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City of Tampa Cracks Down on Bars & Restaurants

Many local restaurants and bars are struggling to adjust to recent regulations put in place by local governments and authorities. This fall, Governor DeSantis lifted all COVID-19 restrictions that had been put in place for businesses, leading to bars and restaurants resuming their normal operations. This included customers congregating in indoor or outdoor spaces without the use of masks or social distancing guidelines. Although, each local government has the authority to put their own rules in place. 

As the cases continued to rise, the City of Tampa decided to put these regulations back in place and start cracking down on those who violated them at the beginning of the new year. These rules include customers wearing masks at all times unless they are seated with food or drink, restricting the congregation around bars or dance floors, and tight regulations on the number of guests allowed at indoor seating areas. 

Code enforcement along with TPD officers are visiting the bars and restaurants that are most likely known to be violating these guidelines and holding large congregations of individuals. If they come across any violations of these new regulations, the businesses will receive a citation. Businesses with two or more citations are facing a trial of the suspension of their liquor license if they continue to be noncompliant with the new rules. 

There are three businesses in Tampa Bay that are being sent to trial- MacDinton’s Irish Pub, Tangra Nightclub, and Ybor Cigars Plus. They are required to go in front of city council members who ultimately have the final say over alcohol sales on the businesses’ premises. 

Although these harsh regulations and fines are making it tougher for local businesses to  get by during these hard times, Jane Castor, mayor of the City of Tampa, is doing what she thinks is right for Tampa in the long run and for the safety of all citizens. How do you think this will affect businesses and individuals? 

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Top-Rated Takeout In Tampa

With the COVID-19 crisis, nearly every place that serves food has been restricted to takeout only. As we have written about before, ordering takeout is a great way to support the local businesses you love. Today, we have turned to Yelp to find some of the best takeout spots in Tampa.

1. Mad Chiller World

5 stars, $$ | https://www.madchillerworld.com/

Mad Chiller World serves coffee, kava, and kratom, as well as other drinks. In addition to this, they serve flatbreads, and special waffles on the weekends. They are open for takeout, or you can order delivery through Uber Eats.

2. Aladin’s Grill

5 stars, $ | https://www.yelp.com/menu/aladins-grill-tampa

Aladin’s Grill serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food that is touted by locals to be both fresh and authentic. While their menu has plenty of tasty options, what really gets customers raving is their shawarma. They have an unusual location – a gas station – but Tampa natives say that the food is worth it. They offer both takeout and delivery.

3. Thee Burger Spot

4.5 stars, $ | https://www.theeburgerspot.com/

Locals say that Thee Burger Spot makes the best burgers that they have ever had – high praise from a town that has plenty of good eats. The burger patties are fresh and people simply can’t get enough of them. The affordability and crave-factor of these burgers makes them worth your while. Order takeout with curbside pickup or delivery through Uber Eats.

4. Gonzo’s Sandwich Shop

4.5 stars, $ | http://www.gonzosandwichshop.com/

Gonzo’s is best known for their sandwiches with local flavor, like the Cuban and the Pork Drizzle. No matter what, their sandwiches are fully loaded and packed with flavor. They are open for both takeout and delivery.

5. King Of The Coop

4.5 stars, $$ | https://www.kingofthecoop.com/

The only true Nashville Hot Chicken spot in Tampa, according to their customers. If you’re not the spicy chicken type, they do offer “naked” and no-heat options. People rave about both their tenders and sandwiches, along with sides such as creamed collard greens, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and hush puppies. They offer takeout or delivery through their website.

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How You Can Help Your Favorite Local Restaurants

There is no doubt that with the current crisis, local businesses are among the hardest hit. So how can people maintain isolation but still support their favorite local restaurants and businesses? Read on to learn how you can help keep local small businesses afloat.

Buy Gift Cards

Gift cards are a way to give restaurants money now and give yourself a treat later. The cards give business a boost when they need it without exposing people to the risks of a densely populated restaurant.

Order Takeout Or Delivery

Ordering takeout or delivery is another great way to keep money flowing into local restaurants without the crowds. Most health officials have suggested takeout as the preferred method of restaurant dining.

Delivery adds another layer of human contact to the process. Restaurant employees are being closely supervised and taking extra precautions right now. Delivery drivers do not have that same level of supervision. However, delivery means that people do not have to leave their isolation.

Whichever method works for you, it is definitely safer than dining in at a restaurant. The Tampa Bay Times compiled a list here of all restaurants closed or switching to curbside in the area.

Shop Online

When ordering your delivery or takeout, do your best to order online instead of calling in. Most restaurants do not have the staff to be taking phone calls at this point in time. Ordering online makes both the customer’s and the restaurant’s life easier.

Additionally, try to shop online at local businesses that are not in the food service industry. It is tempting to shop on Amazon, which guarantees fast delivery. However, a majority of local businesses would work hard to provide excellent customer service and local flavor.

Order Gifts Ahead Of Time

The goal behind all of these tips is to help people put money into the economy now in order to keep it from declining. One of the ways to do this is by arming yourself now for all of the yearly events down the line.

Birthdays, anniversaries, and winter holidays all make us feel obliged to buy gifts. Get a jump on your present shopping and do it now. This process goes hand in hand with buying gift cards. Get a gift card to your local restaurants and treat your significant other all through their birthday week. Or order online from a local bookstore and save it as a Christmas gift for grandma.

As an added bonus, you will not be scrambling at the last minute to buy those presents later. Stimulate the economy now and have less stress later, that’s a win-win!

Donate

Finally, if you are able to, donating is always an option. Whether that is a donation to an emergency fund for food service employees, or donation of food to kids who are not being fed at school right now. There are many people who need help and will be extremely grateful for what they receive.