Closer Look

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s the local ownership and management of Hudson Square Coastal Furniture that keeps customers coming back, again and again.

“Our sales are up every year with very little advertising, because our customers are so pleased with the quality of our furniture and the service we provide. They come back on a regular basis to see what’s new, and tell their friends about us,” said Luther Moore, founder and owner Hudson Square Coastal Furniture and Mattresses

Moore opened his first store in Hudson in 2008, and followed up with a second store in Zephyrhills three years later. These two stores specialize on colorful, comfortable furniture that gives homes a contemporary, beachy, coastal look and feel.

“Our furniture makes people smile and feel good,” said Sheri Weber, manager of the Zephyrhills store. “Our store is full of quality furniture that is perfect for Florida living, including smaller pieces ideal for apartments and senior communities.”

Weber and her counterpart in Hudson, Dennis Payne, have been local managers since their stores opened, and also live in the community where they work.

“The person who sold you will be the same person helping you if there is a problem,” said Moore. “We believe 100 percent in customer service, and that begins by having salespeople who work with you through the entire process, from purchase to delivery to returns.”

Hudson Square is also known for its fair prices.

“We don’t run bogus sales, where furniture is marked up 50% or 60%, just so the retailer can then mark them down to a ‘sale’ price,” said Moore. “No business can sell their products for 50% off – they would go out of business! In my opinion, these sales are an insult to your intelligence.”

Over 90 percent of Hudson Square’s upholstered furniture is made in the U.S., and 100% of its mattresses.

“When we sell a mattress, you get a full warranty for all 10 years, if your mattress sinks more than 1.5 inches from when you bought it,” said Moore, who added that most national mattress brands pro-rate their warranties.

Also setting itself apart from the chains is that Hudson Square customers can buy furniture and mattresses off the floor – something few chain stores allow.

“Customers typically have to wait three weeks to three months for their furniture to be delivered. But not here — we can deliver as soon as a customer wants –even the same day,” said Moore.

For customers wanting to choose their fabric, they can also place custom orders. Hudson Square has hundreds of fabric and leather swatches in every color and pattern imaginable.

The store rounds itself out with a huge variety of home accessories that are always discounted 15%.

“Many of our Florida accessories are the same stuff you find in tourist shops, but for half the price,” said Weber.

Hudson Square Coastal Furniture is open seven days a week. “We invite folks to visit our stores and see for themselves the quality of our furniture and beds, our large selection of styles and sizes, and browse our inventory of fun accessories to complement your home,” said Moore.

4904 Allen Road, Zephyrhills • 813-395-5920

 14158 US 19, Hudson • 727-857-5906

Published 8/28/19

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By William Jacko

Shortly after Charles and Nancy Frankulin began dating in 2003, they started working at Bosco’s Italian To Go! in Wesley Chapel. They never imagined that one day they would marry and buy the business.

“We started dating in 2003 when we were seniors in high school, and have been together ever since,” Charles said. “I started at Bosco’s as a delivery driver when I was going to USF, and Nancy got a job as a cashier. We both worked here several years and, after college, moved onto different jobs. Then we both came back here about a year before the owners decided to sell, and since we always wanted to own our own business, this was a perfect fit.”

The Frankulins retained Bosco’s original recipes, and have added many more menu items requested from their customers, including a rice-based, gluten-free pizza, ravioli with smoked mozzarella, baked chicken wings, and CinnaStix with a cannoli filling dipping sauce.

The couple also started a suggestion box.

“People actually drop suggestions into our box, which is why we now have Greek Salads and Tater Tots,” said Nancy.

One of Bosco’s most unusual pizzas is its Swamp and Turf pizza — a combination of toppings that include steak and alligator bellies.

“We went to a trade show and one of the vendors had farm-raised gator belly from Louisiana. We tried it, liked it, and thought that this is something no other Italian restaurant or pizzeria is going to have,” said Charles.  “It so delicious, we also offer Gator Alfredo Pasta.”

