Issue #358: Wesley Chapel’s French Bistro Turns 10 | AI Coming to Sam’s Club | Kamenar Rocks Amalie | Rays Stun Yankees 10–8

4/21/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
21 Apr

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Wesley Chapel Family Serves Up a Decade of French Delights

Of Interest

— Sam’s Club to Eliminate Checkout Lanes, Embrace AI Shopping

Entertainment

— Kamenar Set to Rock Amalie Arena During NHL Playoffs

Sports

— Yankees Blow Four-Run Lead, Fall to Rays 10-8 in Extras (Sat. game)

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Wesley Chapel Family Serves Up a Decade of
French Delights

For nearly ten years, Le Macaron French Pastries in Wesley Chapel’s Shops at Wiregrass has been offering the community a taste of France with elegant treats like macarons, croissants, and French beverages.

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Guy and Valerie Lucas, the shop channels their Parisian roots and culinary passion. “We wanted to bring something very special,” Guy said of their journey to America.

Their signature item, the macaron, comes in 20 flavors such as Madagascar black vanilla, Sicilian pistachio, and tiramisu. Valerie calls it a “delicate French burger — crunchy outside, creamy inside.”

From raising their son Loan in the shop to launching delivery during the pandemic, the Lucas family has grown alongside the community. As French sweets gain popularity through pop culture, the Lucases hope to continue spreading joy — one pastry at a time.

“Ten years, it’s incredible. We hope for ten more,” Valerie said.

Sam’s Club to Eliminate Checkout Lanes,
Embrace AI Shopping

Sam’s Club is phasing out traditional checkouts in favor of a fully AI-powered, friction-free shopping experience. The Walmart-owned warehouse chain will expand its “Scan & Go” mobile app — where customers scan items as they shop — with a new “Just Walk”/“Just Go” exit system that verifies purchases automatically, removing the need for receipt checks at the door.

Unveiled at the company’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting, CEO Chris Nicholas called the shift one of the fastest transformations in retail. The system is already in place at Sam’s Club’s new Grapevine, Texas store, which includes automated forklifts, a vertical tire carousel, and a pizza-making robot.

Sam’s Club says AI is also being used behind the scenes to streamline operations and support its 100,000 associates, allowing more focus on member service and engagement. While Costco sticks with traditional lanes, Sam’s Club is betting on AI to define the future of retail.

(Ad)

*This weekend I witnessed an AI Agent (virtual assistant) utilize another specialized AI Agent to create an Instagram short in just minutes that was very well done.

If this rapid progress in AI capabilities concerns you, as it does many others,
click THIS to learn why its critical now to jump on the AI train
before it leaves the station without you!

Dr Ted

Kamenar Set to Rock Amalie Arena During
NHL Playoffs

Tampa’s own hard rock duo Kamenar will ignite the Thunder Alley Main Stage at Amalie Arena on April 22, 2025, just before the Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the Florida Panthers in the NHL Playoffs.

Formed by twin brothers Sean and John Kamenar in 2015, the band is known for their explosive live performances and their ability to produce a full-band sound as a two-piece act. With Sean handling lead vocals, guitar, and bass, and John on drums, their sound pays homage to rock legends of the '70s through '90s while adding a modern edge.

Since their debut EP in 2020, they’ve shared stages with rock heavyweights like Alice Cooper, Slash, and Puddle of Mudd, and played major festivals including RokIsland Fest. Their latest singles, “Now That We Both Know” and “The Man,” are out now on all streaming platforms.

Yankees Blow Four-Run Lead, Fall to Rays 10-8
in Extras

A Yankee Fan’s View of Their Saturday Night Loss to Rays

The Yankees’ five-game winning streak ended in brutal fashion with a 10-8 extra-inning loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, capped by Devin Williams’ four-run meltdown in the ninth.

Starter Carlos Carrasco struggled, coughing up a five-run lead by the fourth inning. The 38-year-old threw just 42% first-pitch strikes, once again raising concerns about his role in the rotation.

Offensively, Trent Grisham continued to shine with a big hit and key defensive play, while Aaron Judge racked up three RBIs to push his AL-leading total to 25. But it wasn’t enough.

In the ninth, Williams gave up four hits and a walk, erasing a four-run cushion. The Yankees stranded two in the top of the 10th before Jonathan Aranda hit a walk-off homer in the bottom frame.

Ben Rice’s elbow X-rays came back negative, providing a small silver lining ahead of Sunday’s finale, where Max Fried will try to right the ship.

​

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