Turn 2 A Double Play In Family, Sports Theme Dining

There's a new place in town to eat out with family and friends while catching the game, or some other show or special event, on high-definition television, or while gathering for a special meeting or celebration in the restaurant's MVP meeting room.

Its the Turn 2 Sports Restaurant at the Lynx Paw Trail shopping center in Valrico, nestled between the entrances to Lithia Springs Elementary School and the River Hills community.

Turn 2, named for the double play in baseball, opened June 28 and is scheduled to have its grand opening celebration July 13. The restaurant is owned by Bill Helllemn, Erik Syvrud and Pat Kinnell and managed by David Morris, who said "Turn 2" has meaning in NASCAR racing circles and in the military as well.

The restaurant's logo, depicted in its sign, features a base between "Turn" and the numeral "2" — and in that number, the red stitching of a baseball. The sign hangs in view of Lithia-Pinecrest motorists, at 4351 Lynx Paw Trail.

"We pretty much gutted the place and reconstructed the inside," said Morris, at the restaurant July 7, which took over the space vacated by Angelina's Italian Restaurant. "We have all new kitchen equipment, all new employees and an all new atmosphere."

That atmosphere, he said, is "upbeat, positive, fun, exciting and full of good times." Aiding in that effort are 11, high-definition, 55-inch large-screen televisions, an airy interior, patio seating and a party room that seats about 45 to 50 people. 

"The Bloomingdale softball team called an hour- and a-half before they came and we closed the room for them," said Morris, who added that there is no charge to use the room and reservations will be accepted.

In addition to the July 13 celebration, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m., with bounce houses outside and a VIP community grand opening celebration in the MVP room, Turn 2 invites residents to come in to watch the British Open, July 18-21.

On Sunday, July 21, to coincide with the open's final round, a golf swap on the patio is planned, from 11 a.m. to  2 p.m.

"Got [a] a new driver you hate? Too many putters?" asks an event announcement. "Bring your golf equipment and trade with other local duffers."

Morris said the restaurant features fresh food, including wings and burgers made to order, "prepped daily." Also on the menu are appetizers, wings, sandwiches, salads and entrees, including chicken, turkey and fish dishes.

Takeout is offered as well.

Turn 2 is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Call: 813-653-0002. Visit Turn 2 on Facebook.