The countdown is less than a week away for the opening of Culver’s restaurant.
The aqua building with the royal blue highlights is a visible sign of the growth under way near the Tampa Premium Outlets.
“There is such development in this area,” said franchise owner Marty Roeske. “There’s going to be nothing but growth. We’re excited.”
Construction crews are pulling together last-minute details to prepare for the Feb. 29 opening. A grand opening will be scheduled, probably in March, when Culver’s founder, Craig Culver, is expected to attend.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
Next door, Cheddar’s Casual Café is under construction, also fronting the outlet mall along State Road 56.
Other anticipated restaurants include BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Starbucks, On the Border, Panda Express and Chick-Fil-A, according to Pasco County records.
The Roeskes are establishing some firsts for Culver’s.
“It’s the first Culver’s to say ‘baby blue’,” said Lucas Roeske, who is assisting his father in restaurant operations.
The official color is a shade of aqua. The royal blue is the signature Culver’s color.
This restaurant also has patio seating, another first for Culver’s.
The fast-food chain’s menu serves up Culver’s signature, “Butterburgers,” as well as fried chicken, sandwiches and salads.
And, for desserts, there are Culver’s frozen custard treats, made fresh daily and scooped into waffle cones, dishes, sundaes, shakes and malts.
The Roeskes aren’t newcomers to restaurants or to Culver’s.
They own a franchise in Wisconsin, which is operated by another of Roeske’s sons.
That franchise opened in 2000 as Culver’s 97th restaurant.
The Roeskes initially looked in Hillsborough County for locations, but eventually landed at the site that is one of Pasco’s hottest development areas.
In addition to restaurants, Costco and Kohl’s are among future retail headed to the junction of State Road 56 and Interstate 75, as part of the Cypress Creek Town Center.
On the north side of State Road 56, more retail, offices and potentially a hotel also are coming to the town center.
With five high schools close by, Marty Roeske said there is a good employment base.
More than 80 people have been hired, and the number could go as high as 100, he said.
The family moved to Pasco more than a year ago, leaving behind the cold and snow of Wisconsin.
“We love Wesley Chapel,” said Marty Roeske. “It’s very much home to us. It’s a community-based area.”
Culver’s is located at 2303 Sun Vista Drive, off State Road 56 and Grand Cypress Drive. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
For information, visit Culvers.com.
Published February 24, 2016
