One of Tampa’s most notable restaurateurs has announced his intentions to provide food service to the Tampa Convention Center.
Richard Gonzmart, most well known as being a co-owner of the
Columbia Restaurant group, is teaming up with Lutz-based
Spectra by Comcast Spectacor on the project. While there is currently no request for proposals for a food and beverage contract for the
Tampa Bay Convention Center, that is not stopping the determined Gonzmart.
“I always said I wanted to be in the convention center,” an enthusiastic Gonzmart said to media gathered along the
Tampa Riverwalk on a bright afternoon this past week. “And when you see what we’re going to do, you’re going to say, “Wow, why didn’t somebody else think of that?”
The company Gonzmart is teaming up with, Spectra, is a food service company with service contracts in casinos, sports arenas and other convention centers around the U.S.
While the pair did not give any details about the type of cuisine they plan on serving, Ken Young, founder and president of Spectra assured it would be quality food.
During the press conference, Gonzmart mentioned that jobs would be created should his bid be accepted.
“There will definitely be a positive economic impact,” he saya. “With that will be job creation, it will be a very exciting time for the area. There is so much potential here, and we already have the most beautiful setting with the center located right here on the Hillsborough River. You can take a boat over to Harbour Island, there is this great Riverwalk, it’s a great location.”
Request for proposals on food service bids will be sent out in the next few weeks. Proposals are due in the first quarter of 2016.
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