David Greco, co-owner of Barley Hopper's in Ybor, offers this suggestion for re-energizing Centro Ybor.
"If everyone came down here and had a beer we'd all be fine."
Too simple? Probably. But he makes a good point, especially in light of last week's news that taxpayers are on the hook for $16-million in Centro's loans.
When Barley Hopper's International Alehouse & Grille opened in early 2001, Greco couldn't keep the beer kegs full. People swarmed the place, and he immediately set his sights on franchising the concept.
THEN 9/11 HIT. Greco, a cousin of former Mayor Dick Greco, knows it's a "tired, old excuse," but the facts remain: Tourist traffic dried up and locals got stingy. Ybor businesses on average saw sales drop 30 percent.
Feeling no sympathy? Then look around South Tampa. Places you thought would last forever have waved the white flag. Primadonna Trattoria. Closed. Cafe Pepe. Closed. Old Meeting House. Closed.
Centro Ybor's struggle should come as no surprise. Unlike successful Baywalk in St. Petersburg, Centro Ybor faces competition. We've got International Plaza, Channelside and SoHo, and oodles of theater screens within a few miles.
Unfortunately, Ybor also has an image problem. Baywalk is seen as a family-friendly place to shop and eat, where parents can drop off young kids to watch a movie. Not true for Centro Ybor.
AROUND HERE, parents prefer the theaters at WestShore Plaza or even Britton Plaza. Ybor's a little wild for 12 year olds spreading their wings. Meanwhile, adults shun the teeny-bopper crowd and worry about crime, which police Chief Stephen Hogue assures is down.
Many local business owners say they've considered opening at Ybor but decided against it.
Jeanne Lavettre, owner of Serendipity on Davis Islands since 1993, says she couldn't withstand the high rents and party emphasis. She used to work in Ybor Square when it housed a bunch of eclectic shops and prefers the days when Ybor catered to an artsier crowd.
"It was full of character and flavor. It's not interesting now," she said. "It's on a one-note song. Bars."
Gordon Davis, owner of St. Bart's Island House on Howard Avenue, similarly thought about opening a Mexican restaurant at the former Rosario's on Seventh Avenue, but the deal fell through.
"Running a business there is a stretch," said the longtime restaurateur. "It's tough to draw a regular dining crowd." People in fancy outfits don't want to walk a few blocks from the parking garage, he said. What Ybor needs is more residential development, more neighborhood regulars.
Hope remains. Jason Fernandez, owner of Bernini on Seventh, says he's doing well thanks to aggressive marketing at area hotels and businesses. Rather than scale back operations like many have done, he expanded, creating a private dining room for group parties and offering gift certificates and discounts.
Since opening in 1996, he's seen foot traffic gradually increase during the day. Garages have solved the parking problem and police have beefed up their presence.
Given more time, Centro Ybor is bound to turn around, he predicts. People moving into Channel District, downtown and Ybor will help. So will growing tourism.
"It's hard for everyone, but I think it's going to be okay," he said. "This city needs Ybor City."
THE LAST DROP: Feeling the effects of post-holiday sweets withdrawal? Burned out on New Year's resolutions? Then try the Chocolate Layer Cake Jones at Bern's Steak House. It's one of about 15 new desserts Bern's debuted last month. Others include the peanut butter truffle and the chocolate souffle.
