Business Observer 12.03.09

+ Tara resident serves up old-time ice cream parlor
The ice cream parlor Tara resident Lee Thomas dreamed up about four years ago is finally a reality.

The Daily Scoop and Grind opened in Twelve Oaks Plaza Nov. 11 and features an original 1941 soda fountain as well as wooden bar stools made in 1933.

“I want it to be a place where people can come and relax and bring back memories,” Thomas said. “My best memories growing up seem to involve old ice cream parlors. I hope to have folks create their own memories (here).”

The store offers Working Cow homemade ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes and malts, as well as “headliner sundaes” such as “The Front Page,” — vanilla ice cream smothered in Sander’s hot fudge, strawberry topping and homemade whipped cream — and “The Special Report” — vanilla ice cream topped with hot apple pie and whipped cream.

The shop, located at 7262 55th Ave. E., is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily, except on major holidays.


+ The Concession adds new bistro
After three years of planning, Sean Murphy and the Beach Bistro chef team are weeks away from the opening of a new culinary destination at The Concession Golf Club.

The Bistro at The Concession will feature many of the popular dishes from the Beach Bistro on Anna Maria Island. It will be supported by a base of Culinary Memberships that will permit access to the full culinary services at The Concession: a bistro-style restaurant and bar as well as The Concession’s dining rooms and venues for private parties, business gatherings and weddings.

“The golf course industry is in a state of flux,” Murphy said. “The addition of a world-class restaurant to a world-class golf club will provide a much-watched new business plan.”

The Concession is located east of Lakewood Ranch between State Road 70 and University Parkway. Anyone interested in Culinary Membership applications should call 322-1922 or e-mail Sean Murphy at [email protected].
 

+ Work begins on cabanas
J.E. Charlotte Construction began construction on the Hazeltine residential community center in Lakewood Ranch Country Club East. 

The 3,000 square feet center includes open-air cabanas with an outdoor kitchen and restrooms. The $175,000 center, designed by architect Arthur Mead, is scheduled to be completed in January 2010.

J.E. Charlotte Construction also built the gatehouse entry at Country Club East and renovated and retrofitted Big Olaf’s restaurant on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.