Wednesdays at noon at Bayscape Bistro inside Heritage Isles Golf Club) and helped the club contribute thousands of dollars to causes like the Fisher House at the James Haley VA Hospital last year.
Few came further for this year’s event than Wisconsin’s Dennis Zweber (above, left), who took his brother Greg (right), who lives in Lutz, up on an offer to fly down for the Brew Fest and enjoy some better weather.
Dennis, who lives in Soldier’s Grove, WI, just east of Madison, found a plane ticket for $67 out of Minneapolis — about four hours away — and said that going to beer festivals was one of his family’s favorite pastimes.
“I figured, ‘What the heck,’” said Dennis. “We always have a great time when we go to these things.”
Dennis said he was impressed by the New Tampa Brew Fest, considering it was only the second year the event has been held.
“I was really impressed with the quality of the beers,” he said. “They had a lot of breweries, a lot of variety. I drank a lot of really good beer.”
Dennis, who tends to enjoy darker beers, said his favorite was the organic Peppermint Porter served by Randy Gailit, who brews his Wiregrass Brewing Co. (page 40) out of his garage in the Meadow Pointe community. “That was a really beautiful beer,” Dennis said.
Wiregrass Brewing Co. wasn’t the only local to draw rave reviews. Double Branch Artisanal Ales (DBAA), which is opening a place in The Grove in Wesley Chapel in January, drew a lot of attention for its offerings, particularly the Orange Suede, a passion fruit, orange peel, pineapple and marshmallow sour.
For DBAA co-owner Ryan Clarke, his first New Tampa Brew Fest was a success. He said the Orange Suede was so popular he had to crack open a second keg of it.“I thought it was a great event, and a great chance to introduce ourselves to the beer-loving community,” Clarke said.
Considering how many places there are to get your nails done in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, it can be difficult to tell which one is best for you.
However, considering the old adage of “location, location, location,” one elegant local nail spa has got you covered when it comes to location.
“We’re here in the middle of everything happening on (S.R.) 56,” says John Nguyen, who is the co-owner (with his wife Vanessa) of Noire Nail Bar. “We’re surrounded by popular restaurants and places to shop.”
So, whether you venture out to 56 to shop at the Tampa Premium Outlets or have dinner at Bahama Breeze or Ford’s Garage, Noire Nail Bar is right there and has everything you need to pamper yourself.
All customers receiving services at Noire Nail Bar are offered a glass of wine, soft drinks or water, and the nail salon is immaculate, with a peaceful atmosphere and professional technicians whose job it is to make you happy.
“We have a great selection of colors, and top gel and dipping powder brands like OPI, SNS, DND and Chisel,” John says. “And, we offer many different services, from basic manicures and pedicures to our Signature Spa Pedicure and our Special Care Spa.”
John says that the Signature Spa Pedicure is the “ultimate treat for your feet,” with a therapeutic lavender rub that exfoliates dry skin while citrus sugar relieves and moisturizes your tired feet. That is followed by an extensive moisturizing lotion massage and a hot towel wrap.
Noire’s Special Care Spa is designed to cater to clients with special needs, such as the elderly and those with diabetes who may have cracked heels, thick calluses, thick or ingrown toenails — anything that requires extra time, attention or precautions.
Other Services, Too!
There also are additional services offered, such as hot stone and hot candle wax massages, special prices on manicure and pedicure combos, nail enhancements, full sets, eyelash extensions, waxing services for your face and body and private rooms for your next party — and full nail services for birthday parties, bridal showers and other events are a specialty at Noire Nail Bar. There’s even Prince and Princess manicures and pedicures available for kids ages 12 and under.
Jannah’s daughter Lauren absolutely loved not only her manicure and pedicure, but also spending quality time with her mom before her upcoming big day.
“It’s a really nice nail spa,” Lauren said. “And, the technicians were super sweet and did a great job, too.”
And, just in time for the holiday season, if you buy $100 or more in gift cards, you’ll save 10%.
“We also give you a coupon for 10-percent off on your birthday,” John says. You will need to prove it’s your birthday, of course.
