***** The Wow Factory, 5891 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073, (954) 380-8600.

As a former CEO of a Discovery Zone franchise-company…let’s- just say that Jeff Eats is kinda- familiar with Family Entertainment Centers.

If we-forget about “national” chain Chuck E. Cheese’s- I seriously doubt that you guys can name even-one Family Entertainment Center in South Florida.

With the above in mind…

I recently came across- The Wow Factory in Coconut Creek-and I gotta tell you that I was super-impressed.

This 22,000 sq. ft. facility has all-kinds of interactive games/arcade games/food court–that will keep toddlers-10 year-olds… busy for 2-3 hours.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one…I know “my” family-entertainment-centers and The Wow Factory is a clean/well staffed/well planned out facility.

Check out www.wowfactoryfun.com for admission charges/activities/birthday parties/hours/photos/other info.

The Wow Factory is open Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-8pm.

* Tim Hortons Inc.

Here’s a “restaurant” and a “stock” call for you guys…Tim Hortons Inc (NASDAQ:THI: $55)

We all know about Dunkin’ Donuts, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Starbucks…but I’ll bet you a buck, that a-good-number of you guys don’t know what–a Tim Hortons “is”-and that most of you have never been to one.

Here’s a call for you…Tim Hortons (which is basically a Canadian doughnut chain) in the coming years–is going to develop into a major-force in the United States coffee/doughnuts/quick serve restaurant segment.

Right now THI is trading at 55 bucks a share. I’m looking for the stock to go much higher…as Tim Horton “stores” pop-up all over the United States.

You want a “growth story” in the restaurant business?–then you should look at Tim Hortons Inc. (www.timhortons.com).

Printed below is Yahoo’s “profile” for Tim Hortons Inc.
*****
Tim Hortons Inc. develops and franchises quick service restaurants primarily in Canada and the United States. Its restaurants provide coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks, iced cappuccinos, teas, cold beverages, fruit smoothies, home-style soups, chilies, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, yogurt and berries, oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches and wraps, and fresh baked goods. As of December 29, 2013, the company had 4,485 system wide restaurants, including 3,588 in Canada, 859 in the United States, and 38 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Tim Hortons Inc. was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Oakville, Canada.

Charlie Thomas’ Drifters

* Malt Shop Memories Cruise–2014!.

I don’t know about you, but Jeff Eats doesn’t know anyone who’s getting any younger…

With that in mind, take a look at “Malt Shop Memories Cruise” (www.maltshopcruise.com)– which is a 7-nights/ Rock N’ Roll Cruise that leaves from Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, November 2, 2014 and returns Sunday, November 9, 2014. Ports of Call include, Fort Lauderdale– Falmouth, Jamaica– Grand Cayman Island– Cozumel, Mexico– Key West, Florida.

Jeff Eats knows that you guys are smart…so I’m pretty sure that I’m not telling you “something” that you don’t already know about–that being, major cruise-lines holding-huge “MUSIC” events on the hi-seas. For the “younger folks” out there- Electronic Dance Music cruises…for the “sophisticated folks” out there- Jazz cruises–so on and so forth. Could say something about the Country Music cruises, but why start trouble!–let’s just leave it–that the last time Jeff Eats was on a horse (actually it was a pony) was in 1955–on a pony ride at the intersection of Cortelyou Road and East 8th Street, Brooklyn, New York–when Mr. Peters who also had a traveling-ferris wheel charged -neighborhood kids 25 cents a ride. I’m sure some of you guys remember “your” Mr. Peters, as well as your soda man, your milkman, your knife sharpening man, your ice cream man, your vegetable man…sure was a simpler time, don’t cha think?

Anyway…

Jeff Eats just wanted to tell you about Holland America’s “Malt Shop Memories Cruise–2014” …this is for the 1950s-1960s “oldies” crowd out there. Now- I’m just roughing this out for you–but figure that the cruise is gonna run you something like $2,500 (some cabins are more/some less). Now nothing for nothing–$2,500 is some heavy change, but when you really think about it- you are getting a “room” for 7 nights, 21+ meals, concerts/special events…do the math–and that $2,500 number really isn’t all that terrible–actually, it’s a bargain!…and like I said a few seconds ago, Jeff Eats doesn’t know anyone who’s getting any younger.

