Travel–Tourism

By Andrew Warfield
April 12, 2019

The accidental franchising plan

Making no bones about it, Fort Myers-based Rib City is slow cooking its growth strategy. It’s a sweet recipe for success.

Travel-Tourism

By Grier Ferguson
April 5, 2019

Smaller stadiums aim to host more non-sporting events

The hyper-competitive race to win entertainment customers in Florida has a few new players: small-scale stadiums.

Travel-Tourism

By Andrew Warfield
April 5, 2019

Golf club hosts pro tournament on short notice

The Classics at Lely Resort Golf and Country Club took on the arduous task of hosting the Chubb Classic PGA Tour Champions event on four months' notice. The choice is already paying dividends.

Travel-Tourism

By Andrew Warfield
April 5, 2019

Moneyball

Major League Baseball spring training means big money to Lee County businesses. After the Red Sox and Twins leave, their facilities mean even more.

Travel-Tourism

By Mark Gordon
March 22, 2019

Restaurant giant, boosted by delivery, embarks on renovation project

Staying relevant in a sea of competition, changing tastes and other obstacles is a prime challenge for one of the biggest restaurant companies in the region.

Travel-Tourism

By Traci McMillan Beach
December 14, 2018

Sub chain CEO: 'I'll clean the worst restrooms'

Don Fox was recently in Tampa for a University of South Florida Muma College of Business “Conversation with a CEO” event. In an interview with the Business Observer, Fox talked about leadership, franchise best practices and connecting business with philan

Leadership

By Brian Hartz
November 30, 2018

Smooth operator: Franchisee works the system to great success

U.S. Army veteran Emily Harrington has been a Tropical Smoothie Café franchisee for just a couple of years. She already owns five locations in the Tampa Bay, Florida, area and recently signed on to run eight more, in Pasco County.

Travel-Tourism

By Brian Hartz
November 16, 2018

Economic forecast: Judah Longgrear, founder and CEO, The Nickel Ride

Judah Longgrear, founder and CEO of the The Nickel Ride, has seen big growth for the company in St. Petersburg, Florida, and looks ahead to expanding to Naples and Dunedin.

Travel-Tourism

By Andrew Warfield
November 16, 2018

Economic Forecast: Zac Kearns, vice president, Kearns Restaurant Group

Zac Kearns sees rebound from off year for Kearns Restaurant Group because of green algae, red tide

Travel-Tourism

By Brian Hartz
September 14, 2018

Second time around proves successful for restaurateur

Restaurant consultant Louie Spetrini didn't let his first, failed attempt at restaurant ownership stop him from pursuing excellence. Now his Nueva Cantina concept is a nascent chain, with locations in St. Petersburg, Tampa and, coming next year, Largo.

Travel-Tourism

By Mark Gordon
July 27, 2018

Prominent business family perseveres through odds, obstacles

Richard Gonzmart he’s the fourth generation of his family to run Columbia, the oldest restaurant in Florida. In addition to the flagship Ybor City spot, which opened in 1905, there are six other Columbia Restaurant locations, from Sarasota to St. Augustin