TAMPA, Fla. — Sparkman Wharf, the newly revamped and re-visioned venue previously known as Channelside Bay Plaza, is set make its official debut to Tampa residents later this week.
- Business owner: "It's almost like an outdoor mall."
- Venue features lawn games, biergarten, 10 food trucks, music court
- Grand opening Friday, November 30
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It all starts with a weekend grand-opening celebration starting Friday, November 30.
"It's almost like an outdoor mall," said Steve McGlocklin, owner of Whatever Pops and Bowls, one of the wharf's new eateries.
In total, there will be 10 local food trucks at the wharf. Each of the "trucks" was built from shipping containers.
"I don't know who started using shipping containers for food trucks, but it's pretty genius," said Edison Swigamajig chef Jeannie Pierola.
In addition to the food trucks, there will be lawn games, a biergarten, an outdoor music court and a waterfront view of the port.
Developers said it's quite a different feel from Channelside.
"Channelside was 100% entertainment driven and it was also very insular," said James Nozar, CEO of Strategic Property Partners. "It didn't take advantage of the waterfront and the views that we have here."
While Channelside Plaza struggled, developers believe the new concept will work because of the creative dishes and growth of the area. More than 5,000 residents now live in the Channelside district.
Developers also intend to add office space in the buildings around the wharf to bring even more people to the area.
When cruise ships are not docked at the port, the gates will be unlocked so people can walk, sit or eat along the water.
In the next few months, the view from the wharf will also change. Crews will replace the current fencing with a foldable fence to allow for a better port-side view.
The wharf will be open on Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 11 a.m. It will also be open on game days and for special events.