Bubba’s breaks ground
Bubba’s 33, 26340 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel, had a ceremonial groundbreaking for its first restaurant in Florida. A December opening is expected. Shown here from left: Adam Thomas, marketing director for Experience Florida’s Sports Coast; Crista Demers-Dean, Bubba’s 33 marketing director; Jeff Dean, Bubba’s 33 managing partner; Mike Moore, vice chairman of the Pasco County Commission; and, Hope Allen, CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber.
New craft brewery coming
Double Branch Artisanal Ales (DBAA) is expected to open in December at 5956 Wesley Grove Blvd., in The Grove at Wesley Chapel, according to a news release from the company. The locally owned and operated brewery will provide a gathering place, a tap room of beers brewed on premise and food. The brewery and taproom also will provide a local option for events, entertainment and nightlife.
The brewery’s name relates to the original name for Wesley Chapel, which was named Double Branch, after twin creeks that ran through the Boyette land grant, the release says.
The brewery will operate out of an 8,400-square-foot space in the Mainstreet area of The Grove, combining a 2,100-square-foot production brewery; 1,900-square-foot tap room, a 550-square-foot outdoor patio; and, an 1,850-square-foot event space.
The principal members of Double Branch include: Shashank Mishra, of Wesley Chapel, owner and president; Ryan Clark, of Lutz, owner and managing partner; Cody Guyer, of Wesley Chapel, owner and head brewer; and Sam Guyer, tap room manager.
Marketplace grand opening
Vintage Marketplace, at 5155 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, will celebrate its grand opening Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. The 5,000-square-foot store features a wide variety of vendors. The event will feature refreshments and special offerings. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m., on Sunday.
Free class for insurance agents
A free five-hour law and ethics continuing education class will be offered for insurance professionals Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at SpringHill Suites Marriott, 16615 Crosspointe Run in Land O’ Lakes. Register by going to Pasco.PaulDavis.com, or RSVP to .
East Pasco Networking
Bill Cronin, president/CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast on Sept. 24. The group meets from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.
Economic briefing
Jamie Wilson, DBA vice president of government relations, will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s economic development briefing on Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunter’s green 18101 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa. He has served as vice president of government relations for Moffitt since 2007. His responsibilities include local, state and federal government relations. To find out more and to RSVP, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.
Recession concerns
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 1.6 points to 103.1, remaining within the top 15 percent of readings, according to a news release.
Job creation accelerated, positive earnings trends improved, and quarter-on-quarter sales gains remained strong, the report said.
However, optimism slipped because fewer owners said they expect better business conditions and real sales volumes in the coming months, according to the report.
“In spite of the success we continue to see on Main Street, the manic predictions of recession are having a psychological effect and creating uncertainty for small business owners throughout the country,” NFIB President and CEO Juanita D. Duggan, said in the release. “Small business owners continue to invest, grow and hire at historically high levels, and we see no indication of a coming recession.”
For the full report, go to NFIB.com.
Franchise opportunities
Learn about franchises and how to select the right one for you at this free seminar called “Opportunities in Franchises,” presented by Pasco-Hernando SCORE. The session will be on Sept. 30, at the SMARTstart West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.
Chamber awards gala
The 20th annual North Tampa Bay Awards Gala, set for Nov. 7, will honor local businesses, volunteer civic organizations, and company leaders for contributions they make to the regional economy and the community. The event will be at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., in Tampa, and will include a VIP Reception and dinner. A VIP Reception ticket includes an hour of networking, two drinks, passed appetizers, and entertainment. The $75 dinner ticket includes a three-course meal and the awards presentation. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.
