The Laker/Lutz News

Business Digest

Zaxby’s opens at Cypress Creek Town Center

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A look at the new Zaxby’s that opened, initially only for drive-thru customers, on Aug. 30, at 2153 Sun Vista Drive in Lutz. (Courtesy of Zaxby’s)

Zaxby’s has opened its newest restaurant at 2153 Sun Vista Drive in Lutz, near Costco.

The new Zaxby’s is owned and operated by Brad Harper, owner of Swamp Dawg LLC, and began operation on Aug. 30, initially for drive-thru customers only, according to a news release.

“Our team is thrilled to offer the Lutz community a new restaurant experience with delicious hand-breaded chicken and more,” Harper said, in the release. “We are tremendously excited to begin working with the community and to partner with local schools in the area.”

The 3,715-square-foot restaurant, located off Interstate 75 and the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, will have indoor seating available for 70 guests.

Third-party delivery will be offered at a later date.

Zephyrhills awards banquet postponed

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The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has postponed its “Award Winning Z’Hills” event that had been slated for Sept. 16. Details are being finalized regarding a new date and event particulars, and once they are known, they will be shared by the chamber. The banquet is held to show appreciation for members and the community, and to bestow awards.

Comedy club now in the Grove

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Side Splitters Comedy Club is opening a second location — this one will be in theater seven at the Grove Theater, Bistro & Entertainment center in the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

Besides serving up comedy, the club features a full bar and stadium-style seating.

“We are very excited for the Wesley Chapel community to experience Side Splitters Comedy Club in a completely reimagined way,” Mark Gold, landlord and developer and partner in Mishorim Gold Properties, said in a news release. “This space is unique as it provides an intimate venue for the performers and audience.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SidesplittersComedy.com/locations/the-grove-at-wesley-chapel/.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice sets up shop

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Orlando-based Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is now serving up its frozen treats in Zephyrhills — ushering in the brand’s first shop in the area.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, at 7936 Gall Blvd., is owned and operated by Pete Patel and Dru Patel, according to a news release.

The duo also plans to open two other locations in Wesley Chapel, according to a news release.

Each Jeremiah’s boasts an upbeat atmosphere and offers over 40 flavors of Italian Ice, as well as rich and creamy soft ice cream. The Jeremiah’s Gelati, which features layers of Italian Ice swirled with thick, homemade soft ice cream, offers a multitude of flavor combinations and is a popular selection, the release says.

The roughly 1,200-square-foot Zephyrhills location features indoor dine-in service. Third-party delivery options will be available in the future.

The Zephyrhills opening marks the next step in the brand’s continued expansion throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, visit JeremiahsIce.com, or call 813-438-5754.

COVID surge expected to affect business travel

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U.S. business travelers are scaling back travel plans amid rising COVID-19 cases, with 67% planning to take fewer trips. Fifty-two percent expect to cancel existing travel plans without rescheduling and 60% plan to postpone existing travel plans, according to a new national survey conducted by Morning Consult, on behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Despite an uptick in leisure travel over the summer, the new survey forecasts a dim outlook for business travel and events, which account for more than half of hotel revenue. They aren’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024, the news release says.

The poll was conducted Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, among a national sample of 2,200 adults. The interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, educational attainment, age, race and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2%, according to the release.

Development site sold in Zephyrhills

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Commercial Partners Realty team members recently completed over $17.9 million dollars in transactions in the Tampa Bay Market.

Jim Engelmann handled the transaction for buyer Bob Chalfin, in the purchase of 5131 Ryals Road in Zephyrhills. The 24-acre development site sold for $2.1 million.

Commercial Partners Realty is a full-service Commercial Real Estate brokerage specializing in office, industrial, retail, land, and investment sales and leasing. It represents landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers of commercial real estate in Tampa Bay, Pasco County and West Central Florida.

Pasco EDC offerings

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The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., which works to expand economic development opportunities in Pasco County, has a number of upcoming events. They include:

  • CO.STARTERS: A nine-week course being offered at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City, from Oct. 19 through Dec. 14, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In this program, entrepreneurs work through their business model with a trained facilitator and discover repeatable steps that can used throughout the life of a company.

  • NetFest: This event, which has a Back to the Future theme, will be held on Sept. 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Edison Suncoast. The event features food and drink, and a chance to connect with Tampa Bay area business and community leaders.

There are charges for both programs. To sign up for either SMARTstart or NetFest, or to find out more, visit the Pasco EDC’s website at PascoEDC.com.