One of Tampa’s most celebrated chefs, Greg Baker, is headed for retirement. According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the five-time James Beard Award semifinalist has decided to give “writing, advocacy work and consulting” his full attention.
“I’ve been in kitchens since 1983, doing very little other work,” Baker told the Business Journal in a statement. “After 35 years, I’ve come to the realization that I can make a bigger impact in the world through writing, advocacy work and consulting than I ever will in serving food and feel that it’s time to shift my focus to those areas.”
Baker, who was raised in Clearwater, and his wife, Michelle, are local food scene pioneers. In 2010, they opened their flagship Seminole Heights restaurant, The Refinery, as a cutting-edge neighborhood staple, and it continues to maintain its reputation as a prized year-round haunt with a changing menu, reeling in residents and visitors alike.
What does Baker’s shift in focus mean for The Refinery? The Business Journal also reports that the restaurant, which moved to its current home at 5910 N. Florida Ave. earlier this year to merge with younger sibling Fodder & Shine, will go up for sale.
This article appears in Nov 29 – Dec 6, 2018.