Opportunities N.O.K.: The “North of Kennedy” Business Boom

While the big corporations have their hands out up in Washington D.C., down here – in the north of Kennedy (NOK) Boulevard neighborhood of Seminole Heights – small business entrepreneurs have their sleeves rolled up and are working hard, deliberately and surprisingly swift at converting Wall Street’s financial mess into a Main Street business boom.

And if there was ever a place that the mom-n-pop business could be a hero, it’s Seminole Heights. Yes, it has a Starbuck’s (number one in sales for Florida); and yes it has a Publix. But apart from those two standouts, corporate America sightings are far and few between in Tampa’s largest and most populous neighborhood.

Two of these small business heroes are the husband and wife team of Charles and Amy Haynie. They’re the co-owners of Seminole Heights’ recently opened Tampa Street Market.

“This is our home and we love the people here, as well as the area’s uniqueness and diversity,” Amy says. “And there’s buying power here. It’s an untapped market with great demographics and smart consumers that go out of their way to support their local businesses.”

The Haynies have a knack for spotting latent potential. Their specialty retail store features earth-friendly custom crafts (handmade from salvaged pieces), found art, chemical-free hand cleaners, and eco-chic gifts and cards. The market is supported by the progressive views of its savvy patrons and some plain old-fashioned, neighborly good will.

“Before we decided to open here, people told us to ‘Go to South Tampa. Go where the money is,’” Amy says. “But we didn’t think that way. Seminole Heights is up and coming. There’s still a lot here that can be changed, but we’re glad to be a part of it and more and more businesses will follow our lead.”

And according to Todd “Scooter” Gabel, who owns a nearby restaurant, the real estate market is ready for anyone who chooses to follow the Haynies.

“A lot of businesses are coming to Seminole Heights because it’s still possible to buy – instead of rent – commercial property here. And the buy is an even better one when you consider how many other independent businesses will surround you.”

Scooter opened the doors of Cappy’s Pizzeria (on Florida Avenue) nearly three years ago after moving his home from South Tampa’s Palma Ceia neighborhood to Seminole Heights. His Cappy’s is a local favorite and his patrons “run from one end of the spectrum to the other.” It’s this intermingling that creates a comfortable, hipster vibe inside the pizzeria’s walls.

“I think more businesses coming into our neighborhood will actually help our existing ones,” Scooter says. “They’ll bring in new customers from other areas, therefore making our retail and dining district an appealing destination for all of Tampa’s residents.”

John Obediente agrees and is moving his swanky Spanish tapas concept from Hyde Park to Seminole Heights. Still under construction, he’s transforming the old Leroy’s 4x4 Auto Repair Shop into an eco-friendly building that will house retail space and three restaurants: Sangria’s Tapas Bar, Leroy’s Gastro Pub and Myoumi Sushi Bar.

“This is prime real estate,” John says. “It’s a main thoroughfare that’s very visible and accessible from I275. Two hundred thousand cars drive by on a daily basis and it’s just ten minutes from anywhere in Tampa.”

“Plus, the neighborhood has been extremely supportive of our move,” John continues. “To me, this is the new South Tampa, and I can just imagine how well we’ll do in Seminole Heights.”

It’s this level of excitement for the area that played a role in Anthony and Elke Catania’s decision to open the neighborhood’s Reservations Gourmet To-Go back in December 2008. Their food service shop prepares made-from-scratch meals every day, so that busy families can pick them up to enjoy together in the comfort of their homes.

But while Reservations was established to make things easier, the Catania’s search for where to open it was an exhausting one.

“We looked all over Tampa and especially South Tampa,” says Elke. “But nothing was ever right. Then one day, someone at New Heights Magazine called us and said this location was available. That’s when everything clicked. It was a no-brainer, as it’s just blocks from our house.”

Patrick Purpura lives and works in the neighborhood, too. He became something of an “urban pioneer” when he opened his Front Porch Grill (inside a lovely, Victorian-style house) seven years ago with the foresight that one day a complete retail and dining district would emerge and prosper. He sees his vision gaining momentum, but is both cautious and hopeful that it will be done in a way that stays true to the neighborhood’s mom-n-pop feel.

“There are many independent businesses coming here now … and that’s a great thing,” he says. “There’s also been talk of chains coming here; but what do people here really want? I believe this is a true neighborhood and we can – with the right help – create our own image as a little village. We have a way to go, but we are all very optimistic.”

Quick Facts

Neighborhood: Seminole Heights

Founded: 1911

Population: 24,000

Area Size: Approximately Nine (9) Sq. Miles

Boundaries:
West & North: Hillsborough River
South: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bouleavard
East: 15th Street (between Dr. MLK Boulevard and Hillsborough Avenue) & 22nd Street (between Hillsborough Avenue and the river)

Business District:
See map by CLICKING HERE.


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Business Guild of Seminole Heights

Established in 2005, the Business Guild of Seminole Heights (BGoSH) is an association of business owners, artists and concerned citizens who are based within the boundaries of Seminole Heights. All BGoSH members share a goal of further beautifying and improving their neighborhood’s commercial district and encouraging new businesses to open and/or move to the area.

To learn more about BGoSH, its goals and its activities – or to become a member of the organization – visit www.BGoSH.org.