News Summary
South Florida is witnessing a surge in new retail and dining experiences with the openings of Checkers & Rally’s and Barnes & Noble, as well as the relocation of Knaus Berry Farm. The revamped Checkers locations aim to enhance customer experiences and efficiency, while Barnes & Noble offers enriching book experiences. Knaus Berry Farm is relocating to increase capacity and accept credit card payments, along with introducing U-Pick options. These new ventures are set to cater to the evolving needs of the South Florida community.
New Retail and Dining Ventures Launch Across South Florida
Florida is experiencing a wave of new retail and dining ventures, with Checkers & Rally’s and Barnes & Noble opening new locations, alongside a relocating Knaus Berry Farm. These expansions aim to enhance customer experiences and accessibility in the region.
Checkers & Rally’s Enhancements in Coral Springs
A newly remodeled Checkers location will open at 9935 W. Sample Road in Coral Springs, under the ownership of local franchisees Dannie and Genese Augustin. With over seven years of franchising experience, the Augustins plan to modernize the restaurant’s design while keeping the brand’s bold flavors and value intact. Their investment extends to two additional Checkers & Rally’s locations in Plantation and Wilton Manors.
Improvements across all three locations will focus on enhancing drive-thru efficiency, food quality, delivery service, and guest interactions. Genese Augustin emphasizes the goal of improving the overall guest experience at the newly revamped locations.
The Checkers & Rally’s chain has over 700 restaurants nationally and is known for its continued expansion in key markets, including various cities in Florida.
Barnes & Noble Opens New Bookstores
Additionally, Barnes & Noble is set to open two new locations in South Florida, with the first launching at Colonial Palms Plaza at 13605 S. Dixie Hwy on September 3, 2025. This store occupies a space previously held by Old Navy and will feature a grand opening event with a local author, Luz MarÃa Doria, who is set to sign copies of her new book.
A second Barnes & Noble location will follow in October at 8525 Mills Dr. in Kendall, taking the place of an existing store that is closing September 24 to make way for a Rooms To Go furniture store. Both new stores will house B&N Cafés, toys and games departments, as well as vinyl record offerings. CEO James Daunt highlighted the ongoing demand for physical bookstores, underscoring the importance of creating enriching experiences for readers.
Knaus Berry Farm Relocates
In another development, the beloved Knaus Berry Farm is relocating to a new site at 16790 Southwest 177th Avenue in Miami. Renowned for its cinnamon rolls and milkshakes, the farm has operated since 1956 and is re-opening under new ownership while retaining the Knaus family as consultants. The new location promises increased capacity and improved parking facilities.
For the first time, the relocated Knaus Berry Farm will operate on Sundays and will now accept credit card payments. General Manager Thomas Blocher will continue in a consulting role to maintain the quality of recipes and the overall experience. The upgraded facility plans to add a new oven to decrease long wait times. Additionally, the new location will provide U-Pick options for produce such as strawberries and other fresh items.
Conclusion
These new retail and dining options not only create a diverse commercial landscape but also cater to the evolving needs and preferences of South Florida residents. With modern shopping experiences on the rise, the successful implementation of these ventures is anticipated as they operate to enhance both service and quality.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Coral Springs Talk: Checkers in Coral Springs Welcomes New Ownership
- Miami Herald: Business News Update
- CBS News: Knaus Berry Farm Moving to New Location
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knaus Berry Farm
- Secret Miami: Knaus Berry Farm New Location and Ownership
- Google Search: Knaus Berry Farm
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
