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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

  • Leadership
  • By Ted Carter
  • July 6, 2018
Brothers expand successful restaurant business

Independent restaurant company D&D Restaurants, even in a market dominated by national chains, finds ways to stand out.

  • Travel-Tourism
  • By Brian Hartz
  • June 1, 2018
A spark of innovation gets big results

Tampa marketing firm SPARK shares how it pulled off a big win for longtime client Visit Florida.

  • Travel-Tourism
  • By Grier Ferguson
  • April 27, 2018
To stand out, hotel focuses on the arts

The newly opened Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota brands itself as an authentic arts experience. Will that translate to success in a crowded market?

  • Travel-Tourism
  • By Beth Luberecki
  • April 13, 2018
Entrepreneur smells opportunity with sweet sauce

Necessity caused restaurateur Bob Overholser to innovate with products. Now he has another revenue stream.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • By Brian Hartz
  • April 6, 2018
Paradise gained: Ad agency thriving under new owners

Replacing a star, especially in an ownership role, isn't for the weak-minded. A globetrotting power couple gives it a go, with strong results so far.

  • Travel-Tourism
« 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 »
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