More Industry Insights

Clearwater’s Yo Mama’s Foods racks up 36,000 orders after GMA feature

Clearwater’s Yo Mama’s Foods turned a GMA spotlight into 36,000 orders and now heads to ABC’s “View Your Deal.”

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David Habib, CEO of Yo Mama’s Foods, appears on “Good Morning America” with hosts as the brand’s sauces and condiments are featured on air.
Tampa-based Anchor Glass cuts debt 60% while securing $100M for growth

Anchor Glass reduces debt 60% and raises $100M in new capital, reinforcing growth under CEO Nipesh Shah.

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Anchor Glass Container logo alongside a group of empty glass bottles.
University of Tampa appoints new marketing chief to boost national profile

UTampa names new marketing chief to guide brand strategy and boost the school’s national profile.

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Forbici Modern Italian expands to downtown St. Petersburg

Jeff Gigante brings Forbici Modern Italian to downtown St. Petersburg’s Sundial, marking a homecoming and a high-profile dining expansion.

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Renderings of Forbici Modern Italian’s upcoming St. Petersburg location at Sundial, showing a central bar with large TVs, a private dining space, an outdoor patio with lush greenery, and open-concept seating with modern lighting.
Next Level Brands elevates culinary leadership with two key promotions

Next Level Brands is reshaping its leadership team, doubling down on internal talent to fuel its next stage of growth. The hospitality group announced Chef Jacob Rios, the creative force behind Union New American, has been named Director of Culinary and will join the executive leadership team. Stepping into Rios’ former role, Chef Casey Alfonso

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Chef Jacob Rios, newly appointed Director of Culinary at Next Level Brands, stands in his chef’s coat outside Union New American in Tampa.
Florida ends lease tax, Tampa businesses celebrate

A decades-long burden on Florida’s commercial tenants and landlords ends this month, and the Tampa Bay business community is ready to raise a glass. On Sept. 30, the state’s sales tax on commercial leases will officially expire, closing the chapter on Florida’s status as the only state in the nation to impose such a levy.

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A close-up of a financial statement showing monthly payment details, symbolizing the end of Florida’s commercial lease tax and the financial relief now available to Tampa businesses.
Considering a Franchise? Make Sure You Understand the Risks First

Starting a business is hard, so unsurprisingly, most people look for ways to reduce their risk. One of the most common strategies is to buy into a franchise instead of starting a business from scratch. While launching with a proven business model, marketing materials, and support infrastructure may seem like a no brainer, there are

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franchise
Survival of the Fittest: Why Business Is About to Get Even More Cutthroat

Being an entrepreneur has always been a brutal, full-contact sport, but as economic conditions shift and uncertainty grows larger than ever, the game is changing—and not in your favor. It’s not just about hustle anymore. It’s about survival. When the economy weakens, the rules get rewritten. Customers hold their wallets with a death grip, budgets

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South Tampa Chamber announces 2025 Business of the Year Awards finalists

The South Tampa Chamber has announced 33 finalists, across 11 categories, for its 2025 Business of the Year Awards, celebrating local businesses, and leaders, for their contributions to innovation, community engagement and professional excellence. The finalists represent a wide range of industries, from law firms and construction companies to nonprofits and media organizations. Winners will

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Before You Launch That Business: What You Really Need to Know About Cash Flow

A quick guide to cash flow for new businesses and how it shapes survival.

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Before You Launch That Business: What You Really Need to Know About Cash Flow by David Bell
For Tampa Bay owners, your business Is the real asset

For many Tampa Bay business owners, value extends beyond a full sale to smarter exit and recap strategies.

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M&A chess pieces beside a view of Tampa’s downtown skyline, symbolizing business value beyond financial statements.
Better Business Bureau teams up with utilities to combat scams

The Better Business Bureau serving West Florida has partnered with Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas to raise awareness about utility scams during Utility Scam Awareness Day. This initiative aims to educate consumers and businesses about fraud tactics and empower them to avoid falling victim. Scammers impersonate utility representatives via phone calls, emails

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