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Everybody's Business

Kuba Cigars to waft by new dads

A father and son will open an Ybor-style store near Tampa General Hospital but hope customers will linger and visit.

By SHARON GINN
Published August 11, 2006

As much as George Chateau and his son Jonathan love the atmosphere of Ybor City, they think it's time to take their favorite Ybor tradition - the cigar business - away from Seventh Avenue.

The Chateaus, who formerly worked at Havana Dreams in Ybor, believe they've found their ideal location on Davis Islands and its "great clientele," Jonathan Chateau said. Their new Kuba Cigars store is scheduled to open later this month at 243 E Davis Blvd.

"We're going to focus on the straight cigar," Chateau said. "That's what hooks a lot of people. It's definitely an art. We felt like we needed to bring that cigar feeling and concept out of Ybor City."

It doesn't hurt that Kuba Cigars will be near Tampa General Hospital, all the more convenient for proud new papas to swing by and pick up a handful of their favorite stogies. But Chateau said they are not looking only for the quick drop-in customer. They want their clientele to linger, hang out and smoke.

"The space was formerly a cigar store, but it was the traditional cigar store," Chateau said. "Our store is breaking that whole concept. We're trying to go for the San Juan, old Havana feel: lively, upscale. The humidor is the focus. We also want to have a cigar roller on site a couple of times a week.

"We're all about creating a destination. You can smoke inside and outside. It's going to be a cafe without food."

Initial hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily but could be extended to 10 p.m. or later on weekends. "We're used to Ybor hours," Chateau said. "We want our guests to be there for the conversation. When we sell cigars, it's like being a bartender."

GREEK FOR YOU: They're pouring Ouzo in celebration at the new Taverna Opa in Ybor City, which opened recently after nearly a year of planning. The Greek restaurant at 1930 E Seventh Ave. will complement Giorgio's Bakery next door, a casual all-day eatery scheduled to open Wednesday.

This is the fourth restaurant for the South Florida chain. Open nightly from 4 p.m. "until the Ouzo runs out," as its slogan goes, Taverna Opa's menu includes beef and chicken kabobs, souvlaki, moussaka souffle, grilled snapper and sea bass.

Giorgio's Bakery, which shares its ownership group with Taverna Opa, will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., serving a full breakfast menu, desserts, bread, pizza, sandwiches and salads. "It's like a little bistro," said office manager Katerina Karachalias.

BANK ON IT: St. Petersburg-based Synovus Bank of Tampa Bay is making a push into Hillsborough County, with a branch that opened last month at 1300 N West Shore Blvd. and a new one opening this week at 4003 W Neptune St.

Synovus was created last year when three community banks (United Bank and Trust Co. in St. Petersburg, United Bank of the Gulf Coast in Sarasota and Peoples Bank in Palm Harbor) merged, said Susan Blackburn, executive vice president.

"Our goal is to deliver community banking in a very decentralized way," Blackburn said. "We will be looking to expand our footprint in Hillsborough County. We hope to be able to identify other locations (soon) and open other offices."

Compact folding snorkel

Avid scuba divers rarely use a snorkel, yet they don't want to be caught without one. The solution? A compact folding snorkel that flips up and extends full size. Fits in a pocket, clips to a mask and costs $42.95 at Adventures Under the Sea, 4218 Henderson Blvd., the place for diving gear, classes and repairs. Call 875-2376.

- AMY SCHERZER

[Last modified August 9, 2006, 12:32:51]