Fuzzy's Taco Shop opens on University Parkway
UNIVERSITY PARKWAY
Fuzzy's Taco Shop operators decided it was time to come to Florida, and what better place than on bustling University Parkway.
Florida's first Fuzzy's had its soft opening June 29 and plans to have a grand opening within two weeks. A second Fuzzy's is planned for Brandon in east Hillsborough, according to the company's website.
Operating partner and general manager Nelson Silverstein said business has gone well for the breakfast, lunch and dinner taco shop so far.
"People have been very receptive and we're getting good comments," Silverstein said.
Fuzzy's offers typical cantina-style food such as chips and queso, Baja tacos, stuffed burritos, quesadillas and smothered-in-sauce enchiladas. Breakfast options include tacos and burritos as well as traditional Mexican dishes like huevos rancheros.
For those not in the mood for tortillas, Fuzzy's has a selection of sandwiches. Most of Fuzzy's menu selections fall below the $5 range.
Silverstein's favorite Fuzzy's dish is anything involving the brisket made in-house each day. He said Fuzzy's focuses on fresh casual dining.
"We even grate our own cheese," he said. "That's unheard of nowadays."
The Sarasota location, 2515 University Parkway, comes equipped with a more-than-full bar, boasting 44 different tequilas and 24 beers on tap. Tequila is a specialty at Fuzzy's.
"Good tequila won't give you a hangover," Silverstein said with a grin. "All of our tequilas are 100 per
cent agave."
Guests can consume a meal or a few drinks on the patio until last call at 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and midnight on Sundays. Fuzzy's opens at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Silverstein and business partner David Hunt used to work for the Applebee's chain and the two wanted to open a venture on their own. They found and leased the 3,800 square-foot space on University Parkway.
The location is fully staffed with 41 employees, but Silverstein said they could use more and are accepting applications.
Gunner Lake, a Ringling College employee, stopped in for lunch with his coworker Randall Alberts. The two said they will return. Lake said he'd like to try Fuzzy's at a different time of day.
"I really like the bar and I can see myself coming back with friends at night," Lake said, as he finished enjoying a brisket taco and chicken enchilada. Lake and Alberts only had one suggestion for Fuzzy's.
"Chips and salsa would be nice; that was our only complaint," Lake said.
A mother-daughter pair who live in the nearby Palm Aire community go out to lunch together every day and said they'd been waiting for Fuzzy's to open.
"We like the type of food they serve," Frances Anderson said. "We eat lunch out every day so we try lots of places and it's very good food."
Helena Anderson said she enjoys the variety offered at Fuzzy's. The two were returning for their second visit.
"You can eat light or eat heavy," Helena Anderson said. "There are lots of choices."
Janelle O'Dea, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095. Follow her on Twitter @jayohday.
This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Fuzzy's Taco Shop opens on University Parkway ."