Page 11 - Florida Sentinel 2-11-22

Feature
Well-Known Bar-B-Que Restaurant Will Continue To Serve During Renovations
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
The great grandchildren of its founder James Bloomfield who started the business as Zanzibar BBQ, and then expanded and changed to Bar-B-Que King by their grandparents, Virgil and Emma Henry, current owners, sisters, Tiffany Powell and Amelia ‘Kiki’ Howard (daughters of Judy Henry Candis) are keeping the business going strong into the sev- enth decade.
With all the changes happening in West Tampa, Amelia states that ‘they were sure they would have to find a new location for the venerable eating place’.
At the time, the current building owner, Bernard Jordan, wanted to ensure that whatever happened in his location, that Bar-B-Que King
TIFFANY POWELL AND AMELIA ‘Kiki’ HOWARD
... Sisters and Owners of Bar-B-Que
King Restaurant
would still have a place there. COhatch, an Ohio-based com- pany that develops shared work and social spaces, purchased the build-
ing at 2112 West Main Street to cre- ate shared work concept in West Tampa.
COhatch is partnering with sisters to give their brand an overall re- freshed and expanded space to in- clude an upgraded kitchen and a seating area.
“We were unsure of what changes the new owners would bring, but now we are getting up- grades during the renovation that we have wanted for years,” Kiki states.
“God blessed us. We didn’t get help during COVID like other businesses, and we’ve had a fire and break-ins.”
Howard wants to thank the com- munity for their support during this time.
“This community and Tampa Bay have shown us that they love Bar-B- Que King.”
During the renovations, the
restaurant will have a food truck/trailer where they can still provide the BBQ that people want. The truck will be in the area starting in late February.
Traditions are strong at the restaurant with the same original secret sauce and cooks who have been there for decades.
“My little sister, Tiffany, is there full-time running the store. I am so proud of her and the sacrifices she makes to make sure the restaurant runs well. She is truly a Godsend.”
The building is surrounded by the city’s historic cigar factories and public artwork, such as the neigh- borhood’s “Faces of West Tampa” mural. The historic area is down the street from the up-and-coming West River project, a bustling destination that includes residences, offices, shops, restaurants, and riverfront activities.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY PAGE 11-A