Nibbles & Bites: Slim Chickens To Open By Aug. 17!

Yes, we know that the Wesley Chapel area already has The Chicken Boss, Chick-fil-A, King of the Coop, Chick’n Fun, Zaxby’s, Popeye’s and many other restaurants, chain and mom-and-pop, that specialize in fried chicken (and/or wings) in its many (sometimes) delicious forms. 

Even so, as we reported months ago that it was coming, the latest news is that Wesley Chapel’s next entry into these “Chicken Wars” will be Slim Chickens, a chain founded in 2003 in Fayetteville, AR, with more than 225 units already open and with 1,200+ in development across most of the U.S. 

Specializing in hand-breaded chicken tenders, Slim Chickens’ Wesley Chapel location was still hiring at our press time and was expected to open by Thursday, August 17, according both to a Google search and a spokesperson at the nearly-completed building at 27244 Wesley Chapel Blvd., or about halfway between Chick’n Fun and The Wing House. 

With its nearest location to us on S. Macdill Ave. in Tampa, the Wesley Chapel location also will serve the chain’s new Nashville hot and other chicken sandwiches, wings, salads, Southern-style sides (including fried okra, mac n’ cheese and fried pickles) and, of course, its “Slim Sweets” signature desserts served in mason jars, like chocolate brownie pudding. 

For more information, visit SlimChickens.com. — GN 

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Getting Close To Opening On WC Blvd., Too! 

A few miles south of Slim Chickens, at 25026 Wesley Chapel Blvd. extension (in the same plaza as Chicken Salad Chick) in Lutz is the Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, which will be the 20th link in a chain that already has locations in seven states, including the nearest to us in Ocala. That Shuckin’ Shack also is owned by Brad Harper, who is opening the Lutz/ WC location. 

Founded in Carolina Beach, NC, in 2007 by co-founders Matt Piccinin and Sean Cook — because of the co-founders’ shared “craving for fresh oysters” — Shuckin’ Shack began franchising locations in 2014 and features raw, steamed and chargrilled oysters, “sharkbite” shrimp (because “bang-bang” and “firecracker” were already taken, according to TheShuckinShack.com), scallops, snow crab legs (by the lb. or 1/2-lb.), crab “balls,” calamari, fresh clams and mussels and a variety of sampler and family-style options, like a “Low Country Boil.” 

There also is an ahi tuna appetizer, but no fresh fish entrées on the menu, but there is a fried cod sandwich and mahi tacos (there also are shrimp, tuna, chicken and even oyster tacos), as well as wings, salads, po-boy and other sandwiches, quesadillas and even shrimp ‘N grits. 

And yes, when it opens later this summer, Shuckin’ Shack will feature a full liquor bar and will be managed by our new friends Alie and Hunter (photo, right). Watch our “Neighborhood News” Facebook page for opening date updates. — GN 

Sorbo To Open In Former Bru Growler Bar Location 

In the Shoppes at Wesley Chapel plaza at 2653 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (across from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel) that already is home to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Latin Twist Café, The Hungry Greek and Umu Japanese & Thai, the former location of Bru Growler Bar and Buttermilk Provisions before that will go back to its coffee-&-tea roots, as Sorbo Coffee • Tea • Bakery • Wine (photo) is expected to open by sometime this fall. 

The partners who own Umu also are involved in the ownership of Sorbo, as our friend Chef Will told us when we stopped in a few days before we went to press with this issue. “Sorbo will serve coffee, tea and a variety of pastries for breakfast and become a wine bar in the afternoon,” Will said. “We are excited to be bringing this new concept to Wesley Chapel.” 

All I can say after my sneak peek inside is that the place already looks pretty great (and upscale) and will be a welcome addition to the community. — GN 

Playa Bowls Not Open Yet 

Speaking of the Shoppes at Wesley Chapel, we told you a couple of issues ago that Playa Bowls — the beach-themed açai-&-more healthy bowl chain with more than 200 locations — was planning to open on or around June 17. 

Also known as “Pineappleland,” Playa Bowls was still not open at our press time and we had no word yet from local franchise owners Tabitha Castro and Pablo Reid as to when it will open. For more info, visit PlayaBowls.com.— GN 

How Does Curley Rd. End At Two Different Locations On S.R. 54?

