The Flavour Of Tradition : The Columbia Restaurant

      When it comes to iconic and beloved restaurant chains, few can match the rich history and delectable cuisine offered by the Columbia Restaurant. With a legacy spanning over a century, the Columbia Restaurant chain has become a cornerstone of Florida's culinary landscape. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the captivating story behind the Columbia Restaurant, its cultural significance, and the mouthwatering dishes that have made it a persisting favorite among the locals.

        Founded by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., it began in Tampa’s Ybor City, as a small corner café known for its Cuban coffee and authentic Cuban sandwiches, frequented by the local cigar workers. Over the years, the restaurant has grown. It expanded to five other locations in Florida: St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, the Historic District in St. Augustine, The Pier in St. Petersburg, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Central Florida’s town of Celebration, and the Columbia Café at the Tampa Bay History Center, Channelside. All Columbia Restaurants are owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation members of the founding family.

       Today, you can still expect a crowd at any of their seven locations. The Cuban sandwich is a staple here, served with salami of course because hey, this version was born in Tampa. And you can’t go wrong with chicken and yellow rice, the classic dish that helped put the Columbia on the map.There's also Casimiro Hernandez, Sr.'s original recipe for Spanish Bean Soup made with garbanzo beans, smoked ham, and chorizo. And a family recipe for Cuban Black Bean Soup. Cool off with Gazpacho Andalucia. One look around at the historic building, coupled with a few sangrias and you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the bustling days of Ybor City.

From its humble beginnings in Ybor City to its expansion throughout Florida, the restaurant has created an enduring legacy that transcends mere dining. It embodies the spirit of cultural diversity, celebrating the fusion of flavors that define the region.