What’s old is new again. The success and popularity of Tampa’s Hyde Park, specifically Old Hyde Park Village, has ebbed and flowed since the mid-1800s. The village grew up around the intersection of Snow Avenue (originally called Cork Avenue), Dakota, and Inman Avenues, across the street from Bar Taco. The intersection changed, and Inman was cut off when the roads were reconfigured. In its heyday, Hyde Park was filled with affluent residents with big names like Peter O. Knight, Doyle Carlton, and Isaac Maas, to name a few.

After World War II, the area lost its luster. In the late 1960s, property in Hyde Park was depressed; homes were in disrepair, and retail struggled. Many of the larger residences decayed and were either turned into rooming houses or chopped up and turned into apartments. Crime increased. Many families moved to newer suburbs as Tampa spread out.

In the early 1970s, a renaissance began to take shape. Following some property accumulation and zoning razzle-dazzle by Tampa realtor James Burt, a new shopping hub was planned anchored by a concept restaurant called Boneshakers. He partnered with two men, Major Bashinski and Charles “Beeler” Brush, who had recently left the prosperous TGI Friday’s restaurant chain to come to Tampa. As the wedge-shaped building took shape, they decorated it with locally sourced antiques, including Tiffany lamps, an old barber chair, and an old-fashioned high-wheel “boneshaker” bicycle. Opening in 1973, the “gay 90s” themed restaurant was a hit. With its red and white striped awnings, it looks similar to the decor of TGI Fridays. 1973 was also the beginning of a severe recession that lasted until 1975. The economic impact of the financial downturn took its toll on the restaurant, and in 1976 Dallas-based TGI Friday’s took over.

Fridays closed in October 1983 with a crowd of nearly 5000 well-wishers showing up to say goodbye. A succession of restaurants followed; Lafitte in 1984 and Chimo’s in 1986. They tried but failed. In September 1987, the Cactus Club, run by the folks from the successful restaurant rg’s, moved in and had a 16-year run. Owners blamed the shutdown in 2003 on larger restaurants and the ever-changing landscape of businesses coming and going in the village. The building languished for years. With a new interest and surge in businesses in 2015, Bar Taco, a national brand, opened its sixth location in Tampa in the former Boneshakers spot. Since 2017, new ownership and construction have brought new retail, shine, and sophistication back to this historic district.

© Chip Weiner. oldtampaphotos.com