It was after 9 p.m. by the time Hillsborough County Zoning Hearing Master Steve Luce adjourned the first of two hearings of Keel & Curley Winery’s rezone request. But, by the end of the night, Joe Keel, his family and employees all left the Hillsborough County Center astounded by the support they received. “It was awesome,” […]
Continue ReadingBusiness
Strawberry Hut expands, adds new location
Giving someone a makeover for their birthday isn’t too uncommon. Now that the Strawberry Hut is set to turn 21 next month, its “parents” — owners Troy and Betty Wilson — are going that route. Moreover, they are bringing another eatery into the family. The Plant City landmark, known more for its pressed Cuban sandwiches […]
Continue ReadingRosemont Farms cultivates BJ’s partnership
Plant City may be the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, but BJ’s Wholesale Club is more interested in its locally grown vegetables. For the third consecutive year, the membership warehouse retailer has selected Rosemont Farms off Turkey Creek Road to provide Florida locations with fresh produce. “Rosemont Farms provided product for our Eastern Veg […]
Continue ReadingNew Hardee’s scheduled to open in August
By the end of the summer, Hardee’s will be serving its homemade biscuits and signature Thickburgers in Plant City. Construction has begun on the fast-food restaurant’s new location in the parking lot of the shopping plaza anchored by Southern Hospitality off James L. Redman Parkway. Franchise owner Emily Kemp said she hopes to have the […]
Continue ReadingPlant City approves tax exemptions for Toufayan Bakeries expansion
The approval process took only a few minutes, but the potential ramifications of the Plant City Commission’s actions this week should have lasting impacts in the community. City commissioners approved May 27, an ordinance that grants Toufayan Bakeries ad valorem tax exemption as an incentive for the company to build an $8.9 million expansion at […]
Continue ReadingDepot Antiques chugs into Historic Downtown Plant City
If it seems like there was no time between Stephanie Leighton’s Sweetheart Granny Antiques store closing April 30, and Depot Antiques opening May 1, it’s because there wasn’t any. “We were moving in as she was moving out,” co-owner Sylvia Alchediak says. “That was her choice.” Although Leighton will stay involved as a vendor, the […]
Continue ReadingSTORE AROUND THE CORNER: Top Shelf Sports Bar and Grill
Hooters. Ker’s WingHouse. Twin Peaks. For many people, the term “sports bar” is going to evoke one or more of these images. The owners of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World’s newest restaurant, Top Shelf Sports Bar and Grill, want their bar to be included in that conversation. Top Shelf was born from an […]
Continue ReadingSTORE AROUND THE CORNER: Custom Canned Anything
Picture this: You’ve just been in a car accident and are stranded in the woods. Your seatbelt is stuck, and you might be confined to your car for a while. That’s the kind of situation James Blocker, and his Custom Canned Anything co-workers, can help anyone avoid with their canned survival kits. “We can put […]
Continue Reading‘Sweetheart Granny’ to retire from downtown antique shop
As April 30 draws closer, Sweetheart Granny Antiques gets a little emptier inside. That’s because the end of the month also means the end of the business and, with it, Stephanie Leighton’s 15-year career as an antique seller. “I’m not closing because of any reason, but it’s just that time in my life,” Leighton said. […]
Continue ReadingWayback Burgers, Firehouse Subs opening soon
Plant City resident soon will be enjoying some new dining options at Lake Walden Square. Jake’s Wayback Burgers and Firehouse Subs both will open this summer, adding sizzle and spice to the city’s growing menu of dining options. Jake’s Wayback Burgers franchise owner James Payne hopes to open his 1950s-diner-inspired restaurant within three to four […]
Continue Reading