New Signage Posted At The Entrance To Chapel Crossings Community Off S.R. 54 Likely To Change

So, as I was driving eastbound along S.R. 54 (heading towards Zephyrhills), I noticed something that struck me as strange, for two reasons:

1) There were signs that said “Curley Rd.” in two different locations on 54 and

2)  It was the first time that I had noticed this phenomenon.

Now, it may not seem like that big a deal to you, but it was to me. Why?

As our editorial researcher Joel Provenzano — who until very recently worked for the Florida Department of Transportation (aka “FDOT”) and in conjunction with the transportation planners for Pasco County — pointed out, although the left turn at the original Curley Rd. sign was often a dangerous one, the plan was for Curley Rd. to be realigned to the east and come south to meet up with Meadow Pointe Blvd., leaving the existing Curley Rd. to basically cul-de-sac at the entrance to the Chapel Pines subdivision, less than a mile north of Curley’s intersection with S.R. 54. 

But, when the recession hit our area hard in 2008-09, Pasco County didn’t have the funds to realign Curley and it wasn’t until several years later that the existing intersection was even widened.

Fast forward about another decade, when Crown Community Development, which also developed Seven Oaks, begins developing the new Chapel Crossings community (see map), a pretty subdivision of about 1,100 total single- and multi-family residential units, the westernmost portion of which is the now-under-construction Story Wesley Chapel rental apartments. The only entrance to Chapel Crossings currently is on S.R. 54, at the traffic signal for Meadow Pointe Blvd.

But somehow, if you turn into that well-landscaped entrance to Chapel Crossings, the sign says that you are turning onto Curley Rd. Then, once you get into the community, the name of that same street is Chapel Crossings Blvd. What the heck?

I stopped in on at least two of the new home builders in Chapel Crossings — David Weekley Homes and Centex Homes — both of which have nice maps on their walls, showing not only their respective sections of the community, but all of Chapel Crossings. Those maps only show that main north-south thoroughfare as Chapel Crossings Blvd.

Before I continue, let me just say that I really like Chapel Crossings. It has a super-modern-looking clubhouse (photo above) that is under construction, and it will have not only a resort-style pool, fitness center and dog park, but also a lazy river. Can you say “Sold!?!”

Another interesting factoid is that, when the Story apartments are completed sometime later this summer, the long-awaited Zephyhrills Bypass (photo right) also will open — or, at least, the first leg of it — which means that Chapel Crossings could have had north-south and east-west thoroughfares providing connectivity for the rest of Wesley Chapel.

The operative words, however, are “could have had.”

Joel told me that although Curley is no longer planned to be realigned through Chapel Crossings, when he left his job at FDOT, the signs at the Chapel Crossings/Curley Rd. intersection on S.R. 54 across from Meadow Pointe (MP) Blvd. had already been ordered because the county’s GIS map already had shown the southern terminus of Chapel Crossings Blvd. to be Curley Rd.

He adds, however, that Pasco also will likely still require developers to extend Chapel Crossings Blvd. further north to meet Curley Rd. at some point in the future, which would then provide that north-south connectivity mentioned earlier, just as the extension eastward of the Zephyrhills Bypass beyond Chapel Crossings will provide the east-west connectivity for Wesley Chapel.

Confused? Yes, me too. But, Joel says that, at some point, he expects Crown will request to the county to change the name of the entire length of the existing road to Chapel Crossings Blvd., which also would add some clarity and consistency with Pasco’s Vision Road plan, and so that entire roadway would have the correct same name.

In the meantime, even a Google search of Chapel Crossings shows just the end of Chapel Crossings Blvd. as Curley Rd.  

Prime Barbershop Becomes Inaugural Tenant in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

Expected to Open January 2024

Wesley Chapel, FL (July 11, 2023) – Avalon Park Group/sitEX is excited to announce that the renowned grooming establishment, Prime Barbershop, is opening its newest location at 4424 Friendly Way, Ste. F, in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. The anticipated opening date for the new barbershop is January 2024. Owned by Edward and Melinda Velasquez, along with Omar and Kristi Lugo, Prime Barbershop aims to bring exceptional grooming services to the community.

