This month, Sparkman Wharf is set to welcome two new concepts to its land of renovated shipping containers slinging culinary creations. Even better is that Southern cuisine concept, 7th + Grove, and Murph’s BBQ both begin service this month.
According to a social media post by Ybor City hotspot, 7th + Grove, the restaurant is expanding with a second location at Sparkman Wharf in mid-January. 7th + Grove is bringing its iconic shrimp and grits to the Wharf, prepared with a creole pan sauce, chicken sausage, fried pickled okra. If that doesn’t sound decadent enough, the smoked gouda grits are prepared in duck fat.
The menu will also introduce new items, like jerk chicken collard green egg rolls, deviled egg salad and more. Guests can also order from a selection of sips including signature Grove-made juices, wine and champagne.
“This expansion to the Channel District allows us the opportunity to connect with Sparkman Wharf’s family-forward following on the beautiful water of Tampa Bay. We are excited to bring our motto of EAT, VIBE, and FLOURISH to this area,” says, Dr. Jamaris Glenn of 7th + Grove Hospitality Group in a release.
Fellow Sparkman newcomer, Murph’s BBQ will take over Boat Run Oyster Company’s container to serve oak-smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and in-house crafted sauces. Both Murph’s and Boat Run Oysters are byproducts of SaltBlock Hospitality.
“Murph’s BBQ is a new way for us to serve Sparkman Wharf and everyone who comes to enjoy the park. At SaltBlock Hospitality, BBQ is foundational to our beginnings and Murph’s BBQ is a representation of all the things we love. We think it will be a great addition to the park and to our community,” says Scott Roberts, Co-Founder at SaltBlock Hospitality in a release.
Boat Run Oyster Co. was known for offering seafood dishes including nori fries, hand-raised Cedar Key oysters and conch. The shipping container will reopen at Murph’s BBQ later this month. For fans of Boat Run, have no fear, the concept will reappear at Sparkman Wharf for special events and pop-ups. Employees of Boat Run will also remain on staff and be retrained for Murph’s operations.
According to the release, Murph’s BBQ menu is set to feature “a no-frills, non-denominational BBQ style with quality meats and sauces inspired by the best BBQ regions in the United States.” That means 12-hour smoked brisket, pulled pork and charcoal roasted chicken. When it comes to sides, expect macaroni and cheese, barbecue baked beans, coleslaw as well as a rotating selection of seasonal bites.
Don’t forget to bring your four-legged friends along for some eats because the shipping container kitchen plans to offer scratch-made dog treats to honor the restaurant’s namesake, a “legendary pup” named Murph.
“SaltBlock Hospitality brought such passion, quality ingredients, and excellent customer service with Boat Run Oyster Company, and now we are excited to see their team do it again with an entirely new eatery at Sparkman Wharf. As we grow and evolve, it is special to see restaurateurs that have been with us since the beginning grow and evolve too,” shared Susan Martin, VP of Retail and Place Management at Strategic Property Partners, the developer behind Sparkman Wharf.
The new concepts join fellow Sparkman Wharf food and drink residents Flock and Stock, Gallito Taqueria, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Jotoro, Naked Farmer, Edison’s Swigamajig, The Blind Tiger, The Corners and Whatever Pops.
Sparkman Wharf is located at 615 Water St. in Channelside and offers paid parking options in a nearby garage as well as valet. Operating hours for the outdoor dining hall are noon- 9 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. and closed Monday.
To view all COVID-19 safety precautions, visit sparkmanwharf.com/covid-19. Guests are required to wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols.
UPDATED 1/4/21 7:48 P.M. to reflect 7th + Grove's menu at Sparkman as well as quote from Dr. Jamaris Glenn.
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