USA. Passengers won’t be forced to walk the plank but they may find pieces of eight and other treasure at Tampa International. That’s because HMSHost has opened a pirate ship-shaped restaurant and bar at the airport’s Airside F.
The Gasparilla Bar pays homage to legendary Spanish pirate José Gaspar (Gasparilla) and the City of Tampa’s annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival.
The restaurant’s design mimics a wooden pirate ship, with a towering main mast, colourful nautical flags, and block and tackle themed drop lighting. It is also said to be similar in appearance to a parade float from the Gasparilla Festival.
The menu includes pirate-themed offerings with a ‘seafarer’s sandwiches’ section featuring a pirate’s roast beef sandwich and the Gaspar’s chicken sandwich. The ‘square rigged salads’ section includes options such as the Black Beard bean salad. The ‘Gaspar’s grogs’ drinks menu features Captain Morgan Rum-based cocktails and a variety of premium beer, wine, and other spirits.
“We are proud to have opened The Gasparilla Bar with Tampa International Airport to give travellers an experience worth saying ‘Arr!’ over when they visit the airport,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Michael Price. “It is exciting to be able to offer this lively restaurant that celebrates one of Tampa’s oldest and most exciting traditions with great food and drink.”
Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano commented: “With every new opening, Tampa International Airport better reflects the flavour, feel and region we serve. The Gasparilla Bar invites travellers to unwind, Tampa style: on a boat with a cold beverage in hand. We’re delighted to have this addition for our Airside F guests.”
*Footnote: The Foodie Report is the sister title of The Moodie Davitt Report. It is the world’s only media focused on airport (and other travel-related) food & beverage. It co-organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. We have exciting expansion plans for The Foodie Report coming soon.
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