Prime Barbershop is committed to providing top-notch grooming experiences in a welcoming and comfortable environment for all clients. With a focus on delivering high-quality haircuts, shaves, and grooming services, Prime Barbershop’s skilled barbers are passionate about their craft and strive to exceed customer expectations. The barbershop aims to leave clients feeling confident, refreshed, and satisfied with their appearance, while also building lasting relationships within the community.

“We envision a barbershop that not only offers impeccable grooming services but also serves as a hub for community engagement, where people can come together, share stories, and build connections,” said Velasquez. “Our goal is to create an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates individuality and empowers our clients to express their unique style confidently. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel aligns with our brand image and values.”

Prime Barbershop distinguishes itself from other grooming establishments through its expertise, exceptional customer service, and modern ambiance. By offering a unique and premium grooming experience, the barbershop aims to carve out a niche in the market and attract a loyal customer base.

“Our vision for Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is to create a dynamic and diverse community where residents and visitors can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle,” said Beat Kahli, President and CEO of Avalon Park Group. “We are excited to welcome Prime Barbershop as the first tenant, as they embody the high standards and commitment to excellence that aligns with our vision. Their presence will undoubtedly enhance the community experience, and we look forward to their contributions in creating a thriving Downtown Avalon Park.”

This new location in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will mark the third Prime Barbershop branch, demonstrating the brand’s growth and commitment to providing exceptional grooming services. The owners and staff are excited to extend their services to the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel community and beyond, building on the success and reputation they have established in their existing locations.

For more information about Prime Barbershop, visit https://www.primebarberswc.com/ or on social media with the handle @primebarbershop20. For more information about Avalon Park Wesley Chapel visit https://avalonparkwesleychapel.com/ or on social media with the handle @AvalonParkWesleyChapel. 

Business Briefs — The Latest On Sam’s Club Gas & More! 

One of the most common complaints we hear about the Sam’s Club on S.R. 56 is how hard it is to get in and around the superstore’s gas pumps — which usually have among the lowest gas prices in town. 

Well, Sam’s is planning to expand its gas station pumps to deal with those frustrating backups. It appears, based on the diagram near right that will be reviewed at an upcoming preapplication meeting with Pasco County, that Sam’s will expand from twelve fueling positions to sixteen. 

It appears as though the existing kiosk, car wash and underground fuel tanks will remain, but that there may also be an additional inbound lane to those pumps, and some other changes. In other words, vehicles should be able to get in and gased up a lot quicker, with the addition of four more fuel nozzles and two more queue lanes. 

Of course, we’ll keep you posted. 

Moe’s To Add A 2nd WC Location 

Despite still having only one lane in each direction for much of its length, Wesley Chapel (WC) Blvd. continues to add new restaurants, retail and office space. 

With our area’s first-ever Slim Chickens restaurant currently under construction just north of where WC Blvd. meets Old Pasco Rd., a new retail plaza, to be called Post Oak Crossings — anchored by Wesley Chapel’s second Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurant — is under construction on WC Blvd., just north of the entrance to Lexington Oaks. 

The new 11,000+-sq.-ft. plaza being developed by Aprile Real Estate, has a total of five spaces, the anchor of which will be the new Moe’s, according to Aprile Real Estate president Jason Aprile. 

Aprile says that, in addition to Moe’s, a national dental group and a high-end med spa are planning to move into the building, leaving two available spaces, suitable for retail, office or quick-service restaurant uses. 

“With S.R. 54 getting ready to be widened and 500 new apartment units in the area, it’s an ideal location for many different kinds of businesses,” he says. Aprile Real Estate, which has three generations in both the cattle and real estate business in Tampa Bay, currently also is handling properties in Riverview and Temple Terrace. 

For more information about Post Oak Crossings, call Jason Aprile at (813) 532-6432 or email him at Jason@aprilerealestate.com. 

Amberlin Outparcel Coming Soon 

While the Amberlin Wiregrass Ranch apartments, a 216-unit rental community for ages 55+ on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (across BBD from the new BayCare Wesley Chapel hospital), has gone vertical and should be ready for residents by sometime in early 2024, a new commercial project to be located just north of the Amberlin entrance on BBD has been approved for development. 

