Lucky Dill Considering 2nd Location

If you're a regular driver on U.S. 19, you've probably seen the makeshift parking lot that appears in the ditch in front of the during the lunch and dinner rushes at the restaurant. Lucky Dill customers are so eager to dine at the popular new restaurant they'll park just about anywhere; even if it's in a ditch with cars zooming by them on one of the county's busiest roads.

The parking scenario could soon change for this restaurant, which appears to be bursting at the seams with customers. Owners of the Lucky Dill are considering expanding into the building formerly occupied by the , which is just a short distance south on U.S. 19.

Lucky Dill Deli Manager Tim Jones says a deal could be finalized in the next few weeks which would allow the Lucky Dill to take over the space. One idea being considered is to move the restaurant's Brooklyn Bakery to the new location and use the building for storage as well. The location might also be the perfect place for employees to park their vehicles, which could free up more parking space at the current restaurant, where business has been booming since the Lucky Dill relocated there back in November.

"Business has at least doubled, if not tripled," said Jones.

Hurricane Grill & Wings did not see as much good fortune when it came to attracting customers. After being in business for just over a year, the Florida-based chain recently shut down its Palm Harbor location.

Chris Weber, who is a manager at the Hurricane Grill & Wings' Westshore location in Tampa says the restaurant was not as busy as owners wanted it to be and there were issues with the building's maintenance.

"There was a lot going on with the building that they did not want to put money into," he said.

Weber says the staff was informed about the closure ahead of time, "We gave them the chance to move to the Westshore location or go to the Lucky Dill," he said. 

A sign taped on the door of the now-empty restaurant informs customers that the Hurricane Grill & Wings is "relocating to a location in North Tampa" and also invites them to visit the Westshore location.

Weber says in addition to a new location in North Tampa, a Hurricane Grill & Wings might also open in Brandon.

Related Stories-