TAMPA, Fla.- Richard Gonzmart, co-owner of the famed Columbia Restaurant, is bringing one of his favorite burger joints back to Tampa.
The iconic Goody Goody establishment opened Tuesday morning and there was a line of people outside waiting for the grand opening ribbon to be cut.
The local hamburger restaurant was part of Tampa’s food scene dating back to 1925 and was the first drive-in restaurant in Tampa. Goody Goody originally closed in 2006.
Gonzmart says he use to pick up bags of hamburgers to take back to his family as a child.
He and Michael Wheeler, who has owned the Goody Goody name since 1981, have been negotiating for the rights to the brand on and off for almost a decade. In 2014 he finally got the deal he had been wanting. He purchased the right to the Goody Goody name, the famous Goody Goody sign, its tables and even how to make the secret sauce he’s loved for decades. Gonzmart tried to make the secret sauce himself, but could never get it just right.
There are two locations in Tampa now providing a social vibe in a casual concept.
With the opening of the iconic restaurant, original recipes will be offered. The restaurant will offer burgers made with ground beef from the Strickland ranch, fresh-cut fries and house-made ice cream and pies—as well as the well-known butterscotch pie.
Mayor Bob Buckhorn even joined the excited crowd at 7 a.m. this morning. Gonzmart hopes the restaurant recreates memories for those that use to frequent it in the past.
The new Goody Goody Burgers restaurant is located at 1601 West Swann Avenue in Tampa. It will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours are: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, and 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
According to News Channel 8, a Goody Goody restaurant will open in Tampa International Airport in October.
