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Hippos Can Take Away Tons Of Junk

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By MARK HOLAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

TAMPA - Gerald Fraser says two cars should fit in a two-car garage.

"But a lot of people have garages that are full of junk," said Fraser, a Davis Islands resident who started his Hippo Trash hauling business in September.

The company's trailers, called hippos, hold up to 4 tons of yard debris, building waste, unwanted furniture, appliances and other junk.

The weekend rental rate is $150, which includes delivery and hauling, plus a $50 a ton landfill fee.

"We try to recycle whatever we can and take it to the appropriate sites," Fraser said.

Fraser also said he can provide labor, which is priced according to the job.

He has 10 of the bright red hippos for jobs across the Tampa Bay area.

"We started with three, but demand has been very strong," Fraser said.

For information, call (813) 944-9411.

Partners Try Hand With Pinky's Diner

Some veteran restaurant workers have teamed to open Pinky's Diner at 3203 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., formerly home to Bean There Cafe.

The venture is operated by Jacob Shirai, formerly of Soho Sushi, Bern's and other Tampa eateries, and Steve White, who runs Cappy's Pizzeria across the street.

Shirai, 28, touts his "ultimate fried egg sandwich," with two eggs, two cheeses, bacon, lettuce, tomato and whole-grain toast, for $6.95. He's also proud of his selection of frittatas, which range from $7 to $8 plus, depending on how many ingredients the customer selects for the "create your own" version.

Pinky's has a small coffee bar and the usual selection of non-alcoholic beverages. There are about 40 seats.

General manager Summer Wallace says the clientele is a mix of people who work along Bay to Bay or walk from nearby neighborhoods.

Pinky's is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information, call (813) 831-9339.

County Offers Help To Small Businesses

Hillsborough County's Small Business Information Center offers a free workshop, "Getting Your Business Online," from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at the West Tampa Public Library, 2312 W. Union St.

The county also is holding a "Business KIT (Know it Today)" seminar from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 16 at the same location. The cost is $8, which includes a box lunch.

Topics include business plans, marketing, loans and financing, and money management.

For information, call (813) 914-4028 or go to www .hillsboroughcounty.org/sbic/.

Opening a new business? Expanding or relocating? Contact reporter Mark Holan at mholan @tampatrib.com or (813) 835-2102.

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