The pictures of The Bricks of Ybor, a new café on 7
th
Ave. in Ybor City, tell a story of friendship, determination and fun.
The pics on its
Facebook page show
happy people celebrating big and little moments -- all over the world.
Brian Schaefer, owner of The Bricks, has been involved with
Skatepark of
Tampa for 17 years, traveling with
SpoTlight
Productions from one skate event to another. The Bricks is just an
extension of that passion.
"We always do events in
Ybor
after our events at the Skatepark," says Schaefer. "So it was a need we
wanted to fill. We're sophisticated but rough around the edges; fun and
hospitable."
The café menu features
salad and sandwich fare, as well as coffee, wine and creative drinks
from a full-liquor bar. Schaefer states proudly that there is not a
fryer on site and vegetarians have their pick from the menu, too.
Schaefer and his friends worked on the
interior for months in anticipation of its opening. "We did all the work
ourselves," says Schaefer. "The brick aesthetics, exposed A/C and
electrical conduit give it a nice industrial look. The fine birch and
pine work we did gives it a nice modern but sophisticated feel."
But they're not done yet. "The Bricks is an
extension of our involvement in the community," continues Schaefer. "We
have SPoT Skate Shop opening up next to The Bricks, so there will be a
welcoming crossover between the shop, Skatepark, and SPoT Skate Shop.
Now we'll have a location to host our after-gatherings for all the
skatepark events."
The Bricks is open
Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday
from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Writer:
Missy KavanaughSource:
Brian Schaefer, The Bricks of Ybor