UPDATED: 05/16/20 11 a.m.
Desperate Tampa Bay foodies fiending for some Sparkman Wharf action are in for a treat next week.
Splitsville Southern + Social at downtown Tampa’s Sparkman Wharf has plans to open at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
The news came in a press release, specific to the Tampa market, which said that, “The health of our guests is top priority and we have taken great measures to create a safe and welcoming environment. From social distancing to protective equipment to single-use menus to sanitized gaming, we have got your back.”
A rep for Splitsville Southern + Social told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that capacity at the Sparkman Wharf location will likely be somewhere between 25%-50%.
"The interior space is large enough to easily allow guests to enjoy a meal as well as gaming—bowling, feather bowling, ping pong, etc.—without social distancing issues," Heather McPherson, Public Relations & Media for Splitsville Luxury Lanes wrote. "After each game, balls and equipment will be thoroughly treated with an antimicrobial spray. If desired, guests can cover their own suitable shoes with a disposable cover designed for bowling."
McPherson said that Splitsville Tampa is also expanding the number of tables in the outside patio area, adding that all of the tables will be spaced according to the current regulations. She said that the re-opening menu will be limited as the location gauges the community's readiness to venture out.
"Just like everyone else, we are taking measured steps. Making sure we have the public’s trust is our no. 1 concern," she said.
In a social media post, Splitsville Tampa said new safety measures include reconfigured seating, the sanitization of all areas and new "processes to make sure your experience is a safe & pleasant one." All Splitsville Tampa team members will also receive daily temperature checks and wear protective equipment throughout their shifts.
CL also reached out to a PR rep for Sparkman Wharf who said that they were still working on details regarding any other potential openings at the Wharf, which closed its dining garden on March 20 in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said that Florida’s “Full Phase One”—which allows restaurants and retail shops to increase indoor capacity to 50%, among other things—begins on Monday, May 18.
Chef Art Smith consulted on Splitsville Tampa's menu, but he's not involved with the Splitsville Disney Springs location in Orlando. Disney Springs (which is home to Smith's Homecomin' concept) announced plans to reopen at limited capacity on Wednesday, May 20.
When asked about Orlando, McPherson said that Splitsville at Disney Springs is excited about the recent announcement about the phased re-opening of Disney Springs from the Walt Disney Company, but that they will not re-open May 20.
"We look forward to welcoming guests to both locations very soon," she said.
So yeah, a lot to unpack, and we’ll update this post as more information becomes available.
As of Friday, Florida has 44,138 total coronavirus cases (up 928 from Thursday) and 1,948 total deaths. It's worth mentioning that 43% of the overall number of deaths in Florida occurred in long-term care facilities.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news on how Coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Want to know everything going on with Tampa Bay's food and drink scene? Sign up for our Bites newsletter.
This article appears in May 14-20, 2020.