TAMPA — The lunch crowd was stunned to read the note posted on the locked door of their go-to seafood restaurant on Wednesday.
“We have been blessed to be here for almost 81 years,” read the note at the Colonnade Restaurant, a Tampa landmark on Bayshore Boulevard. “Through many tears and much thought we have decided to sell the restaurant. We are so thankful for all of our employees and our wonderful customers. We will miss you!”
A joint venture between Ascentia Development Group and Batson-Cook Development Co. acquired the property and is planning luxury waterfront condominiums with views of downtown Tampa and the bay. The parcel at the southwest corner of West Julia Street and Bayshore Boulevard is one of the last on Bayshore specifically zoned for a high-rise tower. The sale price was $6.2 million, according to deeds filed in circuit court on Wednesday.
The sudden closure of the Colonnade left diners and employees adrift on Wednesday.
“That is the most beautiful, restful view,” said Richard Trout of Ocala, who arrived at noon with his wife and another couple. “I was just telling them we’ve got to get a table by the window, because it’s a gorgeous view, and it’s so relaxing.”