IN THE NEWS: The St. Pete Times‘ Ernest Hooper reports, “In 19 years, the quaint and friendly restaurant known as the Brunchery became a special place for area residents. So it’s not surprising that customers have pledged to follow owner Kevyn Farley to her new location in Lithia. For some people, the Brunchery is the first place their kids ever had a meal out. Amid the rooster knickknacks at the Brandon restaurant, toddlers had their first taste of grits. If the parents were pressed for time, they could call ahead and order pancakes for the little ones. Not only would the order be waiting for the eager family, owner Farley would cut up the pancakes for the kids. For stay-at-home moms and busy professional women, it served as the perfect backdrop for getaway gatherings. It wasn’t uncommon to find relieved moms relaxing at a table on the first day of school. For local businessmen, the country ambience and warm coffee proved steady amid Brandon’s explosive growth. Farley, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Bill, will close the doors after Sunday (May 20). They’ll reopen Thursday (May 24) at a new and larger location in the Riverhills Shopping Plaza on Lynx Paw Trail near Lithia Springs Elementary School.” … The Times‘ Laura Reiley reviews City Fish Seafood Grill and Chop House (4022 Tampa Road, Oldsmar) and considers the aftermath of paying for a $107 entree at Tampa’s Chateau France. tbt.com … The Tampa Trib’s John Allman reviews The Grass Root Organic Restaurant. tbo.com … Creative Loafing’s Brian Ries awards three and a half stars to Laziz Authentic Indian Cuisine (2475 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater). tampa.creativeloafing.com … The Tampa Bay Business Journal reports that Hooters Inc., the founders of the original Hooters restaurant concept, and Hooters Management Corp. plan to switch to zero trans-fat frying oil in its 22 restaurants in Tampa Bay, Chicago and New York City.

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