November Brandon 2014 Business Column

By Sandra Meyer

Firehouse Subs Makes Big Contribution to Hillsborough Sheriff

Last month the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received 24 personal locator units, worth more than $8,000, from Firehouse Subs Restaurant. The donated devices will assist the department during search and rescue operations involving people with cognitive disabilities, increasing efficiency and allowing officers to quickly reach those in need of help. Firehouse Subs is located at 1921 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs has given $11 million to hometown heroes in 41 states and Puerto Rico, including more than $2.1 million in Florida. Visit www.firehousesubs.com.

Bob’s Ice Cream and Gelato Opens

Owners Bob and Lisa Wilkie welcome customers to enjoy ice cream and gelato at their establishment located at 1989 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Bob’s Ice Cream and Gelato opened earlier this month and offers 24 flavors each of ice cream and gelato. They describe their shop as having a cozy coffee-shop atmosphere, serving the best ice cream and gelato in the area. It is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Call 651-0401.

Nutrition & Strategies for Happiness Class at Publix Winthrop

Join Publix Dietitian Nutritionist, Jamie Stolarz, MS, RDN, LDN, and local Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Rachel Moskowitz, MS, LMHC, at Publix in Winthrop Town Centre Wednesday, December from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for a class to help achieve happiness. To attend, RSVP to Publix Dietitian Nutritionist, Jamie Stolarz, MS, RDN, LDN at 684-3039. There will be free samples and free coupons during the event. The Winthrop Publix is located at 11109 Winthrop Market St. in Riverview.

Allegria Italiana Adds Live Music

Allegria Italiana has begun live music at its restaurant. Jazz singer Ella Chadwell, along with her piano accompanist and arranger Jimmy Silva, has been playing there every other Wednesday night since September. With a show rooted in the jazz genre but with a Latin flair, Chadwell and Silva perform from 6-9 p.m. There is no cover charge, although dining reservations are encouraged at 651-1166. The Wednesday dates for December appearances are Wednesday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 17. Visit www.EllaChadwell.com. Allegria Italiana is located at 518 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

Budget Storage Holds Ribbon Cutting 

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce and Budget Storage hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of Budget Storage’s newest self-storage facility located in Brandon at 607 E. Bloomingdale Ave.

Budget Self Storage is partnering with Selah Freedom by providing collection bins at five of their locations for people to drop off donations of personal care, toiletries, beauty products and gift cards for survivors. Call Robin Emanuel, Budget Self Storage Marketing Coordinator at 476-4999.

Nordstrom Rack Opens at Lake Brandon Plaza

Last month Nordstrom Rack opened its doors with music, coffee and breakfast treats. The first 1,000 customers received a complimentary Nordstrom Rack tote. Nordstrom Rack is the off-price division of Nordstrom, Inc. offering on-trend, of-the-moment clearance merchandise from Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com as well as items purchased specially for Nordstrom Rack. The store offers significant savings on great brands like Kate Spade, Hugo Boss, Trina Turk and Vince Camuto at 30-70 percent off. Nordstrom’s newest location is at 11201 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon. Call 330-4500 or visit www.nordstromrack.com.

O’Brien’s Pub Reopens

O’Brien’s Irish Pub would like to invite the public to its newly remodeled location. Known for its local get-togethers, great food and entertainment, O’Brien’s is going on its 14th year in business in Brandon. O’Brien’s would like to extend its appreciation, offering to help to schools and the community in any way it can. Call 661-9688 or visit obrienspubsbrandon .com O’Brien’s is located at 701 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon.

Founder of The Woman’s Group Receives High Honor

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2014 Small Business of the Year Awards in September. Dr. Madelyn Butler was chosen the Outstanding Leader of the Year. Dr. Butler founded The Woman’s Group in 1998 with a vision of an all-female practice dedicated to high-quality obstetrical and gynecological care and education for women of all ages.  Call 347-4080 or visit www.thewomansgrouptampa.com.

Cali Viejo Brings a Taste of Columbia to Brandon

Colombian food is characterized by its blending of European cuisine with aspects of African and Indigenous cuisine. Cali Viejo brings this unique taste to the Brandon area. It offers a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu as well as catering. It hosts Jazz Night on Fridays and every other Saturday is Bohemia night. Visit caliviejorestaurant.com or call 685-3715. Cali Viejo is located at 436 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon and is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Logo

Fifth Third Bank Joins Forces with Rebuilding Together

Fifth Third Bank recently joined forces with Rebuilding Together, a non-profit that provides critical home repairs and renovations for low-income families to refurbish the home of Robert Belle, a 72-year-old veteran who lives in Tampa. Fifth Third employees worked with Rebuilding Together to restore Belle’s home by installing a new roof and completing other much needed repairs. The Tampa Bay volunteer effort was part of a larger initiative held earlier this month with nearly 400 employees from Fifth Third Banks across the nation participating. The bank donated $190,000 to Rebuilding Together for 14 projects in nine states. To find the nearest Fifth Third banking center, or for more information, visit www.53.com.

Rock Your Locks Hair Salon Grand Opening Holiday Shopping Event

Rock Your Locks Hair Salon owners Laura Colllins and Patty Letteiri are planning a grand opening celebration in parking lot of the salon, located at 904 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Other small businesses interested in helping to celebrate are welcome. Along with vendors, there will be raffles, specially priced products, gift certificates (buy $100 and get $20 free), along with braiding demonstrations, glitter tattoos, free hair bling and more. Vendors are still sought. For more information, call 689-4249.

The salon offers customized color specialists, cuts, Keratin treatments, Brazilian Blowouts, extensions, Shellac, full sets, manicures and pedicures, waxing, braiding and more. Call 689-4249 or visit www.Hairsalonbrandonfl.com.

CrossFit Body Mechanic Opens New Large Facility in Tampa

Last month CrossFit Body Mechanic officially opened its doors to members and potential members. The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce was on site to assist with the ribbon cutting ceremony. Owners Casey and Kristina Schmidt have been working for two years to build their membership and open this new facility. Casey is proud of the fact that this is one of the largest CrossFit training centers in the area. It is also one of the few to offer a multitude of services, such as massage therapy. Call 664-9717, e-mail bodymechanicllc@gmail.com or visit CrossFitBody Mechanic.com. The new location is at 1615 Allison Woods Ln. in Tampa.

Palm Harbor Dermatology Welcomes New Staff Member

Anna Shaw, A.R.N.P. joined Palm Harbor Dermatology in November 2014 with five years of experience in medical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology. Shaw is a nurse practitioner and will be seeing patients for general skin exams as well as cosmetic procedures such as Botox and filler. Contact karin@palmharbordermatology.com or call 855-743-4968. Palm Harbor Dermatology is located at 621 Medical Care Dr. in Brandon. Visit www.palmharbordermatology.com.

The Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall, PA Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony   

Last month The Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall, PA hosted an open house along with a Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony. Ohall is a Florida Board Certified Elder Law Attorney.  For almost 20 years, Ohall has been serving the legal needs of Tampa Bay area families. It is her mission in the practice of law to protect, honor and educate her clients. Call 438-8503, lohall@ohalllaw.com, or visit online at www.ohalllaw.com.  The office is located at 1464 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

John Marazzi welcomes Ferris Hamdan back to Brandon Honda

John Marazzi is pleased to announce that Ferris Hamdan recently returned to Brandon Honda as an executive sales manager. Hamdan is a 2000 graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in psychology.

Brandon Honda, a division of Morgan Auto Group, is located at 9209 E. Adamo Drive in Tampa. Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday 12 Noon–6 p.m. Call 800-644-5146 or visit www.BrandonHonda.com.