Hungry Howie’s back in Alachua and more to come

ALACHUA – Alachua isn’t just a small town anymore. The reopening of Hungry Howie’s is only one indicator of Alachua’s economic potential.

Dee Vreen, 38-year-old co-owner of Hungry Howie’s in Alachua, explained that bringing Hungry Howie’s back was an easy decision to make.

“Alachua is booming right now,” he said. “There’s new growth in Alachua.”

A Zaxby’s opened in Alachua on Oct. 7 of last year, a new Raceway gas station opened a little over a month ago and a site plan has been recently approved for a Publix to be built next to Santa Fe High School.

With rumors of a Wal-Mart coming to Alachua for years, the opening of these businesses might actually be the push that Wal-Mart was waiting for to get a site plan in order.

“Alachua has seen a lot of economic development over the past 12 months, and that’s a strong selling point [to potential businesses],” said Adam Boukari, assistant city manager of Alachua.

Boukari said in addition to the economic development, the fact that Alachua is in the Interstate 75 and Highway 441 corridor also makes it a target spot for tourists and potential businesses.

“Publix is an anchor-type business,” he said. “It’s going to draw other businesses to the area.

“Our city commission is very serious about economic development and we’re committed to doing it the right way.”

Vreen said that the Hungry Howie’s second time around is going to be much different.

“This time I’m running it,” he said. “There’s going to be better customer service and more organization within upper management.”

He added that the Alachua branch of Hungry Howie’s isn’t going to deliver this time. They’re only offering carryout and drive-thru.

Vreen believes that offering delivery is one of the reasons why Hungry Howie’s originally closed four years ago.

“It’s been a long journey, but I’m glad to be back in Alachua,” he said.

Previously, Vreen worked at the Pizza Hut in Alachua for six years.

“It’s always been a dream of mine and when the opportunity came forth, I couldn’t pass it up,” Vreen said. “I achieved one of my main goals in life.”

Boukari said that Alachua’s economic development is also going to be beneficial to its residents.

“Seeing commercial development [in Alachua] is wonderful because you get a diverse employment base that provides more opportunities for our citizens,” Boukari said.

“Alachua has a bright future. I can’t wait to see it come to fruition.”

#     #     #

Email Tschuyler@

alachuatoday.com