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Letter to the editor

No more bread from Great Harvest

By By Sharon Ginn Times Correspondent
Published November 2, 2007

The franchise, which opened in 2003 at 500 S Howard Ave., sold its last loaf last week. Three different owners had tried to make it work.

The shop had some very loyal customers, but not enough to keep it open, owner Chad Raglan said.

Raglan, who has owned and operated Great Harvest franchises in Colorado for 17 years, said the location just wasn't conducive to success. He purchased the franchise 18 months ago at a discount from its second owners and still was unable to turn a profit, he said.

"I think overall it was a decision that was driven by rent," said Raglan, who added that he would have had to sell a lot of bread to continue covering his $4,500 a month lease. He had the opportunity to get out of the lease and he and his wife decided to take it.

Raglan said the initial plan was to sell the franchise to his managers and longtime friends, Audrey and Kevin Schwandt, but he talked them out of it. Even increasing the number of hours the store was open did not move it toward profitability.

"My wife and I have 17 years doing Great Harvest," Raglan said. "It's not like we don't know what we're doing."

Raglan has been busy moving out equipment, such as the store's 2-ton stone mill. He said he believes the next tenant will be a Pita Pit, a chain that emphasizes fast food that is fresh, lean and healthy - and low-carb. A company spokeswoman said a franchisee has purchased the rights to open a location in that part of Tampa but plans are in the very early stages.

Pita Pit's slogan? "Less bread. More filling."

Going to the dogs

Several tenants have moved in and out of the building at 500 S Howard since it was remodeled and reopened in 2003. The latest tenant will cater to SoHo's four-legged neighbors.

A doggie accessories store called Fetch. Fur. Love. opens Nov. 9 in a 750-square-foot space previously occupied by a jewelry store. Owner Rickena Perry said she will have some cat-related items but she is really catering to the local pooches.

"A lot of people around here, after they get off work, they walk. There's a bunch of restaurants and bars and they walk around, walk their dogs, and they're out and about afterwork," Perry said.

Perry is a dog lover who decided to get into the business after several years as a property adjuster for Allstate.

"It's amazing the number of products out there," she said. "I don't know if it's just because people love their dogs so much, but the people in this industry are just so nice. They're so friendly and it made it much easier to get into."

Perry said she'll be selling items from collars and leashes to clothes, bowls, food, treats, beds and jewelry. Want a couch for your pooch? Or a USF football jersey? The boutique's hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11-5 Saturday and Sunday.

A closet for the krewe

Karen Shuey has had plenty of steady business during the 10 years she has been creating costumes for krewe members who march in the Gasparilla parade and its numerous other events. So why open a retail store now?

"I got tired of doing it out of my home," she said. "I'll be working on 10 projects at the same time. It got so we couldn't walk through the house anymore."

Shuey opened Karen's Krewe Closet at 4011 Henderson Blvd. All her costumes are handmade by special order, though she does have pirate-themed items for sale to customers who might wantto stop by.

Shuey became interested in historical costumes about 15 years ago and now makes pirate costumes, ball gown costumes and elaborate outfits for local Renaissance festivals, as wellas accessories.

"Because I'm dealing with Gasparilla (krewe members), they need a real garment," she said. "They need something they can wear for years."

Hours for Shuey's store are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10-6 Thursday and Friday, and Saturday 9 to 11 a.m. and later by appointment. Call 286-3071 for more information.

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

.the find

Wacky snack bowl

Kids, what's more fun, eating popcorn or launching it from the Wacky Snack Bowl? The dishwasher-safe tray snaps on a washable beanbag base to hold a drink, candy, crayons and coloring books in easy reach. Load and launch the $34.77 bowl from the Source for the Home in Hyde Park Village, 712 S Village Circle. Call 259-9999.

Amy Scherzer

[Last modified November 1, 2007, 07:17:34]