Travel–Tourism

By Mark Gordon
February 24, 2023

Tampa restaurant company resurrects California-famous Tiki brand

23 Restaurant Services, the company behind Ford’s Garage, revs up another restaurant concept with an iconic American heritage brand behind it.

Strategies

By Louis Llovio
February 14, 2023

Tampa takes step toward building 5-mile, $30M Riverwalk expansion

The city, with the aid of $24 million federal grant, is on the hunt for design team as it expands the trail and addresses safety concerns in neighborhoods west of downtown.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Mark Gordon
February 8, 2023

Popular national wine bar and eatery expands in SWFL, seeks to hire 100 people

The Fort Myers location is No. 55 for Cooper’s Hawk nationwide.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Business Observer Staff
January 31, 2023

Hotel owner on Ian recovery: 'It's like playing 3D chess with one eye closed'

Progress is slow, but happening, on Southwest Florida beaches.

Travel-Tourism

By Amanda Postma
January 6, 2023

The combination of leisure and work travel might stick around in 2023

When people are tired of looking at the same wall at home while working, a change of scenery just might be the answer.

Travel-Tourism

By Observer Staff
January 5, 2023

Dairy farm owner on post-Ian survival: 'I’ve never been challenged so much in my life'

The Myakka dairy farm prepares for an a tough road in 2023 as it tries to increase its herd and repair damages from the hurricane.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Amanda Postma
December 27, 2022

Opening date for dog bar on 'paws' as challenges stack up

The owners behind what they believe will be the "doggiest space to hang out" battle various construction delays.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Mark Gordon
December 9, 2022

Restaurant company, behind 5-star fun motto, nearly doubles locations in less than a year

Fun-loving restaurant owner John Horne takes a "why not now" approach to growth.

Strategies

By Brian Hartz
November 10, 2022

Boat lift maker, sailing school on the mend after Ian

IMM Quality Boat Lifts and Offshore Sailing School are just two of Hurricane Ian’s marine industry victims. But their experiences before, during and after the storm come with valuable lessons.