DIVE BAR AND GRILL COMES TO TOWN
Entrepreneurs Steve Donahue and Ernie Webb, (principals of the Florida Entertainment Group), are opening their latest venture, Dive Bar and Grill at 3128 Beach Boulevard in Downtown Gulfport.
In an interview with Steve and Ernie just four days before their scheduled opening in the middle of their 105 seat inside restaurant and bar, I was impressed both by the orderly chaos of last minute preparations and by the relative calm and confidence of the two principals. It was clear from our brief conversation that a lot of market research had been done before creating their business plan for the location.
“Dive” will be a full service restaurant in the low to moderate price range featuring a unique line of kabobs, sandwiches, alligator and conch specialties according to Ernie Webb. The menu was designed to attract all people of Gulfport based on their market studies. “Dive” will also produce a bar and club scene designed to meet the needs of our area gay community.
Almost everything inside and out has been completely renovated and/or replaced. Décor is a whimsical beach motif. Both the name and the décor are designed to tie in with a promotional program which will feature Gulfport’s heretofore under publicized beach. A newly equipped, highly efficient kitchen was nearly complete, the elevator to the upstairs deck bar has been upgraded and replaced. The outdoor bar has been completely rebuilt serving an outdoor table area seating another 75 people. In the hands of proven restaurant and club operators, this attractive venue appears ready to be a smashing success.
In addition, MC Filmfest, a beach themed gift shop has been relocated from its longtime St. Petersburg location to a delightful space off the main entrance and next to the downstairs bar. Many Gulfportians will remember the beach gift shop that so long graced the corner. As Yogi Berra would say, “Déjà vu all over again.”
By emphasizing an ambience and entertainment venue that is attractive to the regional gay community, Dive not only serves Gulfport’s substantial gay community but a regional gay community that is already patronizing the owners’ gay oriented clubs in Tampa’s Ybor City. Florida Entertainment Group’s mailing list numbers in the thousands and should be instrumental in bringing scores of new customers into our Downtown area.
Steve Donahue is a graduate of St. Petersburg High School, attended USF and spent most of his life in the restaurant business until about five years ago when he got into the nightclub business. He is a resident of St. Petersburg. Ernie Webb graduated from Wichita State University and has 14 years experience in the food and bar business. Ernie is a resident of Tampa. Both are principals in such Ybor City spots as G. Bar, Honey Pot and the Ybor City Social Club, among others.
According to Tampa observers, Steve and Ernie develop their own community, bringing their market to them. As a result, area businesses, especially lodging, experience considerable patronage from their out-of-area customers. Their reputation with the City of Tampa is excellent as evidenced by letters of commendation from City officials. Police relations are apparently good in that Chief Jane Castor recently held her birthday party at Honey Pot.
It is exciting to the writer that the excellent venue at the AAA corner of Gulfport is finally in the hands of people who know what to do with its advantages and have the wherewithal to do it. Our Chamber and the Downtown Merchant’s Association have worked long and hard to create events that will bring customers to our Downtown. Dive promises to be an ongoing “event,” that will have a very positive impact on customer traffic that is so essential to all the merchants.
A big welcome to Gulfport!
Just what we need a gay strip cub disguised as a place to bring your family… gee and now the gays claimed Gulfport Beach as their Gay Beach well you can have it since the water is so polluted with bacteria …be sure to go in when you have deep cuts in your skin…
Tonight, while taking a walk after dinner, we stopped by this spot, just to see what all the talk was about. Ernie Webb came out and gave us a tour, and my first impression is… It’s about time. Thank goodness someone with some experience has finally taken over Gulfport’s premier location.
Ernie gave a tour of the building, and really impressed us with his ideas and business plan. As residents and investors in this terrific city, we are really excited to see the snowball effect this should have.
Thanks for this article Big Dog. I look forward to The Dive opening and being able to enjoy the waterview from their rooftop bar.
Last week our local shopper rag paper, The Gabber, published a story about The Dive saying Gulfport’s gay community was opposed to this business, because The Dive had advertised itself as a Gay Bar with a gay beach . The opposition apparently was three people interviewed. The writer Cathy Salustri made one attempt to contact Steve Donohue. Some of the outrage to this article can be found on the Gulfport Magazine FB page at:
http://www.facebook.com/gulfportmagazine.