Here’s the list of the performers that will be onboard…
Dion
The Temptations
Brenda Lee
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Lloyd Price
Jan & Dean’s Beach Party starring Dean Torrence
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Charlie Thomas’ Drifters
Kenny Vance & The Planotones
The Duprees
Ricky Nelson Remembered with Matthew & Gunnar Nelson
The Legendary Teenagers
Little Peggy March
The Excellents
Al ‘Lil Fats’ Jackson
The Cameos
Elvis Tribute Artists
Comedian Joe Piscopo
Jerry Blavat

Before I wrap this one up…let’s run the “numbers” for this cruise…

Now follow me, for argument sake let’s say that a hotel room is worth $75 a night–so 7 X $75= $525…let’s figure 21 breakfasts at $10 each (too high? let’s make it 8 bucks a piece) that’s $168…let’s figure 21 lunches at $10 each that’s $210…let’s figure 21 dinners at $20 (too low? let’s make it $25 a pop) that’s $525—so right off the bat we got $1428 for room & board. That means we got to justify roughly another $1072 for entertainment. Now “fun” is -purely a subjective thing–but in checking the “internets” I found that a Dion ticket for an upcoming show at a New York Indian Casino is fetching 72 bucks–and a joint appearance with Charlie Thomas’ Drifters in June at the Beacon Theatre is going for $113—now we can play with the numbers all we want–ALL I KNOW is that none of us is getting any younger–and just maybe “you” would enjoy eating dinner with Dion and his wife SUE (you can ask her), or talking to Charlie Thomas about Ben E. King, or finding out from Llyod Price how he recorded Stagger Lee. Nothing for nothing…to paraphrase that MasterCard commercial …”Somethings are Priceless.” Capice!

Malt Shop Memories Cruise will draw something like 2,000 people for this cruise. Past-Malt Shop Memories Cruises in 2011, 2012, 2013 were sold-out affairs.

This cruise is going to be an absolute “oldies” blast.

Check www.maltshopcruise.com for itinerary/cabin pricing/other info.

* How many 4 cents stamps are there in a dozen?

Answer: 12.

Now…read this story from Huff Post/AP and “figure out” why the guy only has to pay $200,000 in restitution although he stole $460,000.
*****

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (AP) — The former public works inspector for a northern New Jersey town has admitted stealing $460,000 in quarters.

The Record (http://bit.ly/1dqaq0f ) reports Thomas Rica pleaded guilty Wednesday to four counts of theft. In return, prosecutors will recommend that he receive five years’ probation and pay about $200,000 in restitution to Ridgewood.

The 43-year-old Hawthorne resident lost his job with Ridgewood in January 2013, following his arrest for taking $500 in coins from its parking meter collection room. But investigators later determined that he stole $460,000 overall.

Authorities said the thefts occurred over the course of 25 months. They say Rica was not authorized to be in the room but would enter it and fill his pockets with money. They say he deposited the money more than 1.8 million quarters — in his bank account.

* THE BSTREET BAND.

Not to be too repetitious or nothing…but THE BSTREET BAND has a number of South Florida dates–coming up.

Jeff Eats is a huge “fan” of this Bruce Springsteen tribute-band and tries to catch this South Jersey based group-when it plays South Florida.

If you check, I’ve mentioned THE BSTREET BAND in several previous “stories”–suffice it to say, if you like/love Springsteen you’re gonna really enjoy this band-they are really good!

For what it’s worth-Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple are planning on seeing the band at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on Thursday night, March 27th.

Printed below are South Florida dates listed from an e-mail which I just received from the band.
*****
Sun March 23 The Sandy Parrot, Fort Myers, Fla
(7:30 Start) Tamiami Trail fort Myers, Fla www.Sandyparrot.com For info Call 239-454-8454 First Appearance

Tue March 25 Tampa Bay Rays/ Boston Red Sox MLB Baseball Game Port Charlotte, Fla (11 Am and after Game) Charlotte Sports Park, Fla Concert Free w/ticket purchase: Visit our buddy Manager Joe Maddon and the Tampa Crew!

Wed March 26 Carsons Tavern Stuart Fla: Fundraiser for Volunteers in Medicine (Tickets $50 and limited) Proceeds benefit nonprofit medical clinic for indigent Martin county residents since 1995 located at Carson’s Tavern SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL For more info check this site: www.vimclinic.net/vim-events-2/rockin-with-the-b-street-band

Thu March 27 Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel/Casino Hollywood Fla (7 Pm Start: Free Adm: All Ages) Paradise Live Outside: Hollywood, Fla

Fri March 28 Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel/Casino Hollywood, Fla (7 Pm Start: Free Adm: All Ages) Paradise Live Outside: Hollywood, Fla

Sat March 29 Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel/Casino Hollywood, Fla (7 Pm Start: Free Adm: All Ages) Paradise Live Outside: Hollywood, Fla

BURGER AND BEER JOINT

* Katz’s Deli–Grand Central Diner–Burger And Beer Joint.

Maybe?-you guys can help Jeff Eats out…

In recent days, several emails came-in, recommending that I try Katz’s Deli in Deerfield Beach– Grand Central Diner in Sunrise–Burger And Beer Joint which has outposts in Miami, Miami Beach and Pembroke Pines…

For what it’s worth–I put all 3-joints on my “to try” list…but I was thinking that until-Jeff Eats gets to them…just maybe you guys who have eaten in 1-2-3 of them could share your thoughts with “us” before I do official-visits.

Thanks in advance…

* Dancing With the Stars.

Mrs. Jeff Eats absolutely loves tv’s “Dancing With The Stars.” To be honest with you, Jeff Eats although not a rabid-fan, enjoys the “occasional” watch now-and-then.

