Tampa Bay’s Top Companies No. 5: First Watch Restaurant Group

Aerial view of downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River highlighting First Watch Restaurant Group as part of TBBW’s Biggest Companies in Tampa Bay series.

Part of TBBW’s ongoing Tampa Bay Top Companies series, spotlighting major employers across the region without ranking or order.

How a Tampa company built a bar crawl business at scale

Three founders of Tampa-based Downtown Crawlers pose inside a bar, reflecting the company’s growth from a Gasparilla event to operations in 28 cities.

A Tampa company scaled a bar crawl model nationwide, with Gasparilla serving as its largest annual test of growth.

Tiny Tap Tavern sold after more than 70 years

Exterior of Tiny Tap Tavern in Tampa with signage visible after the longtime neighborhood bar was sold.

After more than 70 years, Tiny Tap Tavern has been sold, with plans to preserve its legacy while preparing for a careful next chapter.

Tampa’s International Plaza refinanced with $551M loan

International Plaza shopping mall in Tampa, Florida, where Simon Property Group refinanced the property with a new institutional loan

International Plaza secures a $551M refinancing, reinforcing Tampa Bay’s position as a market for top-performing retail assets.

Tampa ranks 2nd among top U.S. retail markets in 2025

Aerial view of downtown Tampa showing the Hillsborough River, Riverwalk, office towers and surrounding commercial development.

Tampa placed second nationwide in CoStar’s 2025 ranking of the top U.S. retail markets, reflecting durable fundamentals and steady demand.

Tampa Bay’s Top Companies No. 4: Publix

Downtown Tampa skyline along the Hillsborough River with an overlay reading “Biggest Companies in Tampa Bay: Publix.”

Part of TBBW’s ongoing Tampa Bay Top Companies series, spotlighting major employers across the region without ranking or order.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s expands beyond Florida with 8 new restaurants

Exterior of a Beef O’Brady’s sports pub location, highlighting the brand’s continued expansion as it marks 40 years in business.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is expanding beyond Florida with 8 new restaurant openings as the 40-year-old brand continues steady national growth.

How Water Street hotels increased food and beverage revenue in 2025

Aerial view of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street overlooking the waterfront and marina in downtown Tampa.

A case study on how Tampa’s Water Street hotels used food and beverage to drive growth in a year when room revenue stalled.

Pendry Tampa reveals a full lineup of waterfront restaurants

An aerial view of Pendry Tampa along the Riverwalk at dusk

Pendry Tampa is adding a full lineup of new restaurants and bars to the Riverwalk through a partnership with Clique Hospitality.