Be sure to scroll down as there are two primary postings each with follow-up comments. The folks at The Dive responded positively by encouraging their fans to become fans of The Gabber’s FB page. It doubled The Gabber’s fan count overnight. As an aside, The Gabber now has 500 FB fans and Gulfport magazine only in business a few short months already has 1000 FB fans.
A short while ago, after a lovely evening at Tangelo’s with friends, I came home and read the on-line edition of The Gabber. Yet again, The Gabber has published a negative story about The Dive this time in the form of an editorial. The response I posted to this editorial, on The Gabber’s FB page, follows:
“Yet one more slam, on The Dive by The Gabber, tho this is an “editorial” by Cathy Salustri. It is unfortunate that she has not made more than one lame attempt to contact Ernie and Steve. Personally, I too had some concerns about what I had seen and read. I even expressed concern to City Manager Jim O’Reilly. However, I learned a long time ago that the fair thing to do is to confront the issue of concern rather than make assumptions. Last week, I made a visit to The Dive and spoke with Ernie and Steve. I walked away satisfied with the answers they gave me. I believe they deserve the benefit of the doubt. They have invested alot of money in this venture. Their success will be our success. I have called G’Port home for 50 years and have never seen a business treated this way before it ever even opens. Frankly, I’m embarrassed.”
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gulfport-FL/The-Gabber-Newspaper/134224264622
http://www.facebook.com/gulfportmagazine
Confusion on the opening date..is it the Fri 3rd or Sat. 4th?
Thanks for doing the interview Big Dog; I hope that your words mellow the fears that I’ve heard in some voices of the community.
Apparently there is some advertising that has claimed that Gulfport was a Gay Beach where Bodies can be watched, and that is what is stirring the pot. (I’ve not seen the ads)
Defining a Bar as a…Biker Bar or a Gay Bar is not a good business model for Gulfport. It’s been tried and has failed. I realize that you are new to Gulfport and do not remember when Shore Boulevard was lined with Harley’s or when the now English Pub was a Biker Bar back in the late 80′s.
I do wish the new business success and realize that businesses new to Gulfport can make critical errors in judgment, as La Fogata/Belleni’s had in their exclusivity and parking debacle.
None of what I have read has deterred me from satisfying my curiosity or making up my own mind on the value added to the community. Who owns the property has never deterred me from sitting on the rooftop balcony and observing the activity below and it’s a little late in life for me to begin to feel threatened by anything other than greedy appetites and reckless government.
Big Dog…..when are you going to get The WatchDog out on Facebook?
Great article with the facts. Truth wins out. These gentlemen are an asset to our community. The gabber really blew this up in a negative stance. I appreciate your providing accurate info. again THANK YOU!
Ernie Webb I just wanted let you all know that Dive Bar and Grill got all of its final approvals and we will be open tomorrow at 6pm for dinner and drinks. Bring out all your family and friends!! We DID IT!!!!
THANK YOU!!! For the first postive artical about us! You ROCK!!!! Stop by MC Film this weekend. Again Thank you!!!!
(((HUGS))) Mrk & Carrie
The comparison between “WatchDog” and “The Gabber” world views proves the value of more than a single perspective in even a small town.
The recent “The Gabber” front page article and later feature column about Gulfport’s newest business, “Dive,” exemplify what past City Manager Tom Brobeil referred to as “mean city syndrome.”
When the city’s print news media greets a new business with pre-opening negativity, folks may question the credibility both of the reporter and of the publication which provides her a pulpit. As the reporter exercises her First Amendment protections to rant sophomorically, inappropriately and inaccurately, the paper’s capacity to provide honest service to its readership becomes suspect. “The Gabber” remains the vehicle for Ms Salustri’s fawning support of those she favors and vilification of those she or her political and business sponsors hold in low esteem.
My wife, Cindy, and I visited the owners of “Dive” to welcome them and to wish them success. We were greeted kindly and professionally. We were not questioned as to sexual orientation nor rejected because of heterosexual “impairment.”
“Dive” will succeed or fail based upon service it provides to its clientele and to our community. We saw no indication that the “Dive” cash register will discriminate in any way between gay or any other option.
Angela: Soft opening tonight (Fri) at 6pm
Just to clarify-Dive opens today,September 3 at 6:30 PM. They’ll be open bigtime for Geckofest and Labor Day!
