Skipper's Smokehouse co-owners Vince McGilvra (pictured left) and Tom White.
A true hero of the Tampa Bay music scene and all-around great guy, Skipper's Smokehouse co-owner Vince McGilvra sent an email out last night just before 9 p.m. announcing he's retiring at the end of June. He will retain his 50 percent ownership but "will no longer be active in day-to-day management."
Taking over Vince's marketing duties is "long time friend" Mark Warren, who also happens to be one of the Bay area's best guitarists. I'll miss not getting my weekly emails from Vince but am glad that he'll have more time to simply enjoy the shows, spend time with his wife and tend to his garden. After spending 28 years building Tampa Bay's most iconic music venue, the man has earned the right to retire. And I have complete faith that Warren will do an excellent job as his replacement.
Here's the email Vince sent out Thursday night:
After almost 28 years at Skipper’s, I am giving up the helm as Head Mullet & retiring at the end of June. I will retain my 50% ownership, but will no longer be active in day-to-day management.
This article appears in May 28 – Jun 3, 2008.