Gulfport was hit hard in the past two hurricanes, but most of the shops, restaurants and other businesses along Beach Blvd, 22nd Ave S and 49th Street are open for business. “The stories about Gulfport all focus on how much it got destroyed. Which is true, directly on the waterfront it’s a mess and those restaurants are probably months from reopening. But the rest of the places on Gulfport’s three main business districts are open and need business. We wanted to bring attention to this and spotlight some of Gulfport’s local businesses including Pia’s Trattoria, Island Flavors and Tings, The Wine House and Gulfport Brewery + Eatery that are open for business” said LocalShops1 founder Ester Venouziou and SIK founder Suzane King. Both are passionate about bringing awareness to the many local businesses that are open.
Gulfport Businesses Spotlight
Pia’s Trattoria: Family owned and operated since 2005.It has grown from a small pasta panini cafe to a full inside and outside restaurant. All family members work or have worked at the restaurant. “Local businesses are the heart of our community because they care about you. They are your neighbor and friend. If the community hurts, we hurt. We know each other by name. I believe helping your neighbor is helping yourself because it lifts you up when you are down. It’s the first step in healing yourself within a community,” said Pia Maria, owner of Pia’s Trattoria. Address: 3054 Beach Blvd S. Social media – Instagram: @piastrattoria
The Wine House: Serve wine, beer including draft now, sodas, seltzers, CBD water. Smoked in house Texas style BBQ by Pitmaster Jeremiah Griffin as well as charcuterie, salads, small plates and sandwiches. Address: 2913 Beach Blvd S. Social media – Instagram: @thewinehouse_gulfport and Facebook: The Wine House & BBQ Phone: 727-256-0228
Gulfport Brewery + Eatery: A selection of hand crafted beers brewed by Brewer Jason Toft pairs perfectly with our boutique bar food selection by Chef Sierra Espinosa. Enjoy live music and our tropical Biergarten. Address: 3007 Beach Blvd S. Social media – Facebook: Gulfport Brewery + Eatery, Instagram @gulfportbrewery or call 727-954-4109.
“Local business owners are your friends, neighbors and community advocates. By supporting local you’re keeping dollars in our community at a time when our neighbors need it the most. It creates additional jobs at the local level and supports those who are rebuilding and recovering physically, mentally, and/or financially. We can do this together and at Gulfport Brewery and The Wine House, we look forward to seeing everyone soon,” saidPaige Acree, owner of The Wine House and Gulfport Brewery + Eatery.
Island Flavors and Tings: A unique showplace of the cultural richness of the Caribbean Islands. They serve authentic homestyle meals for the family to the finest cuisine for events with catering and event planning services. The Gulfport location includes a grocery section with hard-to-find jerk seasonings, pepper sauces, chutneys, spices, freshly made juices and Island Crafts. Address: 1411 49th St S. Social media – Facebook: islandflavorsandtings , Instagram: @islandflavorsandtings and LinkedIn island-flavors-and-tings.
“We love being a part of Gulfport and the Tampa Bay community. Giving back during these past few weeks was an easy decision for us. It’s so important that we all show up for one another during times like these,” said Helena Josephs, owner Island Flavors and Tings
For these businesses or any additional Gulfport businesses please make sure to check social media or try and call ahead as hours may be different than what’s listed online.
“All three went above and beyond to help the community after the first hurricane a few weeks ago, giving out free meals and supplies to first responders, linesmen, seniors and anyone in need. They always step up and go above and beyond to help our community and we wanted to bring awareness to their businesses and the many others in Gulfport,” said LocalShops1 founder Ester Venouziou and SIK founder Suzane King.