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Man works on mechanics of new theme restaurant
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA PINELLAS PARK -- Quaker Steak & Lube, a chain restaurant with nostalgic gearhead themes, could open next spring at 49th Street and U.S. 19, a developer told the City Council last week. The proposed restaurant would seat about 300 patrons and provide jobs for between 150 and 175 people, said Bill Church, a former insurance executive from Cleveland who now lives in Crystal Beach. "It will be a really cool-looking place, a real fun family place," Church said. On the outside, Quaker Steak invokes the old-time service station. Inside, vintage cars are poised overhead and gasoline alley icons abound. Church said he visited one of the franchises in Pennsylvania during family vacations. "It became a favorite family stop. My kids loved it." The chain originated in Sharon, Pa., in 1974. There are now eight franchises operating and two under construction in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Church's restaurant would be the first in Florida. "What brought us to Pinellas Park is that you are right in the heart of the county and the community has been very welcoming," Church said. Pinellas Park would forgive about $12,000 in permit and development fees for the new business. "It's a different type of restaurant that we don't have here today," said council member Rick Butler. Council member Ed Taylor, who balked at giving the developer an additional $20,000 in occupational fee waivers, said the restaurant has "a great location and a high probability of success." Mayor Bill Mischler stressed the jobs that would be created. Ten full-time management employees would earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, while 25 full-time, salaried kitchen employees would earn up to $20,000 annually, Church said. The rest of the restaurant staff would work about 30 hours a week and be paid "industry-standard wages," plus tips. The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council projected that the restaurant would generate the equivalent of 131 full-time jobs. Quaker Steak & Lube's menu includes 14 varieties of chicken wings, as well as a Cam-Burger, Munch Bucket-o-Bolts, a French Dip Stick, and New York Drag Strip (steak). The restaurant asks its patrons to sign an "official hold harmless release form" before eating its Atomic Wings and Harley Jalapenos. Special events include Family Nights, All You Can Eat Night, Bike Night and a Car Collector Cruise-In. "My next big hurdle is completing the financing," Church said, adding he has commitments from investors and a bank, and has selected an architect and a contractor. Church plans to begin construction on the 4-acre site in December.
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From the Times South Pinellas desks Letters |