And, speaking of getting 10-percent off, you can save 10% off all services at Noire Nail Bar every Monday through Wednesday, with the coupon from the ad on page 7 of this issue.
Noire Nail Bar is located at 25682 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz, and is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. To make an appointment or for more information call (813) 536-0161.
And, please remember to tell John, Vanessa and their friendly staff that the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News sent you!
As large trucks filled with dirt and tall cranes roll by a flattened lot, local Wesley Chapel tennis guru and businessman Pascal Collard smiles.
The trucks are slowly but surely allowing Pascal’s vision come to life.
The parking lot is there, he says, pointing to his left. Tennis courts, pickleball courts and padel courts over there, surrounding the tennis center.
And, what about way over there, all the way to the right?
Pascal says that will be a 30,000-sq.-ft. indoor training facility with space for both more tennis courts and removable turf for other sports.
“It is beautiful, no?,” Pascal asks.
The Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis & Wellbeing Center in Zephyrhills (at 6585 Simons Rd.) has broken ground, and is expected to open in late spring or early summer of 2020.
When it is done, the $4.9-million project will feature 11 tennis courts, including a main court with spectator seating, eight pickleball courts — one of the fastest growing sports in America — and four courts for padel, another racquet sport that can best be described as a cross between, well, almost every other racquet sport.
The 7,400-sq.-ft. indoor tennis center will house a fitness and rehabilitation center, a restaurant and café, a salt room, cryotherapy, a pro shop and a kid’s club.
The tennis center is another feather in the “Florida’s Sports Coast” cap, joining AdventHealth Center Ice, Saddlebrook Resort and the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County, as the area continues to transform itself from ranches to recreation.
“It fits right in with (our new) Florida Sports Coast vision,” says Adam Thomas, the county’s tourism director. “This will make an impact.”
The tennis complex is a public-private partnership between the City of Zephyrhills, the Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis Foundation and Pascal, the president of Tennis P.R.O., LLC, and the director — and driving force — behind the new facility.
It is the hope of Pascal, who ran the renowned tennis program at Saddlebrook Resort from 2003-06 and lives in Estancia, that the SVB Memorial Tennis Center reaches far and wide into the surrounding communities to help bring it to life.
“It is something that people want,” says Pascal. “I hear it all the time. It will be a place where mom can do fitness and dad can do tennis, or vice versa, and the kids can do the Kids Club, or daycare. That is huge.”
Pascal says he also is teaming up with Buttermilk Provisions owner Dana Morris for a restaurant at the tennis center as well.
“We think this will be something special and unique,” says Pascal, who never stops smiling as he describes the project.
The tennis center, which is located off Eiland Blvd. just a few miles north of eastern Wesley Chapel, is named for former Zephyrhills High tennis standout Sarah Vande Berg, who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in 2015.
It will be equipped to host regional (like college) and even national events like United States Tennis Association (USTA) and International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments, and also will provide a place for area residents looking for courts on which to play. Pascal would like to see the area active in USTA league tennis, where Saddlebrook Resort may field an occasional team limited by membership restrictions.
It also will offer instructional tennis for children, and training for the more serious players.
And, speaking of memberships, Pascal is hoping to sign up hundreds at a price he said will be fair and less expensive than the clubs in the area. Depending on what type of membership you buy, it also could include membership to the Silverado Golf & Country Club, which is adjacent to the tennis complex.
While tennis will be the central focus of the facility, Pascal also has formed the United Global Academy, which will be an online school limited to 32 students from a variety of sports, similar to what IMG Academy in Bradenton offers but on a smaller scale initially. Mark Shepherd, former director of student services at Saddlebrook Prep on the resort’s property, will help run the academic side.
Pascal has reached into Wesley Chapel’s sporting community to help develop those athletes, who will be able to train in the 30,000-sq.-ft. indoor facility, which can accommodate four tennis courts and a synthetic turf soccer field.
“Why not create a sports association?,” he says. “Get all the best ex-athletes in the area to come together once a month to promote sports to kids…kids who cant afford it!”
Athletes will be able to receive training from coaches like former English Premier League Soccer player and local club coach Gary Blissett, former New Orleans Saints lineman Mel Williams, Silverado Golf & Country Club golf pro Sean Klotz and others.
