Businesses partner to host family friendly event
By Sarah Whitman
Senior staff writer
LUTZ — The Hound’s Meow, Careme’s Market and Java Tinto have partnered to host “Pirates, Pups and Pastries,” a day of food and fun from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 23 at Lake Chapman Plaza in Lutz. There will be a raffle, free food, games and free beads in the spirit of Gasparilla.
Business owners hope the event will attract people of all ages from Lutz to Tampa.
“We’re hoping people will stop by, have fun and see what’s great about our businesses, ” said Hound’s Meow owner Sarah Harrison.
Careme’s owner Bill Wiener is excited to cook up delicious treats for people to try. The restaurant will be open for lunch while free samples are handed out outside.
“We’ll have cheesecake and carrot cake for everyone to taste,” he said. “We’re also going to have a wine tasting.”
Java Tinto, which adjoins to Drytech cleaners, will provide the coffee.
“We’ll have samples of our latest flavors,” said assistant manger Rachel Hammond. “Events like this are a great way to meet people living in the area and let them know what we offer.”
Hound’s Meow, a pet-supply shop especially for dogs and cats, will offer up treats for the pups.
“If you have a pet, bring them along,” Harrison said, “And if you’re looking to adopt a pet, we’ll have adorable dogs and cats waiting to find homes.”
Harrison said she’s glad she opened her business at Lake Chapman, because all the owners are friends.
“We get along well and we help each other out,” she said. “Like with the costs of this event, just one business couldn’t have afforded to put it together.”
Weiner said, in a struggling economy, three minds are better than one.
“We can brainstorm and come up with ideas to bring customers to the plaza,” he said. “We plan to do a group event once a month.”
Weiner thinks people might be surprised by how many locally owned businesses there are in the area.
“We aren’t corporate America,” he said. “When you shop or eat here, you are supporting your neighbors.”
Saturday’s event is free and open to all. Bring the pets, bring the kids and celebrate local commerce.
IF YOU GO
- WHAT “Pirates, Pups, and Pastries”
- WHEN noon to 4 p.m. Jan 23
- WHERE Lake Chapman Plaza, N. Florida Ave.
- HOW MUCH Free
- MORE INFORMATION (813) 960-6111
