Rolled Ice Cream & Boba Tea Help Set Frogury Apart From Its Competition!

As you’re probably already aware, there are a lot of frozen yogurt and ice cream shops in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. So, how do any of them distinguish themselves from everyone else?

Jackie Chan (not his real name, but the name he goes by), the owner of the Frogury Frozen Yogurt CafĂŠ, has been open for almost five years, next to Five Guys in the plaza across from LA Fitness at the corner of County Line Rd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.

A few months ago, we told you that Jackie had added a taste sensation that is becoming popular all over the U.S., especially on and near college campuses — rolled ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Jackie takes fresh cream and pours it onto an ice-cold, circular “pan.” He’s happy to mix in anything from Oreo cookies to almonds to a variety of fresh fruit, including the fresh banana he added to mine.

While the cream is chilling, Jackie mashes up your mix-in until as smooth as possible and then rolls it out  flat. He then takes a steel spatula and rolls the now-firm ice cream into, well, rolls. He then scoops up the super-cold rolls and places them side-by-side into a cup, adding virtually any topping you want. I tried to keep it healthy with fresh strawberries, although I also added chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

If you’ve never had rolled ice cream, it is significantly colder and more dense than soft-serve yogurt or ice cream and most “hard” ice creams, too. And the flavor? Out of this world!

As someone who still prefers “real” ice cream to any kind of frozen yogurt, I can tell you that if you haven’t yet sampled Frogury’s rolled ice cream, you owe it to yourself to visit and try it out today!

Boba Tea, Anyone?

Although I’m not the biggest ice tea fan, either, I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed my most recent foray into Boba, or “bubble” tea, which was first created in Taiwan in the 1990s and has been gaining popularity in the U.S. since the ear;y 2000s.

Bobas are ball-shaped, chewy bubbles of tapioca to which a variety of flavors, especially jellied fruit, can be added. Jackie had me try the traditional, “plain” bobas in iced black tea (there’s also green tea and other flavors) with milk, which was yummy, even though I’m still not a big boba fan. Try it for yourself and let me know what you think. A woman visiting the shop named Suzy says she comes to Frogury every day, just for the tea. “It’s the best in town,” she said. “It’s why I’m a regular here.”

Frogury (6431 County Line Rd.) is open Mon.-Sat., 11 10a..- p.m., & noon-10 p.m. on Sunday. For 20-percent-off your purchase or buy-one, get-one-free smoothies, see the ad on pg. 46 of our last New Tampa issue. For more info, call 994-1960 or visit Frogury.com.

Lee Nails & Spa: Cleanliness & A Relaxed Atmosphere

Owner Ken Truong (far left) and his friendly, professional staff of licensed nail technicians are available to serve you at Lee Nails & Spa in The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center.

Between warm weather and casual fashion, gloves are seldom worn in the Sunshine State. But, since sandals so often are worn here, that means a lot of hands and feet are out on public display.

Keeping Wesley Chapel residents well-manicured is a job the crew at Lee Nails & Spa, located in an outparcel building at The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center (next to the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce office), eagerly undertake seven days a week.

Available services range from a basic nail trim and polish (with many fashionable options such as American or French style in a rainbow of colors) to waxing and the trademarked Botanical Escapes Herbal Spa Treatments, such as an herbal detox formula or maybe a Chocolate Mint Bliss recipe.

While the menu of services is extensive, owner Kenny Truong says what Lee Nails & Spa really offers patrons is one of modern life’s most valuable commodities.

“We provide relaxation.”

The relaxation begins as soon as you cross Lee Nails & Spa’s threshold and enter a space of soft track lighting and mellow music.

New arrivals at the spa are quickly attended to and escorted to one of nearly a dozen manicure stations or a plush pedicure recliner with a massage function.

If someone needs to take the edge off a busy day, a complimentary glass of wine, chardonnay or merlot, is offered with each pedicure. Chilled water is an option for non-imbibers. A magazine rack filled with the latest issues of People, Allure, Glamour and other publications offers a chance to catch up on some light, non-digital reading.

