The Tampa Grocery Company started its business around 1900 in Ybor City. They opened their second store at 1202 South Howard Ave. in the early 1920s. The block also featured The Window Bakery and City Drug Store. After becoming part of the conglomerate of United Markets, Tampa Grocery continued to expand to several locations in South Tampa. It eventually was marketed under the Sumner Food Markets brand. What happened at 1208 South Howard Ave., where The Window Bakery once stood is of more historical importance for many Tampa residents.

For $4500 in 1956, Bern and Gert Laxer bought Beer Haven, a small bar that opened in the 1940s where the Window Bakery was. Due to some legal concerns, they transitioned away from alcohol sales and into the food business soon after opening. Struggling to rename the spot, they took letters from the old Beer Haven sign to save money, and the Bern’s Steakhouse name was born. They gradually purchased the surrounding shops and grew from a 40-seat dining room to the 350-seat award-winning world-renowned restaurant many folks enjoy today. Although they have both passed away, the Laxer’s son David continues the family tradition.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved