It’s Official—Hamburger Mary’s coming to Ybor
It’s now official. In a press release dated Aug. 18, Hamburger Mary’s International announced that a new Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille will open in Tampa’s Centro Ybor complex this fall. “We are thrilled to be opening this restaurant. We chose this location carefully because of the rebirth of the Ybor District,” said Michal Higgins, one of four “longtime Tampa residents and community business leaders” in the franchise group. The 200-seat restaurant will bring 30 new jobs to the area.
St. Pete Pride Board replaces co-chair
Two months after the largest St. Pete Pride street festival in history swamped Central Avenue, a co-chair of the organization has stepped down. Brian Stipsits, who held the role along with Jeff Klein, says he was compelled to resign because of his work schedule. The board elected Stanley Solomons as his replacement, and Solomons will serve for one year—the remainder of Sipsits’ two-year term. Klein will also step down this year because of term limits.
Return of the Goyas
Ybor City native Manny Alvarez has reached a deal with Czar in Ybor City to convert the club into The Goya Dance Club on Saturday nights beginning in mid-September. Alvarez said that while the Czar is very LGBT-friendly, it didn’t have a specific draw for the community. He says Goya-themed night will provide a larger, more mature dance club atmosphere for Ybor City partiers. He expects to charge a small cover on those nights to cover costs. Alvarez also hopes to call attention to ‘The Goyas’—long-overlooked murals set in tile that have been admired by several historical figures, including President Teddy Roosevelt. More details on the opening should be released soon, according to Alvarez.
Rowe heads to Jupiter
Julie Rowe is heading south. The popular American Stage actress and activist who has been a force with the theater’s Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is moving to Jupiter. Friends and fans gathered at the theater on Aug. 17 to present her with an award honoring her for all of her work in the local arts community and her volunteerism. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.
