THE OWNER
The Irish Bar
Alberto Garcia has owned Peggy O’Neill’s in Oldsmar, Florida for five years. This Irish-themed pub had established a loyal following of locals who came for the drinks, the food, the entertainment, and the friendly neighborhood bar atmosphere. Alberto even added some Latin flavor to the menu as daily specials to the popular Irish and traditional bar fare.
The BBQ Vision
Mr. Garcia is the type of entrepreneur who revels in the creative aspect of his business: the food, the decor, and the entertainment.
After traveling across the USA - especially to Texas - and tasting some of the best BBQ, he became inspired to showcase BBQ in all of its glory - the grilling, smoking, sauce, and dry rubs - and combine it with the best of Tampa Bay’s local craft beer.
The Renovation
A makeover ensued including wood pallet focal points both inside and outside the venue, a multi-media private room built for meetings and parties, and Edge City logo enhanced tabletops which completed the visual transition.
"But a restaurant is all about the food,” says owner Alberto Garcia. “And Tampa Bay is gonna fall in love with our smoked BBQ and our new 'from scratch' kitchen menu with a Southern flair.”
The Chef
Alberto knew that the key to making the new menu come to fruition was to bring a Chef with a corporate background who has a passion for BBQ and understands the importance of leadership and teamwork.
Chef Stephanie Baker-Taylor
Catering of our restaurant menu as well as offering a versatile menu on premises for groups up to 140 and off premises for up to 1,000 is part of our business model.
“Tampa Bay has been my home for a few years now and I have extended family here. I am excited to come on board to launch this new concept and train the kitchen staff ," states the Chef with vigor and positivity. "I have been the Opening Chef at several places both in Florida and New York, and I look forward to being a true example of leadership to this successful team."
The Goal
Alberto and Chef Baker-Taylor and the Edge City Team have ONE Goal for Edge City BBQ and Tap:
“Our focus is create 'experiences' for our guests so engaging that they come on back for another one!"
The Bar
Pair your food with Local Craft Beer
Alberto’s concept of a tap house led him to consulting with Jay Lesher aka Jay the Welder, a 25-year innovator and brewmaster in the craft beer industry, known for his refined palate and for his invention, The Spinbot 5000. This double vortex-infusion system is shaking up the way craft breweries flavor beer all over the world, including Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing, whose infrastructure he helped design and build, and where The Spinbot 5000 has been enhancing flavors in beers since he invented it in 2013.
Beyond the Beer
Jay, Alberto, and our Edge City Bar Staff have carefully selected the best from craft breweries around Tampa Bay.
Not only will you find popular beers such as Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Lai and Tampa Bay Brewing Company’s Reef Donkey, but you’ll discover unique flavors from other local breweries. And our bartenders can even recommend some beers from different breweries that combine for the perfect flavor!
Not a craft beer lover? We’ve got you covered with one of our Edge City Signature Cocktails, or your own personal favorite libation, from our full liquor bar.