After less than a year in business, Gulfport’s The Artisan is closing its doors at the end of August, according to The Gabber, who announced the end of the only food hall in Pinellas County in last week’s brief of the Gulfport merchant chamber meeting.
The owner of The Artisan, Tom Golden, has sold his property to Sea Dog Brewing Company, which will take over space after The Artisan closes its doors on August 30.
The Artisan is Gulfport’s only food and art collective, encompassing three restaurants, a bookstore, and a high-end art gallery all under one roof. The food hall business model has been thriving concept in the Tampa Bay area, but Tom Golden encountered an unfortunate loss that made The Artisan too much to handle, even with the help of his other partner, Michael Stewart.
Richard “Thor” Alday, Golden’s business partner, passed away last summer right before The Artisan made its debut.
“I’m very open and honest about everything,” Golden told The Gabber. “My partner passed away and it’s too much but I’ve tried to keep it together and do all I can do.”
The Artisan is indeed a massive entity for any person to manage. It provides a wide variety of culinary offerings like sushi from The Lure, a complete menu from the full-fledged steakhouse Whiskey Grill, The Port’s indoor and outdoor bar, and The Bakery, full of baked goods and desserts. The four different eateries inside of The Artisan, plus the art and books for sale, proved to be an overwhelming endeavor, even for a seasoned restaurateur like Golden.
Golden still operates The Lure in downtown St. Petersburg, Vintage wine bar in Gulfport, and Green Springs Bistro in Safety Harbor, but the future of the downtown, 6,600-square-foot building that will soon close its doors as The Artisan, is now up to Sea Dog brewing company.
Sea Dog Brewing Company has locations in Orlando, Clearwater, and Treasure Island, and according to Tom Golden, it will be a great fit for the charming, waterfront location.
“The owner of Sea Dog’s came in one night and said, ‘I’d like to buy your restaurant,’” Golden said. “I think he can do a lot for the community, more than I can do.”
Get in your bites during the last few weeks of service at the food hall.
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This article appears in Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2019.