Bonefish Grill, Texas Roadhouse to join Taste of New Tampa

NEW TAMPA — The Taste of New Tampa, the area's largest annual event, takes place Sunday with a new children's section and several big-name restaurants.

The 16th annual Taste will be take place under covered tents at the parking lot of Liberty Middle School and will feature about 40 restaurants and 75 businesses giving out food samples and freebies.

Newcomers this year include Bonefish Grill and Texas Roadhouse restaurants, said Mary Ann Yaney, board member of the New Tampa Community Council.

In addition to mom-and-pop eateries, Red Lobster and Olive Garden will return as vendors, Yaney said.

New this year is a children's area that will feature appearances by Tony the Tiger, Chester Cheetah, Raymond from the Rays and Homer from Home Depot. Busch Gardens will provide educational entertainment. Radio personality Jack Harris is the honorary master of ceremonies.

The event, put on by the New Tampa Community Council, drew about 6,000 people last year and resulted in a $12,500 donation to charity.

Five shuttles will transport visitors from area parking lots to the site. There will not be a VIP area this year, or alcohol, Yaney said.

Sunday will be significant for the NTCC, which officially becomes the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, said Yaney, who pushed for the change.

The NTCC had been looking at becoming a chamber since 1993, without success.

"I've been waiting for this for so long," Yaney said. "But with the growth of businesses, we feel there is a true need for it."

Dong-Phuong Nguyen can be reached at (813) 909-4613 or nguyen@sptimes.com.