Tampa Restaurant Is Closing After 44 Years In Business
Our hearts are broken after hearing the news about one of our favorite Tampa Chinese restaurants closing. Hao Wah on South Dale Mabry has announced that they are closing after being in business for 44 years. It seems that the owners have made the decision to close their doors to spend more time with their family. This was always a staple and favorite in the Tampa Bay area It’s sad news to hear and they will be greatly missed.
Tampa Restaurant Hao Wah Closing After 44 Years:
Hao Wah first opened their doors on April 1, 1980, and has been a success since day one. They provided the Tampa Bay area with delicious food for decades but are sadly shutting everything down. They became well known in the Bay area because of their All-You-Can-Eat buffet. Unfortunately, during COVID they shut down their buffet and never brought it back. It’s been a family-owned business in the Tampa area for such a long time. It’s a shame to see them close. Even though that location is closing, the Pinellas Park location and the catering business will carry on as usual.
Although it seems that this restaurant is closing because the owners want to retire, there have been multiple businesses closing because of rent hikes. The Hyde Park area has been hit hard by rent being raised so much that many places couldn’t afford it anymore. The Wine Exchange was a beloved restaurant in Hyde Park and was also forced to close because its rent went up too much. The increase was so insane that they weren’t going to make a profit and needed to close immediately. There’s been a lot of changes in the Hyde Park area over the past four years. With new high-end restaurants and businesses popping up in the area, it’s making the rent skyrocket.
The 5 Most Overrated Restaurants in Tampa
Tampa’s restaurant scene is scorching hot, but some of the most well-known spots are just overrated tourist traps. That’s the opinion at least of our listeners. Recently on the show, I asked which Tampa area restaurants are overhyped. There was an overwhelming choice for the #1 spot. And I disagree. But this is your list not mine.
Of the 5 restaurants that made this list of the 5 most overrated restaurants in Tampa, I was surprised you named 2 fast food style spots. One had subpar burgers according to you. The other you said has drive thru lines that just make visiting a hassle. Some restaurants that made the list come with a pretty hefty bill at the end of the meal.
The biggest debate among Tampa foodies is always where to find the best Cuban Sandwich. All of us in Tampa Bay generally agree our Cuban is far superior to the runner up version in Miami. But when it comes to declaring which is the best, that’s when the debate heats up. Bodega, Columbia Restaurant, Brocato’s, or the West Tampa Sandwich Shop all usually come up in the discussion. But one of those spots was deemed the most overrated restaurant in Tampa by our listeners and online Tampa area friends I polled on Facebook and on the Tampa Reddit.
Here’s a look at the 5 restaurants that you said are just too overrated. The #1 pick shocked me. It’s the only place on Earth where I enjoy a salad as a full meal. So for you to pick this one hurts Tampa. It really does. Let’s dive in.
Meredith’s outgoing personality has led to many other opportunities including being featured in the NY Post twice, Huffington Post, reality television shows, commercials, and magazines, and even earned a spot-on Dancing with the Stars Tampa edition. In her spare time, Meredith loves showing her support with local charities by hosting and attending community events and spending time with her family and friends. You can read Meredith’s content about local Tampa restaurants, crazy Florida man/woman stories, and recommendations of things-to-do.