“Outparcel B,” which will be called the PSP Commercial Strip Center, will feature both retail and restaurant uses, although no specific users or names have yet been mentioned with regard to who the retail or restaurant will be. 

Meanwhile, there also is an Outparcel A, on the south side of the Amberlin entrance on BBD, which has only been approved for clearing and leveling. No permits have yet been approved for that spot. 

New Retail KRATEs 

Although most of the restaurants at The KRATE Container Park at The Grove have done a good job of building a following, quite a few of the retail stores at the largest container park in the Tampa Bay area haven’t been as fortunate — despite some success stories (like Maeberry Co., Katie Beth’s Boutique and a few others). 

Two new retail KRATEs (both pictured here) now have signs up and although we have no additional information at this time, we wish both Fitness Fashioness (in the former location of both The Rebellious Hippie and Mythos) and Sunglass Krate the best of luck and hope to bring you more information about both once they get closer to opening. 

Story Update: Wesley Chapel’s New Contract Postal Unit Expected To Open By August! 

The new postal contractors say no exact date has yet been set for the CPU to open in Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54. 

STORY UPDATE! Unfortunately, we had to go to press with the July 11 Wesley Chapel issue two hours before we got additional info for our cover story. Please read that revised story here. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this snafu may cause.

 So, I recently found out — after telling you last issue that the Zephyrhills Post Office folks said they didn’t know when, where or even if the Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit (CPU) was going to re-open — that there is, indeed, a new location for the CPU that is currently under construction and is expected to open by the end of July or the first week in August. 

The CPU — which is still not a “full” post office but which is able to match U.S. Postal Service prices for stamps, Express and Priority Mail and is able to offer Certified and Registered Mail options — will likely be completed by new contractors Jevon and Cindy Williams by the end of this month, but once the construction has been completed, about a week of training is still required before the CPU can officially reopen. “Although we already have shadowed people at the Zephyrhills Post Office to see how it all works,” Jevon says. 

The biggest concern about the location in Freedom Plaza (above and below) for when the new Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit opens by the end of this month or early August is a lack of parking, although new contractors Jevon and Cindy Williams say the new CPU will have more visibility from S.R. 54 than the former location on Boyette Rd. 

Although no one at the Zephyrhills Post Office spoke with me “on the record,” my friends at Bosco’s Italian-to-Go at the eastern end of what is known as the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 (about 1/4-mile east of where the CPU on Boyette Rd. that closed at the end of January was located) told me they had met Jevon and Cindy, who told me how excited they are to serve the Wesley Chapel community. 

This husband-and-wife team of Realtors based in Wesley Chapel, with EXP Realty, say they also will sell a variety of items (which haven’t been decided on just yet) and provide free coffee to their customers. 

“Plus,” says Jevon, “this location will have a lot more visibility from S.R. 54 than the previous location on Boyette Rd.” 

Parking Concerns 

There’s no doubt that the biggest challenge whenever Wesley Chapel’s long-awaited CPU opens in its new location will be parking. 

Freedom Plaza is already pretty busy, as the main portion of the plaza facing S.R 54 includes popular restaurants like Bagelicious & More and Taco Son, plus a nail salon, a barber shop, a martial arts studio, the Grey Wolf Armory and Your CBD Store of Wesley Chapel. 

The post office will be located in the separate building which actually sits parallel to 54 and already includes the Great Hope Preschool, a Smoke Shop, the new Bath to the Bone dog grooming studio, as well as Bosco’s. The lot already gets pretty crowded and doesn’t really have room for expanded parking. 

There also is a drainage ditch located between Taco Son and the post office and the property behind the CPU’s building is owned by a different property owner. 

How much more that parking will be strained remains to be seen, but if you ever tried getting anywhere near the old CPU the last two or three weeks before Christmas, you know that parking at the new location during the holidays will definitely be a major issue. 

Jevon and Cindy agree with Bosco’s owners Nancy and Charles Frankulin, who said they are “excited to have the (CPU) next door, but, we are a little bit concerned about how the parking is going to work.” 

However, Jevon adds, “All I can say is that we are going to make it work.”