TAMPA, Fla. — Even a burger can be considered art if done right.
At Riveters Tampa, that kind of curation is what operating partner Andres Farfan strives for.
“It's very important that what we serve is the things that I like to eat,” he said.
And Farfan likes to eat fresh food, so that’s what he does by having trucks delivering fresh ingredients sometimes multiple times a week.
This place started about four years ago.
Coming out of the pandemic, Farfan saw a spot on Dale Mabry and thought it would be the place for his next venture.
“I remember what this used to be like,” he said.” And I just saw a good opportunity.”
And every fall when the Bucs take the field or during major sporting events like the World Cup or hockey playoffs, this place is bumping.
But with baseball now taking place up the street, Farfan is excited for what that will bring.
“It's going to be a huge impact for us and as being a local restaurant,” Farfan said. “It really is going to make a huge difference.”
When he found out the Tampa Bay Rays would be playing their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field, the wheels immediately began turning as to what kind of opportunity this would bring for his restaurant.
“I think for us here in this area,” Farfan said. “It's just going to bring a lot of people.”
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Spring training is good for business, but those fans leave at the end of March. Now, baseball will be here until at least September, just in time for the Buccaneers.
“We're two blocks away from the stadium,” Farfan said. “So, in reality it's a 10-minute walk from here to the stadium.”
It couldn’t come at a better time for the area.
Farfan remembers when he first came here over 30 years ago and saw loads of restaurants around here, many of which have gone away.
He hopes the Rays will create some excitement for the surrounding businesses and new clientele that would normally go to the Trop who are now heading to Steinbrenner.
“We have a really good crowd,” Farfan said. “But baseball is going to be pretty awesome.”
Pretty awesome for Dale Mabry and for more customers Farfan can showcase his art to on each plate.
