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Route 66 Kitchen & Dining Car: A taste of Americana in a former trolley car

 
Published Sept. 17, 2014

LUTZ — Route 66 Kitchen & Dining Car serves up a taste of Americana in an unusual setting. The trolley-turned-dining car is the brainchild of Lutz Mail Depot owner Greg Skibbee and business partner Paul Fischer.

When Skibbee opened his full-service mail center two years ago, he realized he had created an atmosphere where customers often sat and stayed a while. He began brainstorming ideas for a space where his patrons could continue their conversations over a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.

Skibbee had noticed the "bustaurant" trend (double-decker buses converted into mobile eateries) while on a trip to California and thought, "Why not a trolley?''

An online search led Skibbee to a trolley that formerly served Paris, Texas. He and Fischer transformed the 35-foot trolley into a classic '60s diner on wheels. The inviting interior houses a kitchen and table-seating for 10 people. Additional seating is available under the checkered awning out front.

New York chef George Mandakas, best known for creating the World's Best Sandwich on ABC's The Chew, was brought on as culinary consultant. From the pancakes topped with raspberry compote to the pulled pork sandwich, Mandakas' menu is inspired by the cuisine found in dining halls along the restaurant's iconic namesake.

During the week and on select weekends, the trolley sits in front of the Mail Depot, serving up breakfast and lunch. The trolley also takes to the road to provide full-service, on-site catering for special events.

Route 66 Kitchen & Dining Car is at 18801 N Dale Mabry Highway. Its hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and select Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (times might vary based on catering demand). For more information, call (813) 949-5370 or follow it on Facebook: Route 66 Kitchen & Dining Car.

YMCA to open new gymnastics center

CARROLLWOOD — The Bob Sierra Family YMCA in Carrollwood is gearing up for the unveiling of its new 12,000-square-foot gymnastics center.

The $1.7 million facility features preschool equipment, AAI competition bars and beams, two spring floors and equipment for men and women. The center will offer recreational gymnastics and tumbling classes for toddlers through teens. It will also serve as the new home of the Top Flight competitive gymnastics team.

The gymnastics center is at the Bob Sierra Youth & Family Center, 4015 Ragg Road. A grand-opening ceremony will be held Saturday. There will be an open gym, face painting and activities for kids of all ages from 10 a.m. to noon.

Evaluations for classes and teams will take place from 12:45 to 2 p.m. Classes begin Sept. 29. For more information, call 813-962-3220.

Do you know something that should be Everybody's Business? Email Karen Ring at kringtampa@gmail.com.