Chef Richard Sandoval’s First Tampa Bay Area Restaurant, Garrison Tavern, Opens at Tampa Marriott Water Street
TAMPA, FL (April 16, 2019) – World-renowned chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval has announced the opening of Garrison Tavern, the first of his only two restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, located within the newly rebranded Tampa Marriott Water Street. Formerly known as the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, the hotel’s rebrand speaks to its prime location in the city’s most anticipated urban neighborhood, Water Street Tampa. Garrison Tavern, a craft kitchen and social house, welcomes hotel guests, visitors and the Tampa Bay community.
Chef Sandoval’s “made from scratch” approach and passion for bringing innovative cuisine and authentic experiences to the world are brought to life at Garrison Tavern with his use of inventive culinary techniques and presentations – creating a sense of place where social connections and gatherings can take place.
“Food to me is a very social experience, and at Garrison Tavern, our emphasis is on re-energizing familiar dishes and presenting them in a way that creates community and social connection – sharing with those around you,” said Richard Sandoval, CEO/Founder of the global Richard Sandoval Hospitality group. “Tampa’s culinary scene is very unique and vibrant, and we’re excited to offer a new twist on a classic concept at a central location along the Tampa Riverwalk.”
Garrison Tavern offers a contemporary twist on the age-old concept of the tavern – a social house where locals and visitors can gather together over good food and conversation, or for a sporting game. Providing guests with a complete dining and entertainment experience, Garrison Tavern is a one-of-a-kind space in Tampa’s evolving culinary scene and boasts the first Topgolf Swing Suite in Florida, which offers an immersive, virtual sporting experience. Modern and relaxed décor perfectly complement the open layout with communal tables, while the menu is chef-driven and punctuated by locally sourced ingredients and craft beer.
“Our team here at the Marriott Water Street is thrilled to partner with Chef Sandoval and to bring his vision to a new audience,” said Ron McAnaugh, General Manager of the Tampa Marriott Water Street. “In creating this concept, we want to provide the comfort and familiarity of a sports bar while exceeding expectations, with an emphasis on high-quality food and an entertainment experience that goes beyond just a place to watch games.”
Sandoval’s modern expression of shareable American favorites has been thoughtfully created to pair with a robust selection of craft beers, the majority of which are planned to be local to the Tampa Bay area. Menu highlights will include Garrison Tavern’s Butcher’s Burgers, made from Florida-raised grass-fed beef and house ground on site by the hotel’s in-house butcher; Fried Chicken Wings in four different flavors including Traditional Buffalo, Korean Hot, Bourbon & Rye BBQ and Honey Sriracha; House Smoked Cheddar & Jalapeno Sausage and Tampa Garlic Dill Fries with Horseradish Tartar.
Design and Atmosphere
The new 265-seat venue features world-class interior design from The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, an Atlanta-based team of skilled architects and designers. Guests will be welcomed by the fresh interiors with reclaimed wood, deep navy blues, and other natural elements and colors that are inspired by the nearby waterfront. Garrison Tavern boasts white brick interiors, custom lighting elements, rustic wood tops and new outdoor patio seating with direct street access. Paying homage to the neighborhood taverns of the past, Garrison Tavern’s inherently approachable atmosphere evokes the spirit of camaraderie and social gathering with a centralized bar and large communal tables.
Garrison Kolsch, Exclusively Brewed for Garrison Tavern by Coppertail Brewing Co.
Inspired by Tampa’s brewing culture, Garrison Tavern’s extensive beer menu will highlight 20 locally crafted brews on tap, including Garrison Kolsch, a signature brew created in partnership with Coppertail Brewing Co., the award winning independently owned production brewery in the historic Ybor City neighborhood. Garrison Kolsch is a Florida-inspired beer with a delicate, light fruity flavor and a dry, medium hoppy finish. Served exclusively in house at the hotel, Crowlers, canned Growlers, will be available for purchase.
Sports and Recreation
Neighboring Amalie Arena, home of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning team, Garrison Tavern serves as a perfect pre, during and post-game locale. Two large media walls, consisting of nine screens each, and over 35 individual TVs, will be spread throughout the venue where various sporting events will be broadcasted at all times.
Additional elements of sports culture can be felt throughout the Garrison Tavern experience with an emphasis on friendly competition – from giant Jenga and shuffleboard to a Topgolf Swing Suite, an extension of the Topgolf brand, and the first of its kind in Florida. Garrison Tavern’s Topgolf Swing Suite features two bays and offers a new way to play through an interactive social experience. With engaging screens, the Swing Suite delivers a one-of-a-kind experience for athletes and non-athletes alike to enjoy a variety of simulated multi-sport games including golf, dodgeball, hockey, baseball and football.
Garrison Tavern will be open for lunch and dinner service from 11:00 am – 2:00 am, seven days a week.
###
About Tampa Marriott Water Street
Located on Downtown Tampa’s scenic waterfront with spacious accommodations and 43,229 sq. ft. of meeting space, the Tampa Marriott Water Street is equally suited for business and leisure travelers alike. The 727-key hotel features a variety of guest room and suite categories to choose from, each equipped with deluxe bedding, workspaces, modern décor and scenic water views, as well as other onsite amenities including a rooftop pool and pool bar; a well-appointed fitness center; and two American restaurants – Waterside Grill, specializing in fresh seafood, prime steaks and expertly crafted cocktails, as well as the new Garrison Tavern, craft kitchen and social house, Tampa’s first restaurant concept from world-renowned chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval. The hotel also consists of 32 slips on the Garrison channel of Tampa Bay, serving as a perfect docking destination for Tampa Bay-bound boaters. Just steps away from some of Tampa’s most coveted attractions including Amalie Arena, the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Riverwalk, the evolving Sparkman Wharf and more, the Tampa Marriott Water Street is the perfect downtown location to meet the needs of Tampa visitors and locals alike.
About Richard Sandoval Hospitality:
Richard Sandoval Hospitality is a leading restaurant group founded by Mexican-born chef/restaurateur Richard Sandoval and based in Denver, Colorado. Known for offering guests an unparalleled culinary experience, this internationally recognized contemporary Latin restaurant group successfully owns and operates over 45 restaurant concepts around the globe. Restaurant locations include California, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Washington D.C. & New York – as well as internationally in Mexico, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Serbia and Tokyo. Chef Sandoval’s “made from scratch” approach and passion for introducing Latin cuisine to the world continues to inspire him to combine authentic Latin ingredients with international flavors and inventive techniques to create one-of-a-kind concepts and cuisines that include modern and coastal Mexican, Latin-Asian, Peruvian and Pan-Latin. For a complete list of restaurants and more information, please visit www.richardsandoval.com.
***
Media Contacts
Amanda Feldman
J Public Relations, 212-924-3600
Ali Glisson
Strategic Property Partners, 813-993-0055