TOWN 'N COUNTRY — Two new Twistee Treat ice cream stands are opening in North Tampa in time to provide some tasty relief from the sweltering summer heat.
The first stand at the corner of Sheldon Road and Hillsborough Avenue is adding the finishing touches and should be open by the end of the month. The second, on W Fletcher Avenue, is expected to open in mid August. Both locations are part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the brand known for its iconic ice cream cone–shaped buildings.
The original Twistee Treat Co. was founded in North Fort Myers in 1983. Soon dozens of corporate-owned "cones" sprung up across Central Florida.
Despite rapid growth, the founders filed for bankruptcy in 1989. Existing locations were sold to their operators.
In 2010, Intram Investments, through its affiliate, Twistee Treat USA, embarked on a mission to revive the brand and open locations throughout Florida. The idea was simple. "We are a 25-foot-tall ice cream cone and that is why people come to us," said Corey Balzer, president of Twistee Treat USA.
The unique architecture draws customers in, but it is the ice cream that keeps them coming back. Twistee Treat's soft serve is prepared fresh daily.
The original recipe remains intact, but offerings have expanded. Customers can now enjoy soft serve in cones, cups, shakes, sundaes and specialty items such as the Waffle Taco. Dipped cones are still a staple. In addition, there are now more than 25 toppings to choose from.
The Town 'N Country Twistee Treat is at 5531 Sheldon Road. The Carrollwood location is at 3846 W Fletcher Avenue. Both will be open 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11:30 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays.
Walk-up and drive-through service will be available.
For opening dates, follow Twistee Treat USA on Facebook.
PDQ open for business on W Waters Avenue
Customers came out in droves for the July 13 grand opening of PDQ's newest store, on Waters Avenue. This marks the 25th location for the chain that prides itself on delivering fresh food fast. PDQ, which stands for People Dedicated to Quality, is known for hand-battered chicken tenders and homemade dipping sauces. Other offerings include made-to-order sandwiches, hand-cut fries, hand-spun milk shakes and salads.
PDQ is at 5706 W Waters Avenue. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Catering is available. Call (813) 864-8003.
The new PDQ arrived shortly after a neighboring chicken-based franchise closed temporarily. The Chick-fil-A at 6299 W Waters Ave., which has been a staple in the area since 1997, was demolished on June 26 to make way for a new and improved Chick-fil-A. Updates will include an expanded kitchen, additional seating, a larger parking lot and an indoor play area.
The revamped store is slated to open in late October or early November. For progress updates, follow Chick-fil-A Waters Ave. on Facebook.
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