The Frankulins use the freshest ingredients they can find, preferring small farmer markets like nearby Boyette Family Farms.

“There’s nothing like going out and actually picking your own green peppers, bringing them back to the shop and chopping them up,” said Nancy. “We grate our own cheese and slice our own lunchmeat. We hand-make our meatballs, and of course, make our own pizza and bread dough —all done by hand.”

The Frankulins are proud to be small business owners.

“If you’re a small business, you usually have more of a heart,” said Nancy. “We’re out to make a living, not a killing, even if it’s sometimes hard to stay a mom-and-pop business with so many chain restaurants popping up. People try the new franchises, but come back to Bosco’s because our food is fresher, our service is better, and our prices are fair and affordable.”

The Frankulins donate to a food pantry year-round, and also give back to the community with a toy drive at Christmas. As a Christian business, they value their employees and treat them well.

813-907-2440 • www.BoscosItalianFL.com

Published 8/21/19

 

 

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Breakfast can be the most important meal of the day, so why not start it with something tasty and healthy at Keke’s Breakfast Café, in the Willow Bend Towne Center in Lutz.

 Owners Stephen Poletta and Scott Crawford pride themselves on the freshness of Keke’s food.

“We cut our potatoes, hand-crack our eggs, and never use liquid egg mix,” said Poletta.  “If you order an omelet, you’re getting three cracked eggs fresh-to-order, because made fresh to order is very important to me.”

Just about everything on Keke’s menu begins with something fresh.

“Our strawberries, grapes, bananas—everything is fresh. We whisk our pancake and waffle batter. We grind our coffee beans. Everything’s made in-house,” adds Poletta.

This includes Keke’s popular Florida pancakes and waffles, which are topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries and bananas — not frozen fruit or preserves.

“Everybody likes our Florida pancakes and waffles,” Poletta said. “But, our cheese steak omelets and blueberry- or raspberry-stuffed French toast are to die for. All of our omelets, and the regular French toast, are fabulous, too.”

While breakfast is number one at Keke’s, the restaurant also boasts an extensive lunch menu, including its popular turkey and ham club, tuna fish sandwich and cheese steak panini.

“It just makes me feel good to see the smiles, to see our regulars come back two or three times a week for breakfast and lunch,” said Poletta. “We must be doing something right to have so many happy customers.”

Keke’s large portions, fresh food and unique recipes create picturesque dishes, which often inspire guests to send photos of their meals to envious friends and family.

“We love that our guests take pictures of their food — that’s something I’ve never seen in my 20 years in the restaurant business,” said Poletta. “As soon as we put the food down, people take pictures of their meal, before diving in.”

At Keke’s, employees emphasize cleanliness, fast service and attention to detail. Its spacious dining room accommodates a large volume of people, making wait times short and fast. The restaurant also offers takeout and catering.

Keke’s is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., an ideal work schedule for parents and students who have their evenings to study or spend with their families.

“I’m blessed to have such an excellent staff — employees who truly care about their guests and the quality of our food. It’s this warm hospitality, our generous portions and the great care that goes into making our food, that create our success.”

813-345-8495 • kekes.com

22952 SR 54, Lutz (At Collier Parkway)

7:00am to 2:30pm daily

Published August 7, 2019

 

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Long before Andrea Mannino founded Amici Pizza, it was the prospect of love, not business, that inspired him to leave his hometown of Carini, Italy, for America.

His son, Vincent, smiles as he tells the story of the family restaurant his parents founded 18 years ago in Wesley Chapel.

“My parents are from the same town in Sicily,” relays Vincent. “My father heard about this girl named Josephine from his hometown who had moved to America, and he knew he had to meet her. So he too came to America, met Josephine in Brooklyn, and they fell in love and got married.”

A quarter of a century later, Andrea and Josephine moved to Florida, and Amici Pizza was born. Specializing in hand-tossed, New York-style pizza and made-from-scratch Italian dishes, Amici Pizza has thrived in Wesley Chapel since 2001.

