07.17.2023

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

💰 Rubbing elbows with a TBAY restaurateur

Inside Business: Talking Summer Camp updates with Hunger Thirst Group

Screen Shot 2023-07-16 at 5.40.42 PM.png

City Editor Brad spoke to Stephen on an upcoming, unnamed podcast. We’ll keep you posted on details soon. | Photo via Only Wave

You could throw a dart at a map of St. Petersburg, and chances are, it would land on one of Hunger Thirst Groups’ seven (soon to be eight, but we’ll get into that) restaurants + bar concepts.

Good Fortune hosts Pretty in Pink Wednesdays, where it’s 25 percent off for women who have a “Pretty Kitty Card.”
|
Photo via Good Fortune

We sat down with HTG CEO, Tampa native, and current Burg resident Stephen Schrutt to ask a few burning questions. Two of them being: how the redevelopment of Tropicana field will affect Ballparks & Rec; and the future of his newest project Summer Camp St. Pete.

Here’s what he had to say.

Historic Gas Plant District updates + Ballpark & Rec

Right now, the restaurant sits inside Tropicana Field, which sees ~17,800 fans per home game, per Ballpark Digest. Pro tip: If you’re going to a Rays game, the spot is perfect for getting in a seventh-inning stretch round of giant cup pong.

Q: What happens to Ballpark & Rec once they start building the new Rays stadium?

A: “Things have been great with the Rays. I love being there, and I hope Ballpark is a part of it.”

What’s coming next

Stephen’s newest spot Summer Camp St. Pete (2060 1st Ave. S., St Pete), will draw a lot of inspiration from those nostalgic sleep-away camp summers in the great outdoors.” The bar and restaurant will have an outdoor stage for live music, custom-made tents, and campfires.

Q: When can we expect Summer Camp to open?

A: “We hope to open by the end of the season, but I don’t want to give a hard date just yet because we’re still far out, and anything could happen. It would be cool to be open for Halloween.”

Tips for TBAY entrepreneurs

Events

Monday, July 17

Dark Wave Yoga’s Tears for Fears | Monday, July 17 | 7:15-8:15 p.m. | Lucky Cat Yoga, 2740 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | $20-$22 | Yoga and punk music converge in a darkened room for an intermediate-level flow class.

Tuesday, July 18

Singles Mixer: Must Love Dogs | Tuesday, July 18 | 7-11 p.m. | Yard of Ale, 260 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg | Free | Puppy owners can bring their furry friends and wingmen to socialize over $5 drink specials — make sure your pup’s shots are up to date.

Wednesday, July 19

Brown Bag Buddies | Wednesday, July 19 | 10-11 a.m. | Lotz of Blessings, 1000 Lakeview Rd. Ste. 4, Clearwater | Free | Prepare some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to support local school children.

Thursday, July 20

The Thursday Night Skate | Thursday, July 20 | 8-10 p.m. | The Tavern at Bayboro, 120 6th Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Lace up your skates for a 10.5-mile moderate cruise through Downtown St. Pete — reserve a spot online.

100+ more events

Click here to have your event featured.

Community

Your ultimate guide to Tampa Bay has arrived

Fall in love with the city even more with our Ultimate City Guide. | Graphic by 6AM City

We all know that Tampa Bay is a special place with a never-ending supply of things to do, see, and experience. That got us thinking — we already spend our days helping you get the most out of our city. So what if we curated a collection of guides that will be updated and available anytime to help you navigate all our great city has to offer?

That’s just what we’ve done. Say hello to TBAY’s City Guide, your ultimate digital destination for the best ways to get out there and learn about the city you love.

We’ve broken the guides into three categories:

LIVE — Schools, neighborhoods, and unwritten rules of the city
WORK — Top industries, startups, and great spots to work outside
PLAY — Parks, festivals, hikes, and date nights

That just scratches the surface. We’ve got guides to local Airbnb and Vrbo rentals, navigating the airport, volunteer opportunities around town, and even where you and your pooch can grab a drink together.

Ready to get to know your city even better? Check out the link below. And if there’s a guide you’d love to see, send us a suggestion because this list of guides will just keep growing.

Oh, and one more thing. For all you marketing folks out there, we have one exclusive sponsorship available. We will feature your brand next to everywhere the guides appear in the newsletter, website, and social media. It’s an opportunity that won’t last long, so drop us a line.

Start exploring now

News Notes

Sports

Ever wondered what was on the second floor of Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill? The spot recently added two full-size virtual golf simulation rooms. Each bay is open for rounds of 18 holes on nearly 100 digital fairways for $40 an hour. (I Love the Burg)

Ranked

No. 3. That’s where Tampa International Airport landed on Travel and Leisure’s “Readers’ 10 Favorite Domestic Airports of 2023” list. Each airport was rated on factors like restaurants + bars, shopping, design, and security. (Travel and Leisure)

Travel

Speaking of TPA. Soon, you’ll be able to book nonstop flights to Toronto and Montreal through Lynx Air. The services begin in November.

Announced

Tampa Bay Brewing Co. is hosting its 9th annual Badass Beer Fest on Saturday, Nov. 4. Tickets include unlimited pours of more than 150 local brews — from spots like Green Bench + Coppertail — plus access to tasty food trucks and live music. (That’s So Tampa)

Biz

Pinellas Park took the No. 37 spot on the USDA’s best small cities to start a small business roundup. It’s worth noting Sarasota came in at No. 38. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Closing

It’s the end of an era. After nearly three decades, Ybor City’s Boneyard (1823 E. 7th Ave.) is officially closed. The dive bar staple poured stiff drinks + boasted one of TBAY’s top hot dogs. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Eat

Looking for a date night or family activity to beat this summer heat? Cool off with Tampa’s chillest artisanal ice cream founded by and named after the Tampa-native Chillura brothers. Bonus: Chill Bros. Scoop Shop crafts ice cream, waffle cones + toppings locally. See the sweet story behind the brother’s childhood dream.*

Shop

On our wish list: the NETVUE Smart Bird Feeder. It identifies bird species + captures live, high-quality footage you can save or share from your phone.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Culture

🥹 Let it out TBAY, it’s okay

Where to cry tears of joy or sorrow in Tampa Bay

Trust us, go to the beach on a foggy morning or evening — the vibes are top-tier zen. | Photo by TBAYtoday

City Editor Brad here — look, we all know some days are more demanding than others. Allowing yourself to have a good, hard cry in the proper setting can often be cathartic and help you work through whatever’s bothering you in a healthy way.

To that end, here are two places around TBAY where I like to have a good cry. Pro tip: These spots also double as happy places to sob tears of joy.

Walk from Armature Works to the Tampa Riverwalk

Pace your frustration out along the scenic Hillsborough River. Pro tip: For best results, time your stroll at sunset. Plus, by the time you return to your car, the city lights will be on, so you can have one of those dramatic streetlight moments.

St. Pete Beach when it’s raining

Imagine this: A cool gray fog washes over the teal-blue waters of St. Pete Beach. It’s just you, your towel, one of America’s top beaches, and whatever you’ve been bottling up or waiting to let go.

Where’s your favorite place in TBAY to cry happy and/or sad tears? Let us know.

Find your TBAY happy spot

Share TBAYtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_2}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Brad

From the editor

Think about it. TPA is the perfect place to let those tears fall. Everyone is in such a hustle, they won’t see even see you.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY