The opening of two new “restaurants” show a great deal of contrasts in the neighborhood. Koto Japanese Steakhouse has opened in the former Whaleys Plaza. This large restaurant has hibachi tables, sushi bar, and dining area. The service is efficient and friendly. The amount of money spent is substantial. This very nice restaurant became the subject of antagonistic debate at a City Council meeting as the subject of the hours they can be allowed alcoholic beverages surfaced. We reported the school ground behavior of council members at that time, but that is not the main part of this story – which is contrast.
The Ribit’s BBQ stand has opened at the corner of Azeele and South Howard. With stacks of firewood, two large grilles and more, they are opening late during most nights. The smell of firewood is warm and comforting. Due to their not selling any alcoholic beverages, they have opened without having to endure the circus trial provided by the City Council.
While I like the firewood smell that permeates for blocks, the amount of complaints being generated are on the rise. When we asked City officials about the licensing of the business, we were told it is in order. However, the Florida Restaurant Division has provided a 60 day warning for more issues to be resolved before becoming in compliance.
Complaints have come from other restaurants as well as local residents. Complaints have centered on licensing, smoke, streetside vending, and more.
The contrast between these two new SOHO locations are extremely dramatic but not nearly as much so as the City’s governance of them. It sure makes all those discussions about neighborhood plans, hours of operation, and makes you wonder.
The Ribit’s BBQ stand has opened at the corner of Azeele and South Howard. With stacks of firewood, two large grilles and more, they are opening late during most nights. The smell of firewood is warm and comforting. Due to their not selling any alcoholic beverages, they have opened without having to endure the circus trial provided by the City Council.
While I like the firewood smell that permeates for blocks, the amount of complaints being generated are on the rise. When we asked City officials about the licensing of the business, we were told it is in order. However, the Florida Restaurant Division has provided a 60 day warning for more issues to be resolved before becoming in compliance.
Complaints have come from other restaurants as well as local residents. Complaints have centered on licensing, smoke, streetside vending, and more.
The contrast between these two new SOHO locations are extremely dramatic but not nearly as much so as the City’s governance of them. It sure makes all those discussions about neighborhood plans, hours of operation, and makes you wonder.
Bravo to Ribbit's for attempting to give South Tampans & SOHO residents a bit of local "FLAVOR"!! You know, something other than the usual Tommy-O vs. Those Guys Who Own the Lime,Daily Eats etc.dukeout...Bama, (the owner of Ribitts) is a thoughtful, courteous soul,attentive to his customers,all the while serving great OUTDOOR barbecue in the same fashion or better than the now defunct Whalley's Market. So the one's whining please stuff your mouth shut with something really worthwhile in south Tampa before Ribbit's decides to move on and grace another community(like the up n' coming Seminole Heights)!!
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate the new flavor, however we need stability in the neighborhood. The owner of that lot is a smart man, but no business can succeed there with the absurd lease rate of $10,000/month. Someone (*cough cough - SOHO Leisure Group?) needs to jump in and buy the lot and do something with it. It's an eyesore - Kudos to the scooter location for making an attempt, but as stated earlier what business can succeed with a 10K monthly lease?
ReplyDelete