DOWNTOWN — As gas prices crept up and disposable incomes began to shrink last year, Jason Cyr figured the time might be right to open a bicycle shop in Tampa's evolving downtown.
In April he got the final push. As in, out the door. When the software company Cyr worked for announced layoffs, his job was among those cut.
"I had been working on the business plans since August or September of last year," Cyr said. "This was the catalyst."
Just two months later, Cyr and his wife, Kellie, are about ready to open their new shop, City Bike Tampa, at 212 E Cass St., across from the new Element apartments. They expect to be ready for a soft opening by next week, and a grand opening July 2.
Cyr, who describes himself as a bicycling enthusiast, said his shop will focus on commuter-type bicycles, as well as other niches such as motocross racing. The store will service all bikes and offer rentals by the hour, day or week.
He hopes to cater to downtown and other nearby residents who want to commute to work by bike, as well as downtown workers who might need a place to get their bikes serviced.
"We feel it's a good fit for where the economy stands now," Cyr said.
Bikes will rent for $7.95 an hour, $31.50 a day and $125 a week; less for kids' bikes. The store will offer free pickup for bike service in South Tampa and downtown.
Hours at City Bike Tampa are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The store's Web site is www.citybiketampa.com.
A price for advice
As owners of custom builder Homeworks, Ramon and Marilyn Perez have noticed a trend that has nothing to do with square footage or interior decor.
People still need help with their homes, but few are willing to spend big bucks on an architect or designer, Marilyn Perez said.
So the Perezes decided to move their business into a retail space on Davis Islands. They still build custom homes, but now will offer planning, design and other expert advice at $100 an hour. Last month Homeworks opened its new storefront at 241 E Davis Blvd., in a former bait and tackle shop.
"To call in a designer (for a project), it's a big deal," Marilyn Perez said. "We're trying to set it up so you can say, 'Here are some plans, can you give me your view?' Or 'I want to build this house. Can you price it out so I can take it around (and get comparisons)?' It's not because we're trying to pick up clients to build. It's more of a service for people who need help."
Homeworks also offers a handyman service and a contractor referral service. The idea is to guide people to qualified service providers who are properly licensed and insured, she said.
"There are people who used to lay tile and (now) may say, 'I'll help you put your roof on,' " Perez said. "It's scary out there."
Hours at Homeworks are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Call (813) 873-2777.
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