Tangible results also are an objective, says Truong, who has 15 years of experience in the cosmetology field. “We’re dedicated to making our customers look beautiful,” he says.

At Lee Nails & Spa, customers can have beauty without risking their nail health. Regular acrylic nails can look great, but they can leave natural nails under them susceptible to itching and even infection. Truong says his salon offers non-acrylic nail alternatives like NexGenNails to customers.

“It’s strong, but doesn’t damage your nails like acrylic does,” he says. “It also has vitamin E in it.”

Informing customers about all of the options available to them that may provide a benefit to them is part of Truong’s business philosophy.

“We also educate customers about what kind of manicure they should get and what kinds of products can soothe and protect dry skin,” he says.

Lee Nails & Spa was opened in 2009 by Kenny’s brother Tony. Both of them emigrated from Vietnam, along with six other brothers.

Kenny and Tony each got their start in the cosmetology field while living in Cleveland, OH. Kenny took over Lee Nails & Spa last year when Tony moved to Orlando to open a new salon.

Maintaining a clean, safe and productive environment that focuses on delivering good customer service is an important element of Truong’s operation. He and his entire staff of nail technicians are all licensed through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DPR)’s Board of Cosmetology.

According to Truong, he maintains strict sanitary standards by providing customers one-time-use liners for spa pedicures, and also uses commercially-packaged disposable materials like emery board nail files that are discarded after just one use.

There is onsite equipment to sterilize all of the durable tools that are reused.

“One of the most important things that customers love about coming to my salon is the cleanliness,” says Truong proudly.

An Emphasis On Service

Customers entering the salon are likely to be met by Truong personally, and he will graciously deliver them to a staff member who will provide the relaxing and enhancing services requested. Truong recognizes the success of his business is in the hands of the people he hires.

“Our staff is young and talented, to provide the best customer service,” he says.

One such employee is Angela Butdee, who has been working at Lee Nails for two of the three-and-a-half years she has worked as a nail technician. She expresses appreciation for the overall atmosphere of the salon as well as the beautifying task at hand.

“It’s quiet and I like that we have lots of nice customers that come here,” Angela says. “I love doing the designs for their nails.” She adds there is another important attribute for nail technicians. “When you work with nails, you have to be calm and you have to make customers feel relaxed.”

Sharon Gilbert appreciates that kind of customer experience when she comes in to Lee Nails every few weeks for a manicure or pedicure. “They take their time and they’re gentle,” she says. “I feel special when I leave.”

Gilbert also notes the hygienic standards of Lee Nails & Spa.

“It’s very clean and they use plastic linings in their pedicure tubs,” she says, adding that she got into the habit of getting a professional manicure when she taught at The University of Ohio in Columbus.

“A handshake was the first way I was going to meet someone,’’ she said. “It’s a way of putting your best self forward. Now I just do it for myself.”

While indulging in spa treatments may seem like an extravagant luxury, Lee Nails & Spa offers promotions to make its services more affordable.

Customers can join the salon’s VIP Program and get $3 off a single service or $5 off a combo service (does not apply to polish change or waxing), Monday-Thursday. To do so, text LEENAILS2 to 51660.

Other discounts, such as 10-percent-off for customers 12 years of age or younger (parents or guardians must accompany the child) and for ages 65 and older, are available, as are “pop-up” specials announced on the “Lee Nails Spa In Wesley Chapel” Facebook page.

More special deals and samples of the work Lee Nails & Spa does can be found at LeeNailSpaofTampa.com. Lee Nails & Spa is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is located at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite #104. For more information or make an appointment, call (813) 907-8100.

Discovery Village At Tampa Palms Offers Luxurious Assisted Living

At Discovery Village at Tampa Palms, residents enjoy a fun and outstanding lifestyle, whether they need supervised independent, assisted living or memory care.

