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Dance Studio Opens

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By MARK HOLAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 28, 2008

TAMPA - Arthur Murray Dance Studio, 3217 S. MacDill Ave., will offer free 30-minute introductory lessons to the first 25 people who register when the studio opens at 1 p.m. Monday.

A session usually costs $25.

The studio is owned by Scott and Michelle Montague and Luca and Loraine Baricchi.

Both couples are international dance champions from England. This is their first U.S. studio and the franchise's first in Tampa.

"It's all about changing people's lives," Michelle Montague said. "It gives people confidence. They can lose weight. There have been a lot of relationships and marriages that have developed in classes, too."

The studio offers a wide range of social and ballroom dancing, she said.

Hours are 1 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For information, call (813) 835-1111.

Siblings Open Silk Expressions

Sister and brother Barbara Sanders and Rodger Hawkins have opened Silk Expressions, 4303 W. El Prado Blvd.

The business specializes in silk floral arrangements, wreaths and trees for homes and businesses.

Hawkins once created silk ficus trees at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., post-Elvis. Sanders' background is in silk and fresh flowers.

"The silks they are making now are really good," Sanders said. "The colors are really good, even with wreaths that are on doors outside for several years."

Silk flowers can range from $3 to $12 a stem. Centerpieces start at about $30, with small pots of ivy from $12 to $15.

"We will use the customer's own containers if they like," Sanders said.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For information, call (813) 839-6800.

HP Interiors Opens 2nd Store

Holly Pequignot says business is steadily picking up since opening her second store at 616 S. MacDill Ave. last month.

Pequignot opened her first HP Interiors store at 20309 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. about three years ago.

"The two stores are so different," she said. "People are going to see different pieces in each store."

The 5,000-square-foot new store is stuffed with furniture, chandeliers, rugs and artwork reflecting traditional and Mediterranean styles, with a corner for contemporary pieces.

"I just don't see the trend in contemporary with all the Mediterranean homes they are building down here," she said.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For information, call (813) 871-1018.

Porky's Tampa Set To Sizzle

Look for Porky's Tampa to open at 511 N. Franklin St. by late August.

This is the first Florida franchise for the New York City-based club known for wild birthday and bachelorette parties and 82-ounce fishbowl drinks, which are meant to be shared.

The barbecue restaurant will offer a lunch and dinner menu before turning into more of a club environment later in the evening with dance music and dozens of televisions tuned to sports.

"We are bringing New York City and the Hamptons' nightlife to Tampa," said John Cestare, Porky's Tampa president.

Car Washes Sold, Undergo Name Change

The former Grand Prix Car Wash locations at 3622 Gandy Blvd. and 230 N. Dale Mabry Highway are now Mister Car Wash.

The Tucson, Ariz.-based chain also bought Grand Prix locations in Brandon, Clearwater and Seminole.

Opening a new business? Expanding or relocating? Contact reporter Mark Holan at

mholan@tampatrib.com or (813) 835-2102.

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