I’m thinking that only REAL FANS will know what this means…but here goes!

“MOVE Live On Tour–Starring, Julliane Hough and Derek Hough” is coming to the Hard Rock Live/Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on Friday Night, June 13. 2014.

There is an Internet-Pre Sale on March 20th from 10am-10pm, you have to enter Password: LIVE…to buy tickets.

Tickets can be bought at www.ticketmaster.com.

***** Batch Gastropub, 30 Southwest 12th Street, Miami, Florida 33130, (305) 808-5555.

For our purposes, let’s call Batch Gastropub an “American-Style–Sports Bar.” When you check menu/prices at www.batchmiami.com you’ll also find a load of pictures–the joint is really great looking, with dark-wood booths and of-course loads of flat screen tvs (Do they still make “fat” screen tvs?)

You know and Jeff Eats knows that “sports bars” are literally a dime a dozen down here in South Florida…for sure, “we’ve all been in tons of them…and I gotta tell you, I was very impressed with Batch Gastropub.

For you drinkers out there…Batch has something like 15 (give or take) beers on tap, and maybe another 20 by the bottle.

Now let’s talk about FOOD–Jeff Eats’ real-game…

Just so you know, Batch’s menu isn’t exactly huge…that said, there are enough appetizers, burgers, salads, pizzas, entrees–so I’m thinking- no-body in your party is gonna have to stop at Wendy’s on the way home.

A recent dinner had Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and two other couples “doing”…margherita pizza, cheeseburger, hanger steak skewers, mushroom crusted mahi mahi, meatloaf, gnocchi mac & cheese/carmalized onions, truffle salt & shaved truffle cheese fries…and I gotta tell you, no one-bicthed about anything. If Jeff Eats had to give out awards, I thought that the gnocchi, fries, cheeseburger were the stars of the game. Between you and me–the gnocchi was amazing–the joint uses gnocchi with gruyere cheese and for an up-charge has 10 items that can be added to the basic dish–such as chicken, steak, bacon, carmalized onions (check the menu for the full list).

Like I said at the top, I was very impressed with Batch Gastropub…food was solid, service was good, prices exactly what you’d expect in an upscale-sports bar (you can fill in what you think these numbers should be)–one little draw back, the background music was a drop too loud for Jeff Eats’ crowd.

Gastropub is open Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-3am, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-5am.

* Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar.

Back on Januray 22, 2013 I told you guys about Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar’s (an Arizona based gourmet hamburger chain) plan to open in Boca Raton…that “story” is reprinted below

Anyway…

It took longer than I figured–but Zinburger is about ready to open…in Boca Town Center right next door to The Container Store.
*****
Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar *****

Got one for you…Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar.

Just so you know, Zinburger hasn’t opened yet–it’s coming to Boca Town Center in Boca Raton…it’s going to be a few “doors down” from the Stir Crazy Fresh Asian Grill. Since Jeff Eats isn’t in the construction business, my best guess based on what I saw at its site—is that it will probably open sometime in the next 4-5 months. You do know that the City of Boca Raton isn’t the easiest “group” to deal with when opening a new restaurant, don’t you?

Zinburger is a very small-full service gourmet hamburger chain…it’s got a few locations in Arizona and a few in New Jersey.

You can check menu/prices/locations/photos at www.foxrc.com.

Jeff Eats is very familiar with Zinburger. I’ve eaten in its Tucson joint something like 5 times and I gotta tell you that it turns-out some of the most delicious burgers, fries, salads, shakes that I’ve eaten.

Now nothing for nothing…if the Boca Zinburger is anything- even close to what the Tucson outpost is—this joint will be an absolute homerun.

You guys now know about a new joint—before most of your friends do!

Boston Market.

I’m gonna assume that you guys know what Boston Market is.

The last time Jeff Eats was in a Boston Market was in late-2008, If you check, you’ll find a Boston Market review dated 12/31/08…suffice it to say it wasn’t good!

To make a long story short, tonight Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats decided to give Boston Market another shot…picking up food at the 9949 Glades Road, Boca Raton location.

I should have known when we got there and “seeing the sign and I quote– “Monday-Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am-10pm” that things weren’t gonna be pretty…but I figured that the “$5 off a $20 purchase” coupon that Mrs. Jeff Eats had clipped-was worth a roll of the dice.

To make a long story short–it took close to 20 minutes to takeout 2 chickens and a handful of sides–that being with 3 people ahead of us–and 4 workers behind the counter.

Do you remember “Calling Dr. Howard, Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine”?–well, that was staged mayhem–Boston Market’s chaos with 4 people running around like chickens without heads wasn’t-it was the real deal!

On the food, the parmesan chicken was inedible…unless, you’re a fire-eater with a bucket of ice water-standing by…the mac & cheese and corn nibblets tasteless, as were the cornbread and string beans.

Imagine…we waited 5 years for “another go round”–and the chain is still serving up inept service and lousy food.

Trust Jeff Eats…there won’t be a third time.