Pasco businesses expand drive-thrus and community events

Residents in Pasco County will soon have more options for quick meals and local events. Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened four new restaurants in the Tampa Bay area since August. Two additional locations are scheduled to open before the end of the year. Each new site features a Chipotlane, a dedicated lane for customers to pick up orders placed through the company app or website.

The first of these new locations opened on Aug. 3 in Hudson at 8784 State Road 52. A second location opened on Aug. 5 in Clearwater at 3335 Ulmerton Road. A third opened on Sept. 8 in Spring Hill at 4685 Commercial Way. A fourth opened on Oct. 20 in Lutz at 22820 State Road 54. A fifth location in Apollo Beach at 5571 U.S. 41 North opens on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The final location in Wesley Chapel at 32157 Mercantile Drive is set to open in November. All six spots operate from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Chipotle plans to hire about 30 workers for each new restaurant. The company offers an annual crew bonus and a debt-free college degree program. It also provides mental health care for employees and their families. Interested candidates can apply at chipotle.com/careers. These openings add to the local labor market as the chain expands its physical presence in the region.

In Lutz, HCA Florida Sunlake Emergency will hold a free community event on Halloween morning. The freestanding emergency room will open its doors from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 31. The venue is located at 18810 State Road 54 at the corner of Sunlake Boulevard. The facility operates 24 hours a day and treats patients of all ages. It includes private exam rooms, a trauma room, and direct ambulance access. On-site services include lab work, X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds.

The Fall Fun event offers activities for children and families. Kids can visit a petting zoo and use a bounce house. Face painting and a balloon artist are also part of the lineup. Organizers plan games, crafts, refreshments, and giveaways for attendees. Visitors will have the chance to tour the new emergency room during the event. Registration is requested by calling 844-630-5295.

In Port Richey, Servpro Team George is expanding its annual holiday toy giveaway. The company will hold its third annual Toy Express on Thursday, Dec. 17 at its headquarters. It is partnering with the First Responders Children’s Foundation with support from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Last year’s event served 496 children, many of whom were from families recovering from the 2024 hurricanes. Many children received more than one gift during that evening.

The event brings together children, families, and first responders for toys, treats, and activities. Chasco K-8 Community School has participated since the program began and will be invited again this year. The company is also extending invitations to other local groups that serve children and families. Nora George, president of Servpro Team George, said the team lives and works in the community and built its business there.