OK, so the one on Fourth Street in St. Petersburg has sat vacant for months, but the HipHopSodaShop in Tampa is primed to open today with a performance by rap vet Doug E. Fresh.
From the press release:
The video gaming element changed the building's zoning in St. Petersburg and resulted in delays. The Tampa shop is located at the former Bull Ring Sports Bar at 1241 East Fowler Avenue.
The red carpet/photo opportunity begins at 5:00 p.m. on December 18 (Tuesday). Hip-hop icon Doug E. Fresh is performing and the event is being hosted by hip-hop mogul and movie pioneer Andre Harrell.
Located at Tampa’s former Bull Ring Sports Bar at 1241 East Fowler Avenue, the 11,000-square-foot space has undergone renovations to become a full-service, conceptually-chic restaurant. It is equipped with a recording studio, multiple 4’X5’ video screens, tableside video-gaming apparatuses and a DJ/MC booth with surround sound. Targeted to a youthful demographic, aged 13-35, the restaurant will hold special events like open mic nights, live HD sportscasts and cyber gaming. An emphasis will be placed on wholesome hip-hop music to appeal to both sexes. The store will also carry clothing, MP3 players and recorded music.
This article appears in Dec 12-18, 2007.