Andy’s Frozen Custard, the Missouri-based custard chain, is planning to open its first Tampa location on South Dale Mabry Highway, pending city approval.
The chain, which already has locations in seven Tampa Bay communities, wants to replace BJ’s Alabama Barbeque at the site. The property owner, New Pagoda LLC, is asking the city to rezone the property and combine several neighboring parcels into the site.
Plans call for a 1,611-square-foot building, less than half the size of the 3,926-square-foot BJ’s Alabama Barbeque building currently on the property.
The proposed Andy’s would not have indoor dining. Customers would order from a walk-up window or through a one-way drive-thru, with an outdoor patio and covered outdoor area. The plans were previously reported by Tampa Bay Business and Wealth.
Drawings show a low-profile, dark-brick building with large storefront windows and illuminated Andy’s signs. A freestanding sign near the road would feature the chain’s oversized frozen custard cone.
The application does not list an opening date, and the rezoning request still needs city approval.
The South Tampa location would add to Andy’s presence across the Tampa Bay region. The chain currently has locations in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lutz, Odessa, Plant City, Wimauma and Valrico, all outside the city of Tampa.
Andy’s began in Missouri in 1986 and now has more than 170 locations across 15 states, with additional locations planned. Andy Kuntz is the company’s chief executive.
Most Andy’s locations follow the format proposed for Dale Mabry, with freestanding buildings, drive-thru service and walk-up ordering without indoor seating. The company’s slogan is “Andy’s Is Always The Answer.”
The frozen custard chain offers more than 54,000 treat combinations through its menu and currently has four seasonal offerings. Customers can also join the company’s loyalty program.
Until the city makes a decision on the rezoning request, there is no set opening date, and the property remains home to BJ’s Alabama Barbeque.