“Just about everything is prepped here,” said Vincent, who co-manages the restaurant with his brother, Rick. “We make our own lasagna and meatballs. We bread our own chicken, eggplant and veal. We make our own desserts, and have the sweetest cannoli around. And, of course, we offer espresso and cappuccino coffees.”

The freshness of its food is the key to Amici’s success, Rick adds.

“It just seems so basic, but it’s the most important thing. We make our dough from scratch and don’t use any preservatives. We’re not like a franchise, where they actually send everything pre-measured and mixed,” said Rick.

Freshness begins with the Manninos buying their produce locally every day and taking it back to the restaurant to create their authentic Italian recipes they will serve that day.

“Our veal cutlet for the Sorrentino is freshly pounded, hand-breaded and fried, so you’ve got the layer of veal, the layer of eggplant, and then the marinara sauce and mozzarella on top —and done in here,” said Rick.

Other menu items include salads, pasta, wings, hot and cold subs, calzones, Stromboli, entrees and desserts. House specials are Italian recipes that the Manninos have created, such as bacio, chicken contadino and chicken villetta.

“My parents created our specials over the years, like chicken villetta. This is a rosemary-baked chicken dish in creamy Alfredo sauce, with onions, mushrooms and homegrown rosemary from my father’s garden,” said Rick.

Amici Pizza has a longtime customer base that feels like family, and the Manninos work hard to keep it that way. The restaurant offers take out, catering and dining at the restaurant, including outside seating.

www.Amici-Pizza.com

813-973-9734

26602 Wesley Chapel Blvd

 

 

 

 

Published July 31, 2019

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Meridien Research in Spring Hill recently had a patient whose dementia-related agitation dramatically subsided while participating in an Alzheimer’s clinical study it was conducting.

“When we first met this patient, he was pacing, walking up and down the halls, and kept repeating that he wanted to leave,” said Sarah Hollingshead, site director for Meridien’s Spring Hill office.

“He had participated in another clinical trial at a different site, and was not happy with his previous experience. But here, we made him feel welcome and comfortable, and he agreed to give clinical research trial another try. The patient completed one study with us and saw great results. He then completed a second and saw mixed results. Now he’s in his third study, and he’s singing in our office and joking with us. His agitation symptoms have really subsided.”

While people participate in medical research studies for a variety of personal reasons, their participation also enables advances in medicine that can benefit everyone.

“Volunteers in medical research studies help with the development of medical therapies that may offer better treatments, and even cures, for life-threatening and chronic diseases,” said Hollingshead.

Meridien Research needs participants for many studies, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, endometriosis, ulcerative colitis, idiopathic constipation, and low testosterone. It also is conducting a memory study for healthy people. There is no charge to participate, and no health insurance is necessary. Some studies offer compensation for time and travel.

Patient safety always comes first at Meridien Research.

“All of our research protocols are approved by an institutional review board that oversees the safety and welfare of our participants,” said Hollingshead. “This board ensures that the benefits of study participation outweigh the risks, and sets the protocols to determine the suitability of a patient to be included in the study.”

All clinical trial activities at the Spring Hill location are overseen by Drs. James Andersen, Richard Powell, and Gigi Lefebvre.

“Whenever someone is participating in a clinical trial, they are closely monitored,” said Hollingshead. “Once a patient is on the medication, he is often seen on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis — usually more than they would be seen by their regular physician.”

Meridien Research’s Spring Hill site also offers free memory testing, and sponsors a monthly Alzheimer’s caregiver support group that includes respite care.

“We offer free memory testing as a courtesy to our community,” said Hollingshead.  “Our support group meets once a month, and caregivers can bring their loved ones to the meeting because we offer free respite care.”

Hollingshead derives great satisfaction from her work and the role that Meridien Research plays in helping people and science. She invites people to give her a call to see if they or someone they know will qualify for a clinical study at Meridien’s Spring Hill location.

