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Rita's Joining Five Guys On Kennedy Boulevard

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By MICHAEL H. SAMUELS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 16, 2008

TAMPA - Attention all transplanted Northerners: Rita's Water Ice is coming to Tampa.

The Pennsylvania-based company plans to open two stores in March, at 3841 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 2, and on Sheldon Road.

The Kennedy location is next to Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, another Northeastern company making a splash in the area.

Rita's features ices, cones, shakes and other ice cream products. Rita's Italian ices are available in more than 30 flavors, and old-fashioned frozen custard is available in chocolate and vanilla. Both can also be mixed.

There are 13 Rita's in Florida, with 11 more planned.

For information, log on to www.ritasice.com.

Keep Up Your Guard At Fighter Warehouse

Isham Harris has gone from distributing energy drinks to boxing rings.

Harris owns the Fighter Warehouse, 3943 W. Kennedy Blvd., a one-stop shop for all things mixed martial arts, such as ultimate fighting.

Harris, who used to distribute the energy drink Xyience to mixed martial arts events, said he switched gears after making contacts with fighters and promoters in the industry.

He opened the Fighter Warehouse as an online store in March. In December, he opened three storefronts, on Kennedy and in St. Petersburg and Naples.

"I've always been in the martial arts before mixed martial arts," Harris said. "I've always been a fan of mixed martial arts."

The store sells products for event promoters, fighters and fans. There's apparel, workout gear, cages and boxing rings.

"Our concept is to be the super Wal-Mart for the industry," Harris said.

The store also sells event tickets and holds free seminars for local fighters and coaches.

"On the East Coast, Tampa is one of the huge markets for mixed martial arts," Harris said. "Florida itself is pretty big."

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For information, call (813) 333-0639.

Locals Develop Spray'n Swallow

A few local pharmacies are selling a product developed by two South Tampa residents and aimed at helping people take their pills.

Spray'n Swallow lubricates pills to make them easier to swallow, company spokesman John Marinello said.

Marinello said his business partner and girlfriend, Luise Lenk, developed the product because she has a gag reflex that prevents her from swallowing pills.

The spray comes in wintergreen and cherry flavors.

"We thought this would be something that helps a lot of people out," Marinello said.

The product has been available online for about 18 months and at Davis Islands Pharmacy, Westshore Pharmacy and Dina's Vitamin Store for about a month.

It costs $7.99 locally and $9.95 online, Marinello said.

For information, call 1-888-U-SPRAY-IT or log on to www.spraynswallow.com.

Opening a new business? Expanding or relocating? Contact us at (813) 835-2100.

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