Countryside Mall Makes Case as More Than Commercial Mecca

The Clearwater retail center is expanding its presence as a commercial destination with additions including BJs Brewhouse, Cobb Theater and Bar Louie. Plans also include adding a P.F. Chang’s and possibly the area's first Whole Foods Market.

Move over International Plaza, Westfield Countryside Mall is attempting to build its reputation as a destination retail mecca. The $12 million in renovations recently lured in a Cobb Theater, and its restaurant row features destination eateries like BJs Brewhouse, Grimaldi’s, Red Robin and Bar Louie. A P.F. Chang’s is planned to open in February 2013, and rumor has it the county's first Whole Foods Market could come to the space as well. Lauren Clark, spokeswoman with the mall, said that through enhancements like the Cobb movie theater and restaurant row, retailers are choosing the mall as their place for space.  Clark said the mall is seeing double-digit traffic increases in shoppers, and every available storefront is leased. Apple …

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American Running Company to Move Near Countryside Mall

"We will be next door to the running path that goes over US 19. So we will have hill practice during our monthly runs," Dunedin's only specialty running shop disclosed in a Nov. 1 email newsletter.

A specialty running store in Dunedin is moving to Clearwater in January. American Running Company, which hosts dozens of area 5K races, announced it would be moving from its Sweetbay shopping center location for a spot next to incoming Sea Dog Brewery near Westfield Countryside Mall on U.S. Highway 19 early next year. The move to 26024 US Highway 19 N., Clearwater, is exactly 2.11 miles from its Dunedin location, an email newsletter states. Owners expect to open at the new location on Jan. 7, and they are planning a grand opening celebration. "We will be next door to the running path that goes over US 19. So we will have hill practice during our monthly runs," the company disclosed in a Nov. 1 email newsletter. American Running Company Inc…

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Now Open: Capitol Beer House

Capitol Beer House, which features 32 taps and more in bottles, recently opened on Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater.

It seems Tony Starova is trying to reignite downtown Clearwater one empty storefront at a time. No sooner had the Green Organix restaurant closed on Cleveland Street that Starova was looking to expand his business ventures. He has operated Tony's Pizzeria downtown for years and now, Capitol Beer House, a craft and specialty beer bar, is open next to it on the 400 block of Cleveland Street. The beer bar features 32 taps and more in bottles. A grand opening celebration this week featured music from the Black Honkeys and a few hundred fans. "(Downtown's) coming up," Starova said. "You just have to believe."

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Small Business Saturday Deals in Clearwater

We're compiling a list to help you find the best Small Business Saturday Deals.

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses their community thrives on. This year, Clearwater Patch is putting together a list of local Small Business Saturday deals.  If you are a small business owner, leave your deal in the comments section below, and it will be added to the list.  American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is great to support local small businesses that rely on neighbors like us in order to thrive. Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by …

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What Clearwater's Saying: Whole Foods Market is Coming

What's a good location for Clearwater's new Whole Foods Market? Will you shop there? What other stores should come to town? Here's what some readers have to say.

Whole Foods Market is coming to Clearwater, as Patch first reported Wednesday, and our readers have lots to say about the news. The company hasn't yet decided on the location of its new store, which isn't slated to open until at least 2014, but Patch commenters have some suggestions. "Where they are closing the Publix at Sunset Point and US19! Please," posted Melissa Vaughn, referencing the grocery store set to close at year's end. Several other readers also thought that would be a good spot. Commenter DeElizabethan suggested the best location for a Whole Foods would be somwhere near the Westfield Countryside mall or Clearwater Mall, "where one can do combined shopping." Clearwater Patch Facebook fans Jennifer Barilla and Leann Kramar …

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Whole Foods Market Announces Plans For Clearwater Store

The company made the announcement on social media.

Updated, Nov. 8: Whole Foods Market will not open in Clearwater until 2014 or later, the company's public relations department told a Patch editor Thursday via Twitter. A location has not been decided. Earlier: Whole Foods Market announced on Facebook Wednesday that a new store would soon be coming to the Clearwater area. Around 5:45 p.m., the Whole Foods Market Facebook account posted: "Here are the new store locations that have just been released: Altamonte Springs & Clearwater, FL; Hyannis, MA; Morristown, NJ; Philadelphia & South Hills, PA; Dallas, TX; Seattle, WA; New York City, NY (Upper East Side & Harlem) and North Carolina!" The area press office did not have any details about the Clearwater location for the natural and organic …

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Now Hiring: Sea Dog Brew Pub

The brew pub is looking to fill 120 full and part time positions Tuesday, Nov. 6 at the restaurant 26200 US Highway 19 N.

Like craft beer and looking for a job? Sea Dog Brew Pub starts hiring to fill 120 full and part time positions Tuesday Nov. 6 at the restaurant, 26200 US Highway 19 N, according to a post on the brewery's Facebook page. Florida's first Sea Dog Brewing Co. pub is coming to the former Pssghetti's building along U.S. 19 near Countryside Mall in November. The Sunshine State is one of the Maine-based beer maker's strongest markets, which led it to open the Sea Dog Brew Pub here. Being a brew pub means most of the beer is made onsite. Some beer still will come from Maine. The Sea Dog Brew Pub’s menu features local seafood and produce as well as traditional Northeastern favorites like Maine lobster and New England clam chowder. Call (727) 466-…

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New Northwoods Common Café Has Quickly Created a Following

Elizabeth’s Gourmet Delights has been open less than a week, but locals are already raving about their delicious homemade breads and treats.

Whenever a new restaurant or bakery opens in town, the news usually travels fast. Depending on how good the food is, and whether or not the owners create an inviting atmosphere, that initial word of mouth can often make or break the business.  Judging by the early returns on Elizabeth’s Gourmet Delights, a café and bakery that opened in Northwood Commons last Saturday, the future looks very bright for owners Jim and Elizabeth Nelson.  “The community has been terrific,” said Elizabeth, a native of Cameroon who moved to Tampa 15 years ago. “We’ve only been open for five days, and we’ve already had the same customers come back every single day.”  “The community has been great,” Jim concurred. “We were a little nervous coming from Tampa, but …

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Grand Opening: Hogan's Beach Shop

Celebrities including the pro wrestling superstar and longtime Clearwater resident will meet with fans at the grand opening celebration for his Mandalay Avenue shop Saturday.