 352-269-5617 • NewStudyInfo.com

“Only 20 minutes from Land O’ Lakes, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.”

Published 7/24/19

By William J Jacko

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Tracy Mannino, owner Salon Tre’ Anne in Wesley Chapel, has been styling hair for 23 years.  She began her career in Boston, moved to Florida 20 years ago, and started styling hair at Beyond Hair, the previous name of her salon.

After a year, Mannio’s father bought the salon and she managed it for the next 10 years. In 2013, she took over ownership, and changed its name to Salon Tre’ Anne.

“I’ve worked really hard to get where I am today, and truly appreciate the loyalty of my staff and customers,” said Mannino. “All of our stylists are amazing — I’ve trained three stylists so far, who work and think like me, and have a lot of people who can fill my shoes.”

Salon Tre’ Anne specializes in coloring and highlighting — services that combine science and art.

“There are a lot of different colors that go into each person’s hair color,” said Mannino. “We mix for each individual to bring out or cancel their natural undertones, or enhance the features of their face and skin color.”

All of Salon Tre’ Anne stylists have years of experience, and work well together as a team.

“We’re not afraid to help each other out,” said Mannino. “The relationships we have with each other, as well as our clients, are so tight that they separate us from the rest.”

Salon Tre’ Anne is a full service salon with services for women, men and children. The salon uses Matrix products, which Mannino considers the best in the business.

“We also sell and use an excellent local brand called Healium. The owners dropped off some samples, we tried them, liked them, and placed their first order. Since then, they’ve been the only hairspray and mousse that we carry.”

Mannino’s loyalty to the Healium line is an example of her belief in supporting small, local business.

“I just feel that local businesses are the way to go,” Mannino said.  “You become a close-knit business community that feels like family, and when you’re family, you try to do the best for each other in everything that you do.”

Mannino extends that caring feeling to the community by participating in local charity events, such as golf tournaments, donating gift certificates and providing free services.

“I love my job. I love people. I love that I’ve built this community with the people that I work with, who have turned out to be my family and my friends. We wake up every day knowing our work makes people feel good about themselves,” said Mannino.

813-994-3553 • 26606 Wesley Chapel Blvd • Lutz

Published on 7/17/19

By William J Jacko

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

When you visit your doctor or hospital, have you noticed that nurses and other medical staff are making fashion statements with their uniforms or scrubs?

“The scrub industry has come a long way, I can recall years ago when most scrubs were a light blue color, were big and baggy with drawstring pants, and had one-pocket shirts that slipped on over your head,” said Judy Cornett, owner of Scrubs n’ Such in Lutz. “Thankfully, scrubs now come in all different shapes and sizes, with cargo pants that fit very comfortably and colorful print tops that you would never think were medical scrubs.”

With the introduction of more attractive styles, along with new fabrics that make scrubs cooler, many professionals and technicians are wearing them, including safety personnel, veterinarians, massage therapists, hair stylists, cosmetologists, housekeepers, kitchen workers, chiropractors, pet sitters and even dog walkers.

“Scrubs have become very trendy,” said Cornett. “We have scrubs for most sizes. Scrubs for women who want to show off their figure, and styles for those who want to cover it up. In addition to our large variety of styles, we carry scrubs in sizes from extra extra small to 5X.

“Scrubs have evolved from one-size-fits-all, smock-like protection, to everyday out-and-about street clothing. People use them as pajamas, gym clothing, or even just fun and comfortable casualwear,” said Cornett.

The décor of Cornett’s new store embraces the advances in scrubs. Scrubs n’ Such has well-arranged wall displays, racks of attractive floral clothing and trendily attired mannequins. Jazzy music plays in the background, and fitting rooms resemble guest bedrooms with welcome rugs, ornate hooks and elegant drapery.

“We want our store to be comfortable and boutiquey, but not expensive,” said Cornett. “Our décor is warm and inviting, and customers walk in and feel right at home. Our goal is to put smiles on the faces of customers, and to satisfy their needs and desires.”

