The Mecca Café opened in the early 1900s, promoting itself as a multi-ethnic restaurant. It was also the scene of early-century drama. In 1926, a gun battle broke out between James Franzone, a Tampa physician, and two federal narcotics agents, who were conducting “raids on dope peddlers.” Franzone, who allegedly pulled a gun, was beaten and arrested, and the café was partially wrecked. In the middle of Prohibition in 1927, federal agents raided the place again after officers claimed to have purchased liquor there. Urban legend speaks of Ybor bootleggers operating through tunnels under the city. In 1929, federal officers again raided the café and arrested owner Candido Santos, who was found guilty later that year and fined $50.

The business was eventually purchased by Joe Licata, who went on to open Licata’s Steakhouse in the early 1950s in Tampa. Broadway National Bank took over the spot in 1955 and was eventually purchased by SunTrust Bank. It is now a Truist Bank branch.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved