Travel–Tourism

By Louis Llovio
September 23, 2021

From the gridiron to the golf course

Buccaneers legend Ronde Barber moves from football to helping organize the preeminent golf tournament in the area.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Beth Luberecki
August 26, 2021

Country singer gets into new business with burger joint

Onetime building inspector says he knows there will be a big learning curve.

Travel-Tourism

By Amanda Postma
August 19, 2021

The restaurant industry faces disruption in the current model with a new concept — ghost kitchens

The restaurant industry is facing a restructured model with the rise of ghost kitchens. A few spirited and ambitious restaurateurs are all-in on the concept.

Travel-Tourism

By Louis Llovio
August 12, 2021

National hotel chain debuts new brand concept in Tampa

North Carolina hotel company, chasing population growth, makes Florida the focus of its new brand and expansion.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Amanda Postma
August 12, 2021

While leisure travel spikes, business travel remains half of what it was

Tourism numbers are back up. New flights are multiplying in airports across the region. But business travel has been slow to join the party.

Travel-Tourism

By Louis Llovio
July 29, 2021

New destinations provide a boon for tourism groups and an opportunity for businesses

The economy is returning to some kind of normal in a variety of ways — particularly at the region's airports.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Beth Luberecki
July 1, 2021

Catering firm relies on survival instincts

Brian and Nicole Roland’s ability to adapt and rethink how to reach customers has helped their business ventures make it through the pandemic with aplomb.

Travel-Tourism

By Mark Gordon
June 17, 2021

Restaurant-focused tech company targets a smorgasbord of opportunities

Omnivore capitalizes on several trends with one main target: a bigger piece of market share.

Travel-Tourism

By Louis Llovio
May 27, 2021

Championships aren't just about trophies, they're a chance to make money

Sports is big business and when you win, like Tampa Bay's teams have, it's even bigger. Companies big and small in the region have found different ways to capitalize on the success.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Louis Llovio
May 6, 2021

Restaurateur turns to tech to make up for employee shortage

Green Market Cafe has begun adding kiosks to help cut down on the number of employees

Travel-Tourism

By Louis Llovio
May 6, 2021

To cut down on interview no shows, restaurant owner turns to incentives

Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria offers cash to lure new employees

Travel-Tourism

By Amanda Postma, Louis Llovio and Mark Gordon
May 6, 2021

Help wanted crisis has restaurants scrambling

The timing is like burnt toast: just as the economy opens up, restaurants are facing a critical shortage of employees. But solutions are percolating.

Travel-Tourism

By Business Observer Staff
April 29, 2021

Tourism group goes Hollywood, produces 8-episode TV series

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater has helped produce "Life's Rewards," an eight-episode television series that begins airing May 10 on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services.