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Neighborhood report

Bayshore landmark may yield to condos

Owners of the Colonnade Restaurant will sell to a Bradenton developer if officials approve his plans.

By SHERRI DAY
Published September 30, 2005

Proffering hearty servings of seafood and unencumbered views of Hillsborough Bay, the Colonnade Restaurant is a Bayshore Boulevard institution.

In July, the restaurant will celebrate its 71st anniversary. But soon after that, it may close its doors for good.

Jack Whiteside Jr., who owns the restaurant with his cousin, Richard Whiteside III, said they plan to sell the Colonnade to a Bradenton developer. They will hand over the deed if the developer, John Newsome, gets approval to build what he envisions on the site, Whiteside said.

Newsome could not be reached for comment. But he plans to build a condominium tower in the restaurant's place, Whiteside said.

"We've been in the restaurant business a long time," Whiteside said. "We haven't sold it. We're just exploring this avenue."

News of the proposed deal comes on the heels of a protracted battle between residents in nearby Historic Hyde Park and developer Citivest, which proposed building a 260-foot tower on Bayshore Boulevard. Earlier this month, the City Council rebuffed the developer's plan to build a condominium tower in the historic district.

It is too early to tell whether Newsome would face that sort of fight. But already customers are bemoaning the possible loss of a South Tampa fixture.

Noting the recent closing of Malio's and the Old Meeting House, Bayshore Gardens Neighborhood Association president Vicki Pollyea called the possible closure a "tremendous loss."

"We're losing a lot of our nonfranchised family-owned businesses in this area, and the number of restaurants in the past few years, it's very disheartening," said Pollyea, who also expressed concern about high-rise condominiums going up on Bayshore.

Council member John Dingfelder, who represents the district, would also miss the restaurant.

"It's like the only place along Bayshore that the public has a chance to sit, relax and eat and enjoy the view," Dingfelder said. "If that's gone, there won't be anything like it. I hope they include some sort of restaurant or catering facility in their project."

Developers have long bombarded Whiteside's family with requests to sell their waterfront property. But the Whitesides have always refused.

Whiteside declined to say how much money Newsome offered. He called the offer "reasonable."

Newsome approached the family about three months ago, Whiteside said. In mid September, the Whitesides agreed to accept Newsome's offer, provided his business plans pass muster with zoning and building officials.

The property has been in the Whiteside family for 100 years. Whiteside's grandmother, father and uncle opened the Colonnade Restaurant on July 3, 1935, according to the company records. The two boys were students at Plant High School, which undoubtedly helped make the restaurant popular among teenagers.

After World War II, the restaurant began serving fresh seafood, which is now its signature fare.

Whiteside said Newsome has a small window of time to explore his options and get back to him. If the family sells, he won't look back.

"No matter what, we're open up until next August," Whiteside said. "We'd like to have a big celebration."

- Sherri Day can be reached at 226-3405 or sday@sptimes.com

[Last modified September 29, 2005, 09:21:10]