Tampa’s newest and most advanced senior-living community is now open! Discovery Village at Tampa Palms, located in New Tampa, is located just minutes from the area’s best shopping, entertainment and health care facilities.

This 105-unit residence features suites and upgraded one- and two-bedroom apartment homes, and offers three levels of care, making it the perfect community for seniors of any lifestyle.

Our Supervised Independent lifestyle is ideal for independent seniors who desire only minimal assistance with everyday activities.

For those seniors needing a bit more support, we offer an all-inclusive, no care level Assisted Living lifestyle which provides complete assistance with all activities of daily living.

Lastly, Discovery Village’s all-inclusive no care level Memory Care lifestyle is designed to accommodate seniors with dementia-related diseases. Each lifestyle comes with our exclusive three-year “rent lock” program which provides a financial value unlike any other senior-living community in Hillsborough County.

Discovery Village at Tampa Palms is established from a new era of bold, energetic senior living, complete with resort-style amenities and a wealth of social and recreational activities. The community’s Grande Clubhouse offers a sensational dining room that provides three gourmet meals with tableside service daily, as well as a private dining room for special family celebrations.

There also are numerous social areas that are convenient for entertaining and mingling with neighbors, including a game room complete with a full-size pool table and several card and other game tables for hours of friendly competition.

Residents can enjoy daily happy hour celebrations or evening nightcaps in The Legends Club & Bar. The clubhouse also hosts the luxurious Silver Cinema Movie Theater, complete with a theater-style popcorn machine, so residents can keep up with the newest releases or reminisce with one of their favorite childhood movies.

Of course, to ensure they always look their best, a full-service, professional beauty salon and spa with barber shop is available to all of the residents of Discovery Village.

Happy & Healthy

Health and wellness are top of mind at Discovery Village at Tampa Palms.

The senior-equipped fitness center includes state-of-the-art exercise machines, as well as free-standing weights and yoga mats, ideal for even the most health-conscience enthusiast.

Year-round water fitness can be enjoyed in the outdoor heated pool, which boasts a gradual-entry ramp to streamline access. For residents who might be feeling a bit under the weather, relief is always close by with a fully monitored nursing station available on-site.

The Discovery Zone Media Center will blow residents’ minds with a plethora of cognitive brain fitness tools, as well as a multifunctional craft center and activity room for inspiring the creative soul.

Additional services include an on-site medical director, on-site therapies and an on-site, Medicare-certified home health care agency to ensure all of your health and wellness needs are met.

But, what makes Discovery Village at Tampa Palms so unique are the six lifestyle programs that come together to create a senior living experience unlike any other.

These programs provide residents with fun, stress-free and easy living. Socialize with neighbors, enjoy fine dining, get out and about with chauffeured transportation and take advantage of the health and wellness opportunities. Plus, weekly housekeeping and concierge services all make life the best it can be.

Sensations – Dining

Some of the most exciting times happen three times a day at Discovery Village. That’s when residents sit down in the “Sensations” dining room to enjoy healthy, delicious meals made from scratch, complete with friendly tableside service, sparkling china and linen tablecloths and napkins.

Our Executive Chefs prepare daily menus filled with international cuisines and artistically prepared meals to suit every palate. Using the freshest ingredients available, our chefs create mouth-watering appetizers, entées and desserts that keep our residents’ taste buds tingling. You’ll also love the selections during themed parties and other special events.

Celebrations – Activities

Stay active and continue to enrich your life with Discovery Village’s Celebrations program. Our full-time Activities Director ensures that there is always a variety of activities and events going on. From exercise to parties, seminars to games, you’ll find something to enjoy with friends and neighbors each day. Whether at the community or on-the-town, you’ll find it difficult to decide what to do next!

Dimensions – Wellness

Social, intellectual, spiritual, physical, medical and emotional wellness are important aspects of life at Discovery Village.

