TAMPA, Fla.- Taste of South Tampa Restaurant Week 2020 kicked off this weekend, here is what the food lovers need to know.
The Annual Taste of South Tampa has been on many calendars, but this year it was canceled due to the pandemic. For the past 15 years, Tampa residents were excited for in person food events where they can come out and try many of the different options local restaurants have to offer in South Tampa. This year is a little different, you have several special dining options all week long with the new Taste of South Tampa Restaurant Week 2020. All week long through October 18th, you can get discounts and special menu options and some of South Tampa’s best dining spots. Local restaurants and Chefs that are participating have developed special dishes and specials that won’t disappoint your taste buds.
For participating restaurants and specials visit https://www.southtampachamber.org/news/details/news-release-9-14-2020-2981
After months of canceled events in the Bay Area, the hospitality industry is looking forward to increased local foot traffic. You can get your dining passport by visiting the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce Office through October 16th as well as all participating restaurants.
Every day of Restaurant Week you have a chance to win a $25 gift card to a participating restaurant. See the Chambers website for details.
I spoke with Kelly Flannery, CEO of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce about the impacts that the pandemic has had on the restaurant and hospitality industry. “While Phase 3 is now in effect in the State of Florida and restaurants can now be open at full capacity, it will most likely be months before this industry has recovered,” she explained, “Many of the restaurants throughout the Tampa Bay area are locally owned small businesses and there was no way to prepare for the impact that COVID-19 has had.” Of course, most restaurants are practicing safety measures in place as part of their standard protocol since the pandemic hit. Although it feels as things are improving, it is still recommended that you follow CDC guidelines when you get out and enjoy yourself this week.
When I asked Kelly what she recommends businesses do to stay relevant during this challenging time and how the community can support these businesses, Kelly replied, “Our recommendation to these businesses is to keep offering alternative options even as they reopen in a more traditional capacity so that they can reach the maximum number of customers. And our call to action for the community is to come out and support these businesses! These are our family, friends, and neighbors who need the community to rally around them more than ever!”