Cru Hospitality to open two concepts at Sparkman Wharf

Cru adds Smith’s Provisions and The Back Bar to Sparkman Wharf this March.

Chuck Merlis February 23, 2026

Strategic Property Partners has signed Tampa-based Cru Hospitality Group to open two new food and beverage concepts at Sparkman Wharf, with a March debut planned for the downtown waterfront destination.

Smith’s Provisions and The Back Bar were developed specifically for Sparkman Wharf and will operate during the property’s regular hours.

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Smith’s Provisions will focus on American classics, including burgers and sandwiches designed for quick service in an open-air setting.

Adjacent to it, The Back Bar will operate as a full-service cocktail and wine bar serving Wharf guests.

Expanding a local operator’s footprint in Water Street

The openings deepen Cru Hospitality’s presence within Water Street Tampa. The group already operates Wine on Water and Small Giant in the district.

It also operates Bouzy in Hyde Park Village and Cru Cellars in Palma Ceia, along with an expanding catering and events business.

Small Giant and Wine on Water storefront at Water Street Tampa in downtown Tampa. — Small Giant and Wine on Water, two Cru Hospitality concepts, operate along Water Street Tampa in downtown Tampa.

“All of our concepts start with place first, and Smith’s Provisions and The Back Bar were intentionally designed for Sparkman Wharf from day one,” said Kyle King, chief executive officer of Cru Hospitality Group. “From the menu to the bar program to the pace of service, both concepts are meant to feel like they have always belonged here.”

Sparkman Wharf sits between the Tampa Convention Center and Port Tampa Bay and functions as a public gathering space within Water Street Tampa.

The outdoor venue combines permanent operators with event programming and seasonal activations, drawing office tenants, residents and visitors to the waterfront.

Josh Taube, chief executive officer of Strategic Property Partners, said the strategy is to introduce concepts that can establish themselves within the district’s mix of office, residential and hospitality uses.

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“At Sparkman Wharf, we are intentional about creating space for unique concepts that can debut and grow in an environment designed for long-term success,” Taube said.

The additions continue tenant movement across Water Street Tampa. Earlier this year, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Jasel Jewelry joined the district’s retail roster as SPP advances leasing across its mixed-use portfolio.

For Cru Hospitality, the expansion further concentrates its operations in Tampa’s urban core.

For Strategic Property Partners, the openings reinforce Sparkman Wharf’s role as a dining and social anchor within a district built around density, walkability and year-round activation.