Brandon Business Column

YoYo Juice Opens in Plaza Bella with a Delicious and Healthy Menu

High-school sweethearts from Massachusetts, Rose and Scott Laviano moved to Florida with their three children to fulfill a life-long dream to open their own business and work together as a family. The name “YoYo Juice” was invented by their son, Scott Jr.  Scott said, “We would say to the kids ‘You’re on your own for dinner’, (YoYo for short). Since we were taking over a juice and smoothie shop, it felt right to name it “YoYo Juice.”

All of its specialty menu items are customizable. It will also offer online-ordering at www.yoyojuice.com for saving time and convenience, as well as catering for schools, corporate functions and sporting events. Follow it on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/yoyojuiceinc.  For more information, call 653-4300.

Auto Works of Brandon Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Auto Works of Brandon has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

Auto Works of Brandon is here to offer the community a convenient, professional, ethical auto service center that is driven by a dedication to uncompromising personalized customer service. Its commitment to continuous improvement of both service and product will be the road map to its future success.

Auto Works of Brandon is located at 119 Central Dr. in Brandon and its hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 657-4399, visit www.brandonautorepair.com or email service@brandonautorepair.com for more information.

KISS ME 2nd hand Boutique Offers Stylish Wear For Entire Family

Across from Chuck’s Natural Food Marketplace is KISS ME 2nd hand Boutique located at 121 N. Kings Ave. in Brandon. During the month of February, the store is having a BOGO sale where shoppers buy a $1 item and get an additional $1 item for free. The family-run shop is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 727-755-3751 for more info or visit its Facebook page to see some of the current items for sale.

More Room to Enjoy the Fabulous Food at Romano’s in Brandon

Romano’s Greek Restaurant, a tradition in Brandon since 1977, has grown.  Since Moreno’s Bakery moved over to Robertson, Romano’s was able to move into its spot at 901 W. Brandon Blvd.

The restaurant is the “home of everything home made from scratch” and is now serving beer and wine. It has an extensive Greek and Italian menu that will surely please every appetite. Don’t forget to save room for the baklava cheesecake. There is a kid’s menu also. It is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call 653-9477 or visit www.romanogreekrestaurant.com to see the amazing menu.

Bulk Nation at Regency Square is Part Grocery, Part Fun

It has become a favorite stop for moviegoers before they catch a movie, the lunch crowd likes to find a nibble and bakers and ethnic food lovers enjoy the variety found at Bulk Nation, located at 2426 W. Brandon Blvd.

Bulk Nation is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. On Tuesdays, seniors and students receive 10 percent off their purchase. For more information, call 381-3868 or visit www.bulknationusa.com.

Green Iguana Bar & Grill is Moving to Brandon

Green Iguana founder, Rick Calderoni, purchased the building in Brandon most recently called Zapps Sports Bar and plans to move his restaurant to its location at 2016 Town Center Blvd., next to the old Borders, by the end of January. A grand opening celebration is planned in conjunction with its 25th anniversary in February. Visit online at greeniguana.com.

Calling All Mini-Musicians!

Children ages 4-10 can attend a free workshop on the second Saturday of every month from 9:30-11 a.m. at Music Showcase at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. This fun and interactive workshop allows children to hear and see band and orchestra instruments like the flute, trumpet, tuba or violin and they get to try them out themselves. Kids will also make an instrument that they get to take home along with a goody bag.

The Music Makers Workshop will take place on Saturday, February 8, March 8, April 12 and May 10. The workshop is free, but you must register in advance by visiting faopa.org.

New Ownership and Management for a Brandon Salon

Sara James Salon (previously “Hot Locks, A Full Service Salon”) is under new ownership and management. It is located in Creekside Village Plaza at 106 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon.

It is making many exciting changes with more to come to enhance your hair care needs. Schedule an appointment with one of its talented stylists:  Carmen, Corinne or Kia at 654-6594. Salon hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Early morning and late evening appointments are scheduled as needed and appointments are recommended, and walk-ins are welcome.

Inflatable Bounce World Says “Start Your Party with a Bounce”

Inflatable Bounce World, located at 3108 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, is a professional, reliable and prompt company. Its hours are Monday – Sunday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.  Call 505-9961 or visit www.inflatablebounceworld.com.

How About Sketch & Sip for Valentine’s Day?

Sketch & Sip, located at 11242 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview is having a “Paint a Wineglass” Valentine’s Day celebration on Friday, February 14 at 7 p.m. Each couple will get to paint two wine glasses for only $50 per couple. There will be a champagne toast and appetizers from Acropolis will be served.  There will also be live music, free raffles and ladies will receive a rose and a piece of jewelry.

Sketch & Sip offers classes Monday-Saturday at 7 p.m. and you can check online for the schedule at www.sketchandsip.com or call 644-5954 for reservations.

Travel Night Coming in February Sponsored by CruisePlanners

Sherry Leybovich, with CruisePlanners American Express, will be hosting a travel night on Tuesday, February 18, 4-7 p.m. at the Palmetto Club in FishHawk Ranch, 17004 Dorman Road, Lithia. There will be hourly door prizes, light refreshments and vendor presentations by Holland America, Carnival, Princess Cruises, Sandals, Beaches and Adventures by Disney. For more information or to RSVP for this event, visit www.planourvacationnow.com or contact Sherry directly at 657-0844 or sher ry@cruisesforu.com.

Florida Strawberry Festival Partners with Publix Super Markets for Advance Ticket Sales

The Florida Strawberry Festival announced its partnership with Publix Super Markets to offer customers a discounted rate on advance admission tickets. Tickets will be available for purchase at participating Publix stores January 30-March 9 and can be purchased at customer service desks. Advance discounted tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children 6-12-years-old. Children 5-years-old and under are admitted free. To see the list of participating Publix Super Markets, and for more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com. The 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival will be held February 27-March 9, 2014 in Plant City.

Compete in the Special Ops Spartan Sprint Race If You Dare

The Special Ops Spartan Sprint Race, sponsored by Reebok, is coming to Tampa on Saturday, February 15 at the Raymond James Stadium. Currently tickets are $95 dollars for participants and will go up to $100 before registration closes on Tuesday, February 11. Military and first responders receive a $30 discount and students with a valid I.D. receive a $10 discount. Visit http://www.spartanrace.com.