In addition to scrubs, the store also carries chef apparel, maternity wear, nonslip shoes, compression socks, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, goggles, watches, pulse oximeters, Foozy Socks, lab coats, warm-up jackets, medical sleeves and medical accessories. It even offers in-house embroidery.

“If you purchase a scrub set, jacket, or just one shirt, we’ll be more than happy to do same-day embroidery,” Cornett said.  “Plus, we also embroider items not purchased in our store, something very few stores offer.

“In fact, we have several physician’s offices that use our embroidery service, and give discounts for group orders. And, if our store doesn’t have the size or color someone wants, we gladly special order.”

Cornett believes it is important to support local businesses, and works hard to make Scrubs n’ Such a one-stop shop for uniforms and accessories that is conveniently located to keep people in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel from having to travel outside the area for the latest trends.

23016 SR 54, Lutz * Willow Bend Plaza • 813-428-5551

Published 7/10/19

This could be you at Ukulele Brand’s restaurant and bar in Land O’ Lakes.

You’re seated on a covered outdoor deck sipping a rum runner cocktail, watching the sun set over East Lake Ellis and enjoying live local music, while waiting for your gator tail and grilled grouper to emerge fresh from the kitchen of Executive Chef Chris Boemmel.

“All these things make us a local favorite,” Boemmel said. “We’re one of the only places to have live entertainment four to five nights a week, a beautiful lakeside setting, and an atmosphere that is casual and fun.”

Boemmel has been the chef at Ukulele Brand’s for the last 13 years, and naturally brings the conversation around to his food.

“Our menu covers everything —  pasta, steaks, burgers, seafood, chicken wings,” said Boemel. “We make just about everything from scratch. We bread our own clams and chicken tenders. Our burgers are delicious and huge, like all of our portion sizes. Nobody leaves here hungry.” Ukulele Brand’s has a full liquor bar and several craft beers, indoor and outdoor seating, and several large-screen televisions, to give you a unique dining experience—right down to wire sandwich baskets shaped like ukuleles.

Lunch is always busy at Ukulele’s. It has daily lunch specials, and does a good job putting food out fast so guests can enjoy their lunch break and get back to work on time.

Favorite dishes include Uke’s Jammin’ Jambalaya, Southern Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad, Uke’s Famous Seafood Chowder, and a large selection of specialty burgers, including the Uke’s burger, which is topped with blue cheese, sautéed onions and mushrooms.

But by far, it’s most popular items are grouper and gator tail.

“We get fresh grouper in almost every day from the Gulf of Mexico, and go through 80 pounds of gator tail a week,” said Boemmel.

In addition to its excellent food, the chef attributes his restaurant’s success to the longevity of its staff.

“We have servers and bartenders who have been here 12 years or more,” said Boemmel. “Our customers love seeing the same servers, and even request them by name. They know what you want to drink, your family members and are genuinely happy to see you.  In addition, we have experienced chefs who have worked here for many years, who consistently put out great food.”

Being a fixture in the community since 1995 from its iconic location on U.S. 41, Ukulele Brand’s gives back in several ways, from sponsoring local sports teams and high school events to participating in poker runs.

Check the restaurant’s calendar of events on its Facebook page, or at UkuleleBrands.com, for its live band schedule and special event of the day.

4805 Land O’Lakes Blvd. • Land O’Lakes, FL. 34639

813-995-0608 • www.ukelelebrands.com

 

Published 4/24/19

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Less than 45 minutes from Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, Tarpon Springs is someplace new to go for  date night, or a weekend outing with the family.

“What really breathes life into our downtown is our variety of restaurants,” said Kelley Riedy, operations manager for Tarpon Arts. “There’s a pizza and pasta place, a little bistro that makes its own flavored olive oils, and American, Greek and Italian fare.”

Before or after you dine, it’s fun to explore the city’s many museums.

