Beyond the Headlines: HMC Hospitality’s CEO talks continued growth and expansion
The Clearwater-based brand of Hooters is ‘Stronger than ever,’ according to CEO, Neil Kiefer.
James Museum partners with catering company for bistro reopening
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art will reopen its in-house bistro, The Canyon, in spring 2025, as The Canyon by Catering by The Family. The restaurant, in downtown St. Petersburg, will offer a new menu featuring lunch options, casual bites, specialty coffees and craft cocktails. The redesigned space will provide table, bar and … Read more
Thirsty Buffalo Brewing releases Brahman Golden Ale to support USF athletes
Thirsty Buffalo Brewing has launched Brahman Golden Ale. Sales from the beer will support the University of South Florida student-athletes through the Fowler Avenue Collective, the university’s name, image and likeness collective. A portion of proceeds from every sale of Brahman Golden Ale will go to the collective, which helps USF athletes benefit from NIL … Read more
Vista Gin partners with Pepin Distributing to expand in Tampa Bay
Vista Gin has partnered with Tampa-based Pepin Distributing to expand its presence in the region. The agreement will make the craft gin more widely available at retailers, restaurants and bars across the Tampa Bay area. “Partnering with Pepin marks a major milestone for our brand,” said Grant Patterson, co-founder and chief executive officer of Vista … Read more
Veteran-owned VR gaming studio expands in former Tervis headquarters
Combat Waffle Studios, a veteran-owned gaming company backed by Meta, has leased a 23,349-square-foot industrial space, at 195 Triple Diamond Blvd., in Nokomis. The studio, best known for its hit VR shooter Ghosts of Tabor, has seen over $20 million in sales, since its release. The company previously operated out of a 7,000-square-foot office, at … Read more
Cute News of the Day: Track a lost sea turtle finding his way home
Buckley, a sea turtle with an incredible survival story, is ready to return home after an unexpected detour—more than a mile inland. Discovered stranded on a dirt road, in rural Dixie County, last November, Buckley’s journey back to the water has been months in the making. Thanks to quick-thinking Good Samaritans who alerted the Florida … Read more
Hernando County approves Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing project
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners approved Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s plan to build about 30 affordable homes on a 9.5-acre lot at Miracle Drive and Century Drive, in Spring Hill. The county is donating the land to Habitat as part of its effort to expand homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income … Read more
BankUnited names executive vice president for business banking in Florida and Texas markets
BankUnited (NYSE: BKU) has appointed Lynetta Tipton Steed as executive vice president and head of business banking for its Florida and Texas markets. Steed will oversee business banking operations in both states, focusing on strategic growth initiatives and expanding the bank’s business loan portfolio. She will also work closely with BankUnited’s commercial banking teams. She … Read more
Gasworx secures $182M loan for Ybor City redevelopment
The Gasworx redevelopment, in Ybor City, has secured a $182 million construction loan from Bank OZK, advancing work on three key parcels in the 50-acre project. The financing will fund development on blocks E1, E2 and E3, which include residential, retail and office space. Prague-headquartered PPF Group has joined KETTLER and local developer Darryl Shaw … Read more
Chris Moyer begins chair term at CEO Council of Tampa Bay, announces major news for SME Solutions Group
Chris Moyer, former founder, president and chief executive officer of SME Solutions Group, has started his term as chair of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay. “I am honored to lead the CEO Council into 2025 and look forward to building upon our strong foundation to foster growth and innovation within our business community,” says … Read more