“The vision is to bring the community together by offering a family-friendly experience,” says Pascal, who most recently was the tennis director at Merion Cricket Club, a private club in Haverford, PA, with more than 2,000 members. “There will truly be something for everyone here.”
For more information, visit the SVBTennisCenter.com.
Wesley Chapel’s Randy Gailit goes through a cooling process as he prepares another batch of his craft beers for fermentation in his Meadow Pointe garage. (Photo: John C. Cotey)
Randy Gailit liked to spend his Saturday mornings doing crafts.
Craft beers, to be exact.
In the garage of his Meadow Pointe home, he meticulously measures, mixes and mashes, making sure the right ingredients are producing the perfect results for what he hopes will be a tasty craft beverage.
“It’s like a science class,” he says.
He won’t know for weeks, in most cases, as the process is just beginning. Sometimes, he needs three weeks for his concoctions to ferment. Other times, depending on the style of beer, the fermenting process can take eight weeks or more.
Patience is a virtue, and in Gailit’s cased, his patience is rewarded with a cold, tasty beer.
Gailit and his one-man Wiregrass Brewing Company will be one of the many returning brewers at this weekend’s New Tampa Brew Fest, which is again being held at the Venetian at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church in New Tampa today at 6 p.m..
Randy Gailit
While the process for a small home brewer can take a while, don’t worry — the beers Gailit will be bringing for those at the Brew Fest have long been fused in his garage, and will be ready to sample at the event, which raises money for causes supported by the New Tampa Noon Rotary Club.
Like last year, he is bringing his Ginger Island Ale, which he says is his most popular beer, and a tasty Rotary Red Ale, named for Gailit’s affiliation with the Land O’Lakes Rotary Club, a spinoff from the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon.
In a nod to the upcoming holiday season, Gailit also has brewed a Peppermint Porter for the event, and will have a fourth drink to sample — a Strawberry Margarita Cider, the most popular cider he has brewed.
“I’m pretty happy with how they turned out,” Gailit says.
Gailit’s brewery is highly efficient, making amazing use of a third of his three-car garage’s space.
There are multiple refrigerators, an actual bar — with 4-5 beers usually on tap — and shelves filled with equipment, malts and yeasts, as well as a small room he built for the fermentation process.
Wiregrass Brewing doesn’t sell any of its beer, so the primary beneficiaries of Gailit’s weekend hobby are charities.
Gailit will provide beer at 5-6 charity events a year, like the New Tampa Brew Fest. He has provided the beverage for charities that work with a hospice in Land O’Lakes, for a cancer walk in Dunedin and a Wounded Warrior event in St. Petersburg.
And, in between the charity events, he shares his latest brews with the 100 or so people he works with at Mediagistic, a marketing and advertising agency in Tampa, and his neighbors who, at a recent party, went through four 5-gallon Cornelius kegs (the kind primarily used for soft drink fountain machines, as opposed to the larger barrel-style kegs).
“The garage door is always open,” he jokes.
Gailit has always enjoyed drinking beer, but when one of his friends was selling one-gallon home-brew kits, he decided to buy one. It ended up being the first item at the Wiregrass Brewing Company — but it sat on a shelf in his garage for two years.
It wasn’t until he signed up for a brewing class at the Land O’Lakes World of Beer that he says he finally cracked it open.
“I was in there one day and they were doing the class, and I thought, ‘Hey, I can do this,’’’ he said. “So I did it, and it was a lot of fun. I’ve been brewing ever since.”
A former restaurant owner in Pennsylvania, Gailit has been mulling for a while now about moving his home brewing company into a bigger building, but he says the right space at the right price hasn’t presented itself yet.
And that’s fine, he adds. His Saturday mornings are quiet and relaxing, and the results of his efforts makes those around him happy. Being able to help worthwhile charities is simply an added bonus.
“No matter where I do it, it’s something I really enjoy,” he says. “I’m glad everyone seems to like it.”
For additional information about Gailit’s home brewery, search “Wiregrass Brewing Company” on Facebook.
