Almost a year ago to the day, Columbia Restaurant owner, Richard Gonzmart announced his plans to spearhead a $2 million renovation to Downtown Tampa‘s longstanding Water Works building, turning it into a new seafood restaurant planned to be called Ciao’s.
Now, things have changed a bit. Gonzmart still has the Water Works building, but will now transform it into a Tampa history-themed restaurant called 'Ulele', according to the Tampa Tribune.
Named after the story of the native Timucuan chief's daughter, Ulele, who saved the life of famous Spanish explorer, Juan Ortiz, Gonzmart's new restaurant hopes to capture a bit of Tampa history like this while satisfying hungry diners far and wide.
Last year, Gonzmart gained ownership rights to the Water Works building overlooking the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. The building also sits next to the 5-acre Water Works Park which plays home to Ulele Springs, a longstand source of fresh drinking water for the Tampa area and the inspiration for the new restaurant's name.
Gonzmart originally planned to turn the building into a seafood restaurant called Ciao's, but recently changed to the Ulele concept. Ulele will boast a rooftop garden where herbs and other vegetables will grow for use in the restaurant. Gonzmart and company also hope to ink a potential partnership with Cigar City Brewing for an exclusive new beer to be served in the restaurant.
We'll keep you posted as more news arises, including an opening date, additional details, and more regarding the new, Ulele restaurant in Downtown Tampa.