Residents have ample opportunity to get involved in our comprehensive wellness programs. From yoga to water aerobics, educational classes to spiritual gatherings, there is always something fun and interesting going on at our communities to fill your mind, body, and soul. Our professional team members are always nearby to help you enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Connections – Transportation, Maintenance, Security

When you need to get out and about, our professional drivers will get you there with our complimentary scheduled transportation. Check the schedule for regular trips to nearby locations such as dining, shopping, religious services and other fun excursions or for personal appointments, like going to your doctor’s office. Just make a request with the Concierge a couple of days in advance and we will make sure you get there on time.

Impressions – Housekeeping

Our housekeeping team makes a lasting impression in keeping your community and home clean, allowing you more time to do the things you enjoy. Expect excellence from dedicated and conscientious team members who are committed to the utmost in quality for the care your home deserves.

Expressions – Concierge Services

Concierge services at all of our communities take the hassles out of your life and put conveniences in.

Erik Kellar Photography

We can make reservations to local restaurants or a must-see show. Need a beautiful flower arrangement sent to a friend or family member? We’ll have them delivered. We’ll also help make your move smooth and stress-free. We can assist with scheduling your move, disconnecting household services, help with furniture layout and placement and offer complimentary interior design consultation. We are at your service!

At Discovery Village, residents are graciously cared for by a team of uniquely remarkable professionals offering the utmost in comfort, happiness and healthy living. The elegance and splendor of the community are carried throughout, from furnishings to dĂŠcor to luxury-appointed senior apartment homes.

Every detail was thoughtfully executed to provide residents with a sense of elegance and pride. Discovery Village at Tampa Palms will forever change the landscape of senior living and deliver on our promise of exceptional care and exceptional value.

Call (813) 605-2400 or visit www.DiscoveryVillages.com to schedule a tour today and enjoy lunch on us!

Firehouse Subs — Serving Great Subs…And First Responders Across The Country

Sarrk Restaurants, LLC, is the owner and operator of nine Firehouse Subs locations in the Tampa Bay area. Through a valuable partnership with the Impact Group, Sarrk Restaurants, LLC, became one of the earliest franchisees to sign on with Firehouse Subs, with its first location that opened in New Tampa in 2002 that was later relocated to the Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza in 2012.

The New Tampa Firehouse Subs was the 51st location for the franchise. Since then, the company has grown to become a national & international brand in 44 states, as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, totaling more than 1,000 locations, making Firehouse Subs one of the fastest growing fast casual restaurant concepts.

All restaurants have a focus to provide the highest in Quality, Service and Cleanliness, all based on a Firehouse Subs’ firefighter theme. And, for the Sarrk Restaurants, LLC, owner Sarju Patel and the public, the brand has become much more than that.

Firehouse’s current marketing drive focuses on a new slogan, “This Sub Saves Lives.” And it really does! Through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the company’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, which has granted more than $25 million to hometown heroes in 46 U.S. states (plus Canada and Puerto Rico) since it was established in 2005 to provide lifesaving equipment to more than 2,800 first responder organizations.

All of Patel’s valued team members that make this company run to its optimum are expected to learn what the foundation is all about and, in turn, educate the community.

The life saving equipment that is provided is truly remarkable. This part of the business is so strong, that the company’s own analysis has shown that the restaurants that raise the most foundation dollars has a higher percentage of sales than restaurants that do not embrace this aspect of the business. The old saying “Giving is Receiving” is very much alive and true. Funds are raised in three ways — customers can donate their loose change into canisters at the register, they also can “round up” their Firehouse purchases to the next dollar and/or purchasing a five-gallon pickle bucket for only $2.

Firehouse of America will donate 0.13 percent of your purchase in 2017 at all U.S. Firehouse Subs locations to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. This percentage will result in a minimum donation of one million dollars.

The Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Firehouse Subs co-founders, Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, traveled to Mississippi, where they fed first responders as well as survivors. As they traveled back to Florida exhausted and exhilarated, they knew we could do more and the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was born.

