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The pub name has changed, but the wings are just as good

Ralph Pflugh's win for best wings at the Wesley Chapel Business Expo is his fourth.

By MICHELLE JONES
Published June 12, 2006

WESLEY CHAPEL - Ralph Pflugh did it again.

For the fourth year in a row, he won the title of best wings in Wesley Chapel, given at the Wesley Chapel Business Expo and Wingfest. He won both the People's Choice and the Judges awards. This year he did it under a new name, the Bloated Goat.

His sports pub had been called Fatheads and Rubens. After gaining fame with his tasty chicken wings under that name, however, he was notified that the name was already taken. Now the pub goes by the Bloated Goat.

"He assumed no one would have used that name," said Elayne Bassinger, executive director of the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the event.

Leeanne Starcher and Inndia Johnson, both of Zephyrhills, were trying all the wings at the expo. Samples could be had for 25 cents each.

"I'm going to try them all," Starcher said. "The Bloated Goat - what a name - what are they doing with chicken wings?"

After sampling all five restaurants' wings, Starcher decided Beef O'Brady's were the best.

Johnson, her co-worker at Curves, said just hearing the name the Bloated Goat would make you want to try the chicken.

Bassinger said she heard nothing but compliments about the Expo and Wingfest.

"The vendors said there was more room at this year's location: Wesley Chapel High School," she said. "We had at least 200 people come and visit and several businesses gained new customers."

Vendors represented a variety of businesses, ranging from an art consignment shop to Bright House Networks and from East Pasco Medical Group to Molly Maid services.

Jennifer Taylor was handing out brochures for the new Hospice facility in Dade City.

"We are having a new volunteer orientation from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday of this week," she said.

Cristina Poe from Molly Maid said that her people are in high demand among fast-paced two-income families.

"Cost depends on the size of the house and how often people want it cleaned," Poe said. "The initial first clean is $70 an hour, with two workers and all the equipment and supplies."

Brian Gaiefsky of Backsplash Emporium, a business that provides custom designs to suit homeowners' needs, had a colorful assortment of products at his booth.

"We have in-home consultations, and custom installation to tailor fit," he said.

For those who wanted to see the inside of their ear, Judith Reese of JC Audiology provided an opportunity.

Jessica Lum, 12, Miss Junior Wesley Chapel, thought it was kind of gross seeing the inside of her ear.

"All that hair, but it was clean," she said.

Rachel Jardine, Teen Miss Wesley Chapel, said she got a 100 percent A on her ear.

Reese tried to educate people on hearing as she offered a look-see.

"There are killer D's," she said. "Decibels and durations. Too loud and too long. If you use an iPod at full volume, it is as loud as a jackhammer or a chain saw. You could damage your ear."

Many vendors were giving away samples, gift certificates or gift baskets. American Laser Center offered a $1,500 skin package that included laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation.

Audrey Davis of Land O'Lakes, a mobile notary and mortgage loan closer, was one of the many visitors to the expo. She said she was having a great time networking.

Outside in the hot sun, Adam Glassman of Wesley Chapel was licking his fingers from the sauce on a wing from Winners.

"It is the best so far," he said as he stood in line at the Bloated Goat grill.

"But, this long line makes me think they might be the best."

Apparently, Goodman was right.

[Last modified June 12, 2006, 07:40:25]