Aug 4, 2016

The Gasparilla Bar by HMSHost Sails Into Tampa International Airport

TAMPA, FL — Aye! The Gasparilla Bar, a single-masted wooden pirate ship-shaped restaurant and bar by global restaurateur HMSHost has officially found anchorage in Tampa International Airport’s Airside F. Landlubbers and frequent flyers are now being welcomed aboard to enjoy the bounties of the galley. The restaurant pays homage to the legendary and mystical Spanish pirate José Gaspar (Gasparilla) as well as the celebrated tradition of the City of Tampa’s annual swashbuckling Gasparilla Pirate Festival. HMSHost and airport representatives celebrated The Gasparilla Bar’s grand opening today.

“We are proud to have opened The Gasparilla Bar with Tampa International Airport to give travelers an experience worth saying ‘Arr!’ over when they visit the airport,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Michael Price. “It is exciting to be able to offer this lively restaurant that celebrates one of Tampa’s oldest and most exciting traditions with great food and drink.”

“With every new opening, Tampa International Airport better reflects the flavor, feel and region we serve,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano. “The Gasparilla Bar invites travelers to unwind, Tampa style: on a boat with a cold beverage in hand. We’re delighted to have this addition for our Airside F guests.”

The restaurant transports travelers to one of the parade floats at the Gasparilla Festival with a design mimicking a wooden pirate ship, with a towering main mast, colorful nautical flags, and block and tackle themed drop lighting.

Gasparilla’s long lost buried treasures have never been discovered, but travelers can now find some new culinary gems on the menu. The “seafarer’s sandwiches” section offers travelers the likes of the pirate’s roast beef sandwich and the Gaspar’s chicken sandwich. The “square rigged salads” section has options like the Black Beard bean salad. The bounty extends to a variety of “Gaspar’s grogs” with featured Captain Morgan Rum-based cocktails and a variety of premium beer, wine, and other spirits.