Locally, through the funds raised from all Firehouse locations in the Tampa Bay area, here is a list of some of the Equipment that local organizations have received to date, valued at over $100,000:

•AED Defibrillator — Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

•Personal Locator Devices – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office

•Fire Prevention Safety materials to educate the community – City of Seminole Fire and Rescue

•See-Doo water craft and trailer, surf rescue sled, life vests, ropes and helmets – City of Treasure Island Fire Dept.

•John Deere Gator Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) and Medlite Transport Deluxe System – Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue

•RoboteX Inc Avatar Tactical Robot – Largo Police Department

•Extrication Equipment – Tampa Fire Rescue Station 13

•AED Defibrillator – Clearwater Central Catholic High School

What About The Food? — GN

Of course, most people still know Firehouse Subs for their steamed meat, toasted subs and everyone in our office has their favorite. I’m partial to the semi-spicy tuna salad sub and the steak-n-cheese sub (and I also really enjoyed the savory chicken noodle soup,too).

Graphic artist Blake Beatty and assistant editor John Cotey both prefer the NY steamer sub, which features corned beef and pastrami.

Sales rep Tom Damico enjoyed the hook & ladder sub, which comes with smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, and melted Monterey Jack.

And, billing manager Stephanie Smith said she really enjoyed the crispy, toasted sub roll on her meatball sub, as well as the zesty tomato sauce.

You can add your favorite dressings and toppings to any Firehouse sub, but the chain is famous for serving its subs “Fully Involved®,” or loaded, complete with mayo, deli mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a kosher dill pickle on the side. The pickles are pretty tasty, too.

And, the fresh-baked, fudgy brownies are to die for and everyone in the office enjoyed the white chocolate macadamia nut and chocolate chip cookies, the Miss Vicki’s chips and Coca-Cola “super fountain,” where you can combine more than 100 different sodas and sparkling waters.

The Wesley Chapel Firehouse Subs is located at 1824 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. For more info, call (813) 977-3181 or visit FirehouseSubs.com. Or, see the ad on page 35 of our current issue for $2 off when you buy a medium or large sub, chips and a drink.

Consider Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery For A Natural Burial

Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery in the Trinity area of New Port Richey provides a unique form of burial in natural setting for your final resting place.

Laura Starkey grew up running through the old Florida woods that made up her family’s expansive cattle ranch, much of which is now the 18,000-acre Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve in the Trinity area of New Port Richey, just a short drive west of Wesley Chapel.

Now, her passion is conserving the land she loves, and connecting people to it.

To that end, she has created Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery, the first conservation cemetery in the Tampa Bay region. It opened this past fall, set on 41 acres of the original Starkey Ranch bordering the wilderness preserve, and Laura is the cemetery’s founder and executive director.

One of just a few conservation cemeteries in the entire state of Florida, Heartwood Preserve provides environmentally-friendly options for people looking for a more natural burial.

“The word ‘conservation’ in our name means that not only are we are providing a natural burial option for those who don’t want all the fancy bells and whistles of a modern burial with an expensive casket and vault, but we’re also really contributing to the permanent conservation of this ecosystem,” Laura explains. “We are both literally and figuratively becoming part of this land.”

Laura and Heartwood Preserve manager Diana Sayegh explain that first and foremost, the cemetery is about conserving the precious longleaf pine flatwoods and cypress dome wetlands ecosystems of the preserve.

“We invite people to come and take a walk, hike and get some fresh air,” Diana says. “You can park for free, use our picnic benches, and experience nature. There are woodpeckers, owls and butterflies, and we have free events, such as silent meditation walks, yoga and even frog-listening events. This place is gorgeous, and we want the community to experience it.” 

Laura explains that using the land as a conservation cemetery is a tool that will allow it to be preserved forever.

