Gaspar's Patio Bar and Grill earns accolade

Given the time of year, it would be easy to assume there is a connection between the chamber of commerce's business of the year and Tampa's annual salute to pirates.

But you would be wrong, said Jimmy Ciaccio, owner of Gaspar's Patio Bar and Grill at 8448 N. 56th St.

Curious patrons have asked, he said, but it's merely a coincidence.

The moniker for the 51-year-old restaurant and drinking establishment tucked across the street from the new downtown development project is named for Ciaccio's late father, Gaspar, and not Tampa's famed Gasparilla pirate festival.

"My father, Gaspar, and uncle, Fano, opened this place in 1960," Ciaccio said.

"It was the Temple Terrace Lounge until 2004. That's when I changed the name to honor him."

On Jan. 18, the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce recognized Ciaccio's family-owned and operated business with its 2011 Ed Hanna Business of the Year Award. Other finalists were Home Instead Senior Care and Liberty Manor for Veterans.

"When I heard my name, it didn't register," Ciaccio said, recalling the announcement at the annual chamber awards luncheon at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club.

"It's really is nice to be recognized for the good work you have done. Sometimes it's good to get a pat on the back, to get the acknowledgement that you are a part of the community."

The 2011 honor marked the second consecutive year Gaspar's was a top contender for the award inaugurated by the chamber in 1990. Watts, Dawson and Associates insurance agency was the 2010 honoree.

Ciaccio has earned a reputation for being a dependable and responsive businessman, always willing to assist youth and community groups, said chamber Executive Director Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy. He has invested money to upgrade and expand the business.

Since taking over the restaurant, bar and liquor store operation in 2002, Ciaccio has added a private outdoor patio, which sports a pirate motif. In 2010, he opened a 2,500-square-foot game room with pool tables.

"Jimmy Ciaccio has put a lot of effort and resources in his business in recent years," Sparks-McGlinchy said. "It is a definite asset on the west side of 56th Street."

The chamber also presented the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute with a recognition plaque for its effect on the local economy and service to the community.