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Tampa Has 2 Of The Best Startup Companies Of 2023

Author Jeff Gorra

For the past seven years, LinkedIn has analyzed various data points to compile a report of the best new businesses across the country. Yesterday, the 2023 edition was released, and two Tampa companies were named among the best startups.

Innovation is one of the primary requirements that LinkedIn looks for. “This year’s honorees have trailblazed their way through recent economic and workplace challenges — and managed to stand out to investors and top talent along the way,” they say.

The categories studied to compile this list include jobseeker interest, employee growth, engagement within the company and its employees, and how well the startups found talent from the LinkedIn Top Companies list (which was published in April).

Although the industries include everything from financial services to software, to food and beverage, the 50 startups on this list do have a mission in common. LinkedIn describes it as, “actionable insights on the roles, skills and functions in demand.”

So, who are these startups in Tampa that were named among the best? Well, one of them is in the computer network security space, and The Rock owns the other.

#42 Deepwatch

This cybersecurity startup provides their customers with 10x security improvement in threat protection. Deepwatch is located at 4030 W Boy Scout Blvd. When partners sign with Deepwatch, they are assigned a team of industry professional account managers to help implement and manage their solutions. Deepwatch is currently hiring for three sales positions.

#37 ZOA Energy

ZOA is led and co-founded by WWE legend, turned actor and entrepreneur Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. In fact, in just two years this zero-sugar beverage became the fastest-growing energy drink. They come in eight different flavors and use natural ingredients. With headquarters on E. 5th Ave in Tampa, ZOA Energy now has 75 employees nationwide. Furthermore, you will often find Johnson cracking open a can on his Instagram account (which has 391 million followers). There are currently two open roles at ZOA.

Tampa was not the only Florida market that is the home to some of the best startups of 2023. In addition, All Elite Wrestling in Jacksonville ranked #18, and BrightNight in West Palm Beach ranked #47.

Two Florida Restaurants Named Among The Best For French Fries

Do you want fries with that? Tasting Table recently published a list of restaurants with the best French Fries in the country and two New Florida establishments were named.

“From high-end steakhouses and neighborhood brasseries’ to fast food restaurants and even grocery store freezer aisles, fried spuds can be found in just about every type of restaurant or shop across the country,” Tasting Table explains. Their feature is specific to non-fast food restaurants.

French Fries are always a fan-favorite whether a side dish, an appetizer, or just a snack. They come in all shapes and sizes. Shoe strings crispy versions, thick-cut steak fries, seasoned curly fries, waffle fries, and even tater tots (are those considered fries, though?).

French Fry Fun Facts

In a 2019 story published by the Daily Meal, they discussed unique facts on French Fries in America. Two of the most fascinating have to do with McDonald’s. “Approximately 7 percent of the potatoes grown in the U.S. meet the same fate: they become McDonald’s french fries,” they said. They later stated that this fast food chain sells one-third of the French Fries consumed in the United States.

French Fries are like music. They are a common bond, and they are subjective. What one person prefers may be completely different from another. Better yet, both choices are correct.

For example, Best Things Florida released their list of best French Fries in the Sunshine State. It is completely different from Tasting Table’s. However, Tasting Table went and explored all corners of the country to crown their French Fry kings.

The two restaurants in Florida that were recognized for having some of the best French Fries in the country serve two very different styles. One of them is part of a restaurant that has expanded to other markets. The other is served in a restaurant where fries compliment BBQ.

  • Broken Shaker - Miami

    Located on 2727 Indian Creek Dr. in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker has fries that are so good, they even get their own line item on the menu. These are Shawarma Fries, served with Harissa ketchup. You can order them on their own or have the fries paired with any of their burgers or sandwiches. Although Broken Shaker does also have restaurants in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Madrid, their menus show a some different takes on their hand-cut fries in certain markets. For example, Los Angeles has Carne Asada fries. New York and Miami both have the Shawarma recipe.

     

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    A post shared by Broken Shaker (@brokenshaker)

  • The Polite Pig

    “In terms of meaty all-American food pairings, french fries go just as well with barbecue as they do with burgers,” Tasting Table exclaims. The Polite Pig is located in Disney Springs. They describe their menu by saying, “Our menu is inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer, bringing new twists to local flavors and BBQ.” They serve waffle fries with a polite rub. They can be selected as a side to any dish or in a giant platter to accompany your catering order. In addition, sweet potato tots are on the menu as well.

     

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    A post shared by The Polite Pig (@thepolitepig)

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

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