Here’s what will replace Channelside Bay Plaza in Tampa: Sparkman Wharf, a reimagined, mixed-use waterfront hangout that acts as a gathering place for both work and play. As expected, the Channel District newcomer near Water Street (local real estate developer Strategic Property Partners is behind both projects) has promised plenty of nifty food and beverage highlights at 615 Channelside Drive, including two dining and drinking gardens.
OK, one of them is technically a biergarten, but still.
Sparkman Wharf — named for late mover and shaker Stephen Sparkman, the region’s first congressman — is divided into 65,000 square feet of ground-level retail and 180,000 square feet of rentable, loft-style office space. This marriage will create “a dynamic park-like environment” in time for the grand opening in October, when patrons can formally start sipping Florida craft beer, eating al fresco, and hanging out among everything from games to a local live music program curated by Tampa-based Gasparilla Music Festival on the expansive recreational lawn.
An intimate setting tucked beneath large trees, the dining garden plans to offer grub from 10 well-known chefs and restaurateurs around the city — and in a format Tampa residents have become familiar with in a short amount of time. Sparkman Wharf’s food, similar to the nearby Hall on Franklin and Heights Public Market, is what happens when the participating restaurateurs and chefs get creative with experimental, street food-style concepts and menus.
Riverview-born Foundation Coffee Co. and Whatever Pops & Bowls in Seminole Heights are the first two concepts that Sparkman Wharf announced on Thursday. Alongside the other chefs and restaurateurs, Whatever Pops and Foundation are housed in upcycled shipping containers adorned with Florida-inspired murals dreamed up by local design firm Pep Rally Inc.
“Foundation Coffee is incredibly excited and proud to be a part of Sparkman Wharf. It’s refreshing and inspiring to work alongside great minds with confidence that the goal is to not only support local businesses but to also connect the entire Tampa community in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. That aspect alone is why we are committed to this project and believe in its unlimited potential and future,” said Jason Smith, who owns Foundation with his wife Emily, in a statement.
Whatever Pops owner Steve McGlocklin added: “We are beyond excited to be part of Sparkman Wharf. Truly, we are happy-dancing in our kitchen! Whatever Pops is all about cheerful foods that are thoughtfully prepared, and celebrating our home, the city of Tampa!”
As for the open-air biergarten, Fermented Reality is overseen by founding duo Joel Bigham and Daniel Charley. Thirty taps with a Sunshine State emphasis will mingle with wine, iced tea and soda under the 3,000-square-foot covered bar, in addition to flexible seating, TVs and a misting system.
According to Bigham, he and Charley take pride in learning as much as they can about beer — and passing that knowledge on to their patrons.
“Everyone desires to be part of something bigger than themselves, and the vision for Sparkman Wharf combined with Tampa’s top culinary talent made this project hard to resist being a part of,” Bigham said. “My partner, Dan Charley, and I feel honored to be part of this exciting time.”
Peep the renderings for Sparkman Wharf above or below.
