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Everybody's Business

The doctor will see you now at this spa

By MiCHAEL CANNING
Published February 2, 2007

Tait Kmentt sees the way day spas are changing. From his perspective, it's more men, and more medicine.

He should know, having opened Tampa's first all-male day spa in 2003. Soon, the Difference Day Spa at 4029 Henderson Blvd. will have a companion piece, the Difference Medical Clinic, at 204 S Howard Ave.

Though the new location will cater to men and women, Kmentt plans to give it more of a medical element. The reason? "This industry is going through the roof," due largely to new technologies and treatments that offer alternatives to surgical procedures for cosmetic enhancements, Kmentt said.

So he plans to have three doctors on staff, including dermatologist Paul Rose and a chiropractor.

The menu of services will include Botox, Restalyne, weight loss management, and a comprehensive antiaging program that includes dietary supplements, and diet and exercise programs. Massages, facials, chemical peels and nails will round out the offerings.

The old house, which was formerly occupied by a chiropractor, will feature contemporary design and several shades of blue. Kmentt said he's shooting for a look that's soft, but not quite feminine.

He hopes to open March 1. Business hours will be Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More treats, less guilt

The high number of ice cream shops in South Tampa is not lost on Phillip Park. That includes the Marble Slab Creamery a few blocks north of his soon-to-open Cali Yogurt store just off SoHo, at 2303 W Morrison Ave.

But Park is quick to point out frozen yogurt's go-to selling point over ice cream. "When people get ice cream, they're feeling guilty," he said. "They feel like they're eating the fat."

Some argue that frozen yogurt can't pack the flavor fix of ice cream. For that, Cali Yogurt counters with a unique concept: keep it all in the toppings.

Fresh fruit dominates the choices, including banana, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, pineapple, kiwi and strawberry. There also are organic nuts, cereals and chocolate. The frozen yogurt itself is meant to be more of a blank slate - the only flavors are plain and green tea.

Park, a native of Korea who moved to the United States 13 years ago, said he is a co-founder and investor of Cali Yogurt. Two other business partners will soon open locations in Torrence, Calif., and Flushing, N.Y.

Park, who lives in Orlando, is also considering locations there and in Miami's South Beach. The Morrison Avenue store will be decked out in red and white and will be open from 11 to 11 Monday through Saturday. Park hopes to open in mid February.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

"I'm going to miss being here," Edit Suites owner Frank Rodriguez said of his office, a well-manicured 1924 bungalow at 1205 W Swann Ave. "It's real comfortable coming to work here."

His new office space may not be as homey, but will offer more elbow room.

Rodriguez recently bought a 1,950-square-foot unit on the ground floor of the Arlington, a historic former hotel at 1209 N Franklin St. that was renovated in 2005. That's a 450-square-foot increase, so Rodriguez plans to use the space for a video and photo studio, something he has always wanted to have on site for his video production and graphic design business.

Rodriguez might also add a few more people to his staff of two shortly after his mid-March move.

Jim Wordes, who founded Edit Suites on Swann Avenue 16 years ago, still owns the bungalow and recently put it up for sale. Rodriguez said that and the chance to own his own work space prompted the move.

Rodriguez is also realizing other benefits of the new location. "I'm really excited about being in a downtown area. My ambition is to have my car parked for long periods of time," said Rodriguez, who lives on Davis Islands.

He also hopes his new work space will help him reconnect with his artistic side. Rodriguez is a fine arts graduate of the University of South Florida, and he plans to have the works of local artists figure prominently in his office dcor.

He even plans on hosting informal art shows there on occasion.

Do you know something that should be everybody's business? Call 226-3394, or e-mail mikecanning@hotmail.com.

The find

Saintly Scents prayer candles

St. Christopher wafts tropical paradise as the patron saint of travelers. St. Theresa hints of rose petals, and St. Patrick, well-known patron saint of Ireland, smells like Irish clover. A dozen Saintly Scent prayer candles, hand-poured in Tampa, relate an aroma to a saint. At 16 ounces each, the candles will burn for 80 to 120 hours. We found them for $16.99 at Just for Heaven's Sake, 4135 Henderson Blvd. Order online for $15.99 each, plus shipping, at www.saintlyscents.com. Call 207-0202.

[Last modified February 1, 2007, 08:06:42]