City Bike Tampa recently opened its second location on the
Riverwalk at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. Their first
location, at 212 E. Cass Street, opened less than a year ago.
When asked what the secret of their success is, owner Kellie
Cyr says she and her husband Jason didn't do it alone. "It's been a lot
of work but we've had a lot of support from our community like the downtown
Partnership and the chamber — organizations like
that."
The business is a full -service specialty bicycle shop focused
on rentals, tours, sales and service that targets cyclists and those
looking to explore bicycling as a new part of their active lifestyle.
The couple acquired the small space from the Marriott
and put up their own fencing around the 10-by-20-foot rental hut. A
friend contributed artwork.
"We just love the area,"
says Cyr. "We believe in the different things that Tampa is trying to do
here like the light rail. We live here as well as run our businesses
here in downtown and love the urban life. We have no family here but we
love the people and feel rooted anyway. And, of course, the weather is
beautiful."
The grand opening celebration coincided with
the city's annual International Dragon Boat
Races, which the business participated in as part of the TIBA (Tampa
Independent Business Alliance) team.
Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source:
Kellie Cyr, City Bike Tampa
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