COME HUNGRY: Valrico is getting its very own Cracker Barrel in April. The new restaurant is being built next to the Brandon Boulevard Shoppes shopping center. The menu includes fried apple cakes, half pound bacon cheeseburger platters, homemade chicken and dumplings and more. Be sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out, filled with toys, dishes, candles and many other extraordinary knick knacks. www.crackerbarrel.com
FISH FOOD: The Fish House opened at 1505 Shell Point Road in Ruskin Feb. 2. The take-out seafood restaurant specializes in grouper, shrimp, smoked mullet, grouper sandwiches and seafood croquette. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 641-9451.
HOME COOKING: Bob Evans is opening in Ruskin at 102 Commercial Center Drive in May. Some menu items include wildfire chicken salad, pot roast sandwich and the sausage and eggs breakfast. Hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 1-800-272-7675 or www.bobevans.com
NEW NAME: Savannah Court, previously Alteria Sterling House, is an assisted living facility at 824 N Parsons Ave., Brandon. There is room for 46 residents with 24-hour nursing care and a movie and television room. 643-6767.
SANDWICH SHOP: Firehouse Subs opened Feb. 16 at 1921 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon in Providence Square. This chain was started in 1994 in Jacksonville by brothers Robin and Chris Sorensen, two firefighters who cooked for their station house. There are 84 locations in southeastern states. Menu offerings include hot and cold subs, sandwiches, soup, salad, beverages, potato salad, chips, brownies and cookies. 849-0057.
FISH SHOP: Darren Gage is the new owner of Aquarium Creations, 424 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon. The store offers a variety of tropical fish, both fresh and saltwater, aquariums, aquarium supplies and informational books. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 643-6149.
FINANCIAL SERVICES: Amscot Financial is scheduled to open Monday at 202 E State Road 60, Valrico. Services include full income tax preparation with E-filing, check cashing, pay day advances, free money orders, Western Union and prepaid cell phone minutes. Stores hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. 1-800-801-4444.
- Know of a business that is opening, closing or moving? Contact Ruba Uri, Brandon Times, 426 W Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511. Phone: 661-2439. Fax: 661-2427. E-mail: ruri@sptimes.com