The Historic Train Depot Museum is right in the heart of downtown, the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art has more than 6,000 exhibits of contemporary and modern art, and the Heritage Museum has a permanent Greek heritage exhibit.

Perhaps the best known museum is the Safford House, which has docent-guided tours of this 1883 Victorian home, and is the only museum on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

“Something the kids will enjoy is the Replay Amusement Museum, home to the world’s largest pinball machine, and filled with vintage video games, pinball machines and memorabilia,” Riedy said.

Tarpon Springs hosts a full calendar of special events year-round. In fact, this weekend is Night in the Islands — an after-hours festival on the Sponge Docks, on June 29.

“This is a fabulous way to enjoy our beautiful cool evenings,” said Riedy. “The streets of the Sponge Docks are blocked off, and there are two stages for live music, including Ellada, considered the premier Greek music band in Florida. We even have a dance troupe giving free, Greek dance lessons.”

“Nights in the Islands really captures the Greek heritage of the city,” said Reidy. “Several restaurants set up outside tables, so people can dine next to the music and dancing, and enjoy our beautiful waterfront.

You can also explore Tarpon Springs through rosé-colored glasses—as in glasses of rosé wine—at the next Wine Walk on July 20. In August, there is the Hippie Fest on Aug. 10, and the quarterly Arts and Crafts show on the Sponge Docks is Aug. 31. Fall events include Salsa on the Sponge Docks on Oct. 12 and the Seafood Festival from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10.

For outdoor fun, Tarpon Springs has two beaches —Fred Howard Park and Sunset Beach, which hosts the Sunset Beach Concert Series on the first Thursday of every month. Tarpon Springs also has a free Splash Park, hiking trails, playgrounds, dog parks, fishing and kayaking.

ExploreTarponSprings.com

Published 6/26/19

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Your air conditioner is the most expensive appliance in your house, and when it breaks, you want to call a company that will do everything possible to prolong its life. Bay Harbor Services is that kind of company.

Bay Harbor has recently expanded into residential services, after many successful years in commercial air conditioning sales and service.

“On the commercial side, the goal is to keep a company’s equipment going as long as possible,” said Jay Civitillo, management consultant with Bay Harbor Services. “If you’re a big-box retailer, you don’t want your A/C switched out every few years, because that’s really expensive.

Bay Harbor has taken that same philosophy to residential.

“We treat our residential customers just like we treat our commercial business,” said Civitillo. “Our goal is to keep a homeowner’s equipment running as long as possible to maximize their investment.”

With a metal shop and Riverview Crane division, Bay Harbor has an unusual depth of resources that allows it to execute its service-first approach in the residential air conditioning market.

“We try to do everything in-house as much as we possibly can,” said Tyler Wood, general manager. “Because we have our own cranes and equipment, it allows us to give better quality service and often better prices. Plus, our installers and service techs are masters in the air conditioning trade.”

One of Bay Harbor’s most popular services is its filter replacement program, especially for families with allergies.

“If you have allergies, you can put in a thicker filter. However, it’s not as straightforward as you would think because, with a thicker filter, you could impede the performance of your A/C. So it helps having a company get the right filter,” said Civitillo.

Bay Harbor also has products designed to clean a home’s air.

“It’s not just about having cool air,” said Civitillo. “We have products that focus on cleaning air, including Blue-Tube UV, that use ultraviolet blue light to kill microbes.”

Bay Harbor also installs mini-split or ductless systems for home renovations and room additions, but they recommend consulting a professional whenever any major air conditioning system changes are made.

“Mini-splits arereally popular, but many people don’t realize it is important to have an expert come out and look at your usage area, because sometimes having a bigger unit can do more harm than good,” said Civitillo.

Bay Harbor recommends performing maintenance on your air conditioner twice a year and changing the filters every two months. If it’s time to replace a unit, the company carries industry-leading Trane products, as well as Trane’s more economical line, Ameristar.

(813) 740-8662

BayHarborServices.com

Financing options are available

Published 6/19/19