“Land conservation is kind of tricky,” she says. “Sometimes, you think you just buy the land and hold on to it, but you have to manage it and maintain it, including controlled burns, managing invasive species and different things you have to do to keep it healthy and protected. I am always looking for tools to do that. Sometimes land may become a state or county park, but there are other ways to do that, too.”

She explains that there are layers of protection in place to ensure that Heartwood Preserve will always remain a natural burial preserve, with no above-ground burials, such as in a mausoleum, and a lower density than a traditional cemetery. In addition, when someone purchases a space at Heartwood Preserve, a portion of that fee goes to permanently protecting that ecosystem.

She says that what started out as an intellectual idea for her has morphed all the way into a spiritual experience.

“A conservation cemetery is a practical tool to help pay for protecting the land, but on a community and spiritual level, it’s an opportunity for the community to be connected to the land in a really deep way” she says. “What a beautiful thing to say your final wish — your final resting place — will protect the land.”

Diana says the fact that Heartwood Preserve allows pre-planning sets it apart from other conservation cemeteries.

“Like making a will, pre-planning for your cremation or burial is a gift to your family,” says Diana. “Your family is not left with the burden of the cost or the decision making. They have peace of mind for when that time comes.”

She continues, “It is a cemetery, and it’s sad, but it’s not typical. It’s natural and beautiful and serene and peaceful.”

Heartwood Preserve doesn’t allow embalming or vaults, neither of which are required by law. “The full body can be placed into the ground, wrapped in a shroud or buried in a biodegradable, natural casket,” Diana explains. “We also allow cremated remains to be buried directly in the ground or in a biodegradable urn, but we don’t scatter ashes.”

Diana, who worked in a traditional funeral home for many years before joining Heartwood Preserve, says she had to learn about so-called “green burial” and, she says, “it was a big wakeup call for me.”

She says she now considers it her personal mission to educate people that other options are available to them.

“In my old job, I used to tell people, ‘This is what has to happen, and this is how much you have to pay.’ But, I’ve learned that you don’t have to be embalmed or purchase an expensive casket.”

Not For Everyone?

Diana says that Heartwood Preserve welcomes all faith and religions, but she understands that natural burial is not a good fit for everyone.

“It’s okay if you want a more traditional burial. I respect that,” Diana says. “But, we want people to know this is another option.”

Don Zegel’s son, Gregory, passed away when he was just 21. That was nearly five years ago and his son was cremated, but Don says that ever since, “I’ve been looking for something meaningful to do with his ashes.”

When he and his wife, Gay Wasik, were biking through the Starkey Wilderness Preserve, Gay had what Don says was a “magical” experience. When she returned home, she began researching the preserve and came across information about Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery.

Don says he looked at the Heartwood Preserve website and it really struck a chord with him. “I love the woods, I love old Florida, and I love nature,” he says.

“I was ready right then, but Diana told me I needed to come out and be sure that’s what I wanted for my son’s burial,” Donald explains. “I visited, and I fell in love with the feel of the place and with their philosophy. When I walked the property with Diana, I didn’t want to leave.”

He says the feeling of peace and comfort that he felt extended to the burial service that was held at the preserve. “It was a small family thing, and Laura and Diana were both there,” Don says, “It felt like they were welcoming us into their family, like they had this land and were allowing us to be a part of it.”

That’s exactly what Laura hopes people will feel if they choose Heartwood Preserve for their loved ones’ burials, or even their own.

“We’re growing a family here,” Laura says. “It’s so moving to me, because that’s what makes me so happy to come to work. We’re just getting started, but it really feels like we’re doing the right thing.”

Don says, “Now, when we think of Greg, Heartwood Preserve is where we take our minds. It’s been such an affirming experience. After five years of being in mourning one hundred percent of the time, I have started to go through some real healing.”

Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery is located at 4100 Starkey Blvd. Visitors are always welcome when the gates are open, Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on Sun.

For more information, call (727) 376-5111, or visit HeartwoodPreserve.com.