By virtue of being around for a century, the Columbia Restaurant has impacted this area as few enterprises could or ever will. Even through the toughest of urban renewal times, the Columbia continued to anchor Ybor City and keep Tampa on the map.
Now Columbia president and co-owner Richard Gonzmart has upped the ante on impact. As part of its centennial celebration, the Columbia will donate $1 million – or $100,000 per decade – to local charities, including half to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute.That affects a lot of folks who have never had Columbia-prepared paella or rice and beans.
“We’re thankful we’re here,” explained Gonzmart.
No, thank YOU.