WEST SHORE — Fresh paint, enhanced lighting and new landscaping are about to fashion a Cinderella makeover on a scruffy stretch of West Shore Boulevard.
Keep an eye on the western side of the street, between Euclid Avenue and El Prado Boulevard, said Jim Smith, one of the owners of CDB's Southside Italian restaurant and bar.
Smith is taking the lead on a six-lot spruce-up, nearly an acre, under his control.
"Not exactly a master plan, but we're taking an opportunity to tie the whole section together like a connected plaza," said Smith. He and CDB's founder Pat Iacovella met through their children, who attended the Academy of the Holy Names.
The metamorphosis began when Smith and partners acquired two adjoining properties to the north, intending to knock one building down to expand parking and rehab the other.
But city zoning requirements made that idea cost prohibitive, he said. Instead, the two buildings have been renovated and leased. "And we still ended up with 20 more spaces."
Those businesses are:
Florida Printing, at 3643 S West Shore Blvd., offers marketing, design, direct mail and print services.
The Dashing Pooch, at 3637 S West Shore Blvd., will open July 8 featuring a dog grooming salon, self-service dog wash, doggie day care and an upscale boutique.
In addition, two neighboring businesses south of CDB's have undergone recent changes.
SoFusion Dance Studio, 3675 S West Shore Blvd., has moved into the former Gaspar's Cigars, "combining my two loves, dance and socializing," said owner Julie Hayes. "After the classes, you stay for drinks." Dance sessions range from hip-hop, salsa and cha-cha to Peruvian, African, Indian and Latin Zumba. Visit sofusiondancestudio.com or call (813) 837-1900.
Reilly's Westshore Taphouse, 3681 S West Shore Blvd., formerly Brewburgers, serves Reuben egg rolls, shepherd's pie, fish and chips, flatbreads and more. The new gastropub menu comes from Terence Reilly and family, who spun off from the Brewburgers franchise in December. Open daily at 11 a.m.; families and pets are welcome. Visit reillyswestshoretaphouse.com or call (813) 839-7551.
CDB's celebrates its sixth anniversary at 3671 S West Shore this month by introducing an updated menu, including small-plate choices like steak tips, zang zang shrimp, and sliders on pizza dough buns.
"Many of our customers remember the first CDB's that opened on Fowler Avenue in 1975 and the CDB's that used to be downtown on Franklin Street," Smith said. "Now we are committed to this area."
Do you know something that should be Everybody's Business? Call (813) 226-3332 or email ascherzer@tampabay.com.