News Summary
Columbia Restaurant, established in 1905 and located in Ybor City, is marking its rich legacy in Tampa Bay’s culinary scene. Owned by the Gonzmart family for five generations, the restaurant has built a strong local following while adapting to modern times. With a commitment to community support and tradition, Columbia is poised for continued success as it honors its historical roots while embracing future challenges.
Tampa Bay, Florida – Columbia Restaurant, established in 1905 in Ybor City, is celebrating its enduring legacy in the culinary landscape and community of Tampa Bay. Owned and operated by the Gonzmart family for five generations, this historical dining institution has played a significant role as a cultural anchor for the area, serving a diverse clientele that includes local patrons, celebrities, and even presidents.
Initially catering to cigar workers and immigrant families, Columbia Restaurant has garnered a loyal following over the decades, with over 80% of its customers being locals. The current owner, Andrea Gonzmart Williams, represents the fifth generation dedicated to continuing the family’s legacy while also modernizing operations. She is joined in the leadership by her cousin, Casey Gonzmart Jr., and her father, Richard Gonzmart, who has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s business approach through his philanthropic efforts and visionary outlook.
Richard Gonzmart recalls that his formative experiences in the Columbia kitchen were pivotal in his career, and Andrea followed in her family’s footsteps, having worked in various roles within the restaurant during her childhood before committing to it full-time after earning her degree from the University of South Florida.
As the restaurant enters its second century, the leadership aims to strike a balance between honoring tradition and embracing modernization. Andrea is committed to preserving the essence of the restaurant while implementing innovative practices to ensure continued success in a changing economic landscape. Together, Richard and Andrea foster a dynamic environment reflective of the restaurant’s long-standing values combined with a modern approach.
As part of its commitment to the community, Columbia Restaurant has made significant contributions, such as participating in fundraising initiatives like Richard’s Father’s Day Walk & Jog, which has raised nearly $1 million for the Moffitt Cancer Center. In light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrea initiated an employee assistance fund to support staff during financial hardships, given that 90% of Columbia’s employees were furloughed due to temporary closures.
Despite various crises throughout its history—ranging from the Great Depression to Prohibition and the Spanish Flu—Columbia Restaurant has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The restaurant group has a strategic focus on a robust post-pandemic recovery, illustrating their commitment to ongoing community support, exemplified by initiatives like the annual Columbia Community Harvest, which donates a portion of meal costs to local nonprofits.
As of 2023, Richard Gonzmart has announced plans to reduce his involvement with the establishment at the age of 72, although he intends to remain active in some capacity. Andrea emphasizes the significance of continuing the Gonzmart legacy, reflecting her desire to see the same family-run traditions passed down through generations. She encourages her daughter to explore the restaurant, mirroring her own childhood experiences.
Columbia Restaurant stands as the oldest restaurant in Florida, having contributed over $4.4 million to local nonprofits through various community initiatives. It remains a vital piece of Tampa Bay’s culinary heritage and community spirit, fostering the importance of family, tradition, and philanthropy as it prepares to embrace the future.
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Additional Resources
- Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
- Fox 13 News
- Chowhound
- Wikipedia: Columbia Restaurant
- Google Search: Columbia Restaurant Tampa Bay
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
