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Business News
| Article published on Friday, Aug. 3, 2007 |
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Friendly’s Restaurant to help feed Quaker Steak cyclists
PINELLAS PARK – A Friendly’s Restaurant is coming to town and it will cater to not only local residents, but to motorcycle enthusiasts as well.
To be located next to the Quaker Steak & Lube in the 10000 block of 49th Street North, the new eatery is being built to provide services to Quaker’s overflowing crowds during motorcycle nights that are held every Wednesday.
Quaker opened about two years ago and is one of the more popular eateries in Pinellas County. Besides catering to the motorcycle crowd, the restaurant is a favorite gathering place for people who enjoy the garage-like atmosphere that includes classic cars, auto parts and other enhancements.
The motorcycle night events draw more than 2,700 people, but the restaurant seats only about 700. Bill Church, Quaker owner, said Friendly’s will be a good addition to the area.
“It’s an ideal spot for the breakfast trade, and for those who attend our motorcycle events,” Church said.
Councilwoman Patricia Bailey-Snook at the July 26 City Council meeting voiced fear that Friendly’s would add to an already growing traffic problem in the area, but others, including Mayor Bill Mischler and Councilman Rick Butler, said the restaurant would be welcomed to the city.
The council voted to approve the project with Bailey-Snook casting the only negative vote. Construction will take four to six months.
Former astronaut to build Bounce U for adults, children
PINELLAS PARK – A former NASA astronaut who once flew on the Atlantis and the ill-fated Columbia space shuttles has announced plans to build an indoor inflatable entertainment facility here.
Andrew Allen, a Marine Corps veteran and one-time Honeywell vice president, on July 26 received City Council approval to allow the recreational establishment in an M-1 Light Industrial Zone on property located at 7200 114th Ave.
The tract will be used for a business known as Bounce U, an indoor establishment. A variance was needed to reduce the amount of required parking spaces.
Allen and his wife, Brenda, a former Boeing engineer, have teamed up to build the local Bounce U franchise. Allen said there are more than 40 locations across the country with headquarters in Gilbert, Ariz.
There are other locations in the works and still more being considered, Allen told the council.
The facilities are indoor climate-controlled with large inflatable structures that are used by adults and children and at private parties and other events. The facility includes such venues as an obstacle course, rock climb, bouncy boxing and a slide.
“The facilities are used for birthday parties, pre-proms and even senior events,” Allen said. “We provide the food, party favors and even clean up after each event.”
The Pinellas Park facility will be the first of its kind in the Tampa Bay area. There are plans to build others in Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando.
City, chamber officials visit newly opened establishments
PINELLAS PARK – City and Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce officials have been busy visiting new businesses in town.
Under the Business Visiting Program, city and chamber officials each month drop by new businesses that have opened their doors.
Representing the city was Mayor Bill Mischler, now-retired fire Deputy Chief Sandy Sullivan, police Officer Donna Saxer and Susan Walker, director of Business and Neighborhood Services.
Representing the chamber were Marian Capozza of the board of directors and Julie Roberts, a business assistance partnership specialist.
The new businesses included:
• Precision Litho, 4250 118th Ave. N., a commercial printer specializing in large format, sheet fed, narrow web and half-size printing. The company prints a wide variety of items including books, catalogs, brochures, magazines and other work. They are one of the largest sheet fed printers in the Tampa Bay area.
• AARP Senior Community Services Employment Program, 7800 66th St. N., seeks part-time work for senior citizens 55 years and older.
• Global IT University, 6925 112th Circle, creates software and online learning programs. The company sells training modules to corporations and government agencies.
• Cronk’s Boulevard Diner, 7048 Park Blvd., is owned by Martin and Janine Cronk. They are third generation market and restaurant owners.
• Hair Mechanics, 6890 49th St. N., has an automotive theme with NASCAR memorabilia, stacks of tires forming the front desk and a display case filled with hood and motorcycle ornaments.
• Magnum Venus Products, 11692 56th Court, has three buildings totaling 40,000 square feet and 241 employees.
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Article published on Friday, Aug. 3, 2007
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