Greater Tampa Bay is undeniably a great place to live, from its rich cultural environment with numerous fun things to do, thriving business communities, champion sports teams, top notch education and health care systems and much, much more. Do not just take it from us, however. Hear these prominent leaders in the community share their reasons for, “Why Greater Tampa Bay?”
Richard Gonzmart
The fourth-generation owner of the historic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Richard Gonzmart has earned many recognitions as a highly influential and charitable member of the Tampa Bay community. As part of his philanthropic efforts, Gonzmart serves or has served on dozens of nonprofit boards and organizations, and hehasbeen named — as part of more than 100 awards — Community Hero by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Boys and Girls Clubs and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
I am the fourth-generation owner and “caretaker” of Columbia Restaurant Group. I am also the founder of Richard’s Run for Life, Richard’s Father’s Day Walk & Jog and the Columbia Community Harvest. I am also proud to have served on Tampa General Hospital’s governing board and been named a Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope Francis for distinguished service to the Catholic Church.
My great-grandfather came to Tampa’s Ybor City in 1902, and my family has never left. Tampa has given me everything. It’s where I found the love of my life, lifelong friends and satisfying and rewarding work at our family’s 116-year-old company, which now has 14 restaurants and six brands.
We’ve expanded on our original and classic Columbia brand with new concepts and locations, including Ulele, an award-winning New American restaurant; Casa Santo Stefano, a relatively new Sicilian restaurant; and Goody Goody, our reimagining of the classic American diner.
Tampa has stellar arts facilities and programming, championship sports teams, world-class medical facilities and airport, not to mention beautiful beaches nearby. There is an exploding culinary scene, and while it’s big enough to handle national events, it’s still small enough to feel like a community. Plus, it’s a friendly place, where newcomers don’t remain strangers for very long.
By Angela Underwood
