Spectra by Comcast Spectacor & Columbia Restaurant Group Join Forces to Pitch Food & Beverage Contract at Tampa Convention Center with "Fresh from Florida" Approach

Spectra by Comcast Spectacor and the Tampa-based Columbia Restaurant Group will collaborate on bidding for a contract to provide food services and hospitality to the Tampa Convention Center, a 600,000-square-foot facility, in a bid that emphasizes local flavor.

Spectra Food Services & Hospitality (formerly Ovations Food Services), a national food service company, operates at more than 140 facilities throughout the United States and Canada, including stadiums, arenas, convention centers, cultural attractions, fairgrounds, casinos and other specialty venues. Spectra is the provider of Food Services & Hospitality to the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, and the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto—all similar in size to the Tampa Convention Center.

In the Tampa area, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality operates at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, the Museum of Science & Industry, Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theater, and the Lakeland Center.

Spectra Venue Management operates in the area at the USF Sun Dome.

The Columbia Restaurant Group owns and operates the oldest restaurant in Florida, the Columbia Restaurant, with seven Florida locations; the newest concept, the award-winning Ulele in Tampa Heights; Cha Cha Coconuts, a tropical bar and grill; and is reviving the iconic Tampa institution Goody Goody, which was known for its burgers and pies.

“Together with this exciting partnership, we hope to provide to the Tampa Convention Center a fresh, authentic local food and beverage program,” said Ken Young, president of Spectra Food Services & Hospitality. “Tampa is our home, and we take great pride in our beautiful convention center on the waterfront.”

“Convention attendees and other travelers want to experience authentic local flavors without sacrificing quality or value,” said Richard Gonzmart, fourth-generation co-owner and president of the Columbia Restaurant Group. “No one is more local than we are. Our family has served residents and visitors for
more than 110 years. Through this strong partnership, we are uniquely positioned to transform the convention center menu into a local culinary showcase.”

Spectra and the Columbia Restaurant Group will utilize their relationships with local ranchers, farmers, and suppliers to create a true Fresh from Florida concept at the Convention Center.

Specific details of the plan under development by Spectra and the Columbia Restaurant Group will remain private until they are proposed to city officials during the proposal process.