We (a gay couple), my mom, and my partner’s mom and stepdad, just had our first meal at DIVE. Gator Bites, Conch Fritters, Fish Tacos, grilled Chicken Sandwich…and lots of beer. Everything was GREAT, and they were happy to accept all of our money…both gay and straight!
Went to the Gulfport Gecko Fest..decided to stop and have lunch at the newest restaurant, Dive Bar and Grill. Given that it is a new establishment and they are trying to or at least I hope they are trying to impress, they fell short. After we were seated we were told that our server would be there shortly, took her just a bit longer than should have as she was having a full blown conversation with people who already had their food. Finally she comes and takes our drink order, says she will return quickly, she did but she went back to the table she had been previously and with something for them, not our drinks.
I realize this is what your second day, but at least try and not run out of most of the things on your menu, as we were told as the host sat us. All in all, not a good impression. I wish you luck.
I had the chicken philly tonight. It was very tasty
Welcome to Gulfport Dive Bar & Grill and M.C. Filmfest. The building you now occupy is fantastic and at a great location. It was sad to see it sitting empty for so long. I (and my friends) am looking forward to hanging out locally in a gay friendly atmosphere. Good luck on the new venture and listen to your customers. I stopped in today during Gecko Fest. The place had a great vibe and an attractive appeal. And yea! Conch Fritters on the menu. And to Joe at the top of this list … thanks for showing all your intelligence level.
May I remind everyone it was the owners of this establishment who created the initial uproar in Gulfport by their advertising tactics…by referring to Gulfport as Tampa’s “sexiest gay beach” and by using racy and completely inaccurate pictures of life in Gulfport in their advertising campaign. Rather than bashing the media articles that responded to their inappropriate and insulting approach, let’s put the blame for this commotion where it belongs.
Any new establishment that has opened in Gulfport in the past has enjoyed nothing but support from the residents of Gulfport and the news media, and I challenge anyone to prove otherwise. Of course, I don’t remember Stella’s or Pia’s or Tangelo’s or any other (relatively) new Gulfport business so blatantly disrespecting the Gulfport community as the owners of the Dive Bar have.
Let’s hope the principals of this establishment have learned a valuable lesson from this debacle. If they haven’t, I have no doubt they will quickly go the way of every other business that has occupied the corner of Beach and Shore.
I went to the Dive on Saturday around lunch time. I sat upstairs with my daughter and mom. We had a couple of drinks and yes our food did take forever. However I would absolutely go back. The atmosphere was great. Any concerns over the “gay bar” are ridiculous. My daughter wasn’t exposed to anything inappropriate. Though the food took a long time I understand that the permits were only approved 2 days earlier. Not a long time to prepare and every bar & grille has issues to work out. Have some patience to work everything out and I’m sure i’ll be seeing them next year when I return for Gecko Fest!
I would like to have comments concerning the menu, service, etc of the new restaurant including prices. Anyone care to contribute?
Everybody deserves the benefit of the doubt and The Gabber did not grant that to The Dive. They only made one lame attempt to contact the owner. Thereafter, the the writer editorialized on the same topic she covered–which according to other writers is typically not done in good journalism. Remember that The Dive will bring more business to the other established businesses in town as well. Slamming The Dive before it opened could have impacted that aspect negatively, hopefully it didn’t. Heresay has it that alot of the broohaha eminated from Domain’s, which, if true is sad. I’ve been to Domain’s and witnessed behavior I didn’t care to see just as I have witnessed in other establishments. I don’t frequent Domain’s and it is not because of any behavior I witnessed. It is because the food and service were bad, all three times I tried it.
FLAMINGO RESORT HAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. THIS PLACE IS A DISASTER. FOOD QUALITY WAS POOR, SERVED COLD, STAF HAD ATTITUDE AND THE RETAIL STORE WAS LIKE AN AFTER THOUGHT. across from the harbour…..not a beach…..parking was dismal….. WE (AND THERE WAS 9 OF US) WILL NOT BE BACK.
MTober,
If I recall, a month ago, there were a few in this community suggested that the Cops pay special attention to the Dive on opening day. Would they be considered intolerant, suggestive, or fear mongering agents?
2iview….now why would u ask me that?
If anything I’d say anybody thinking that way is very presumptive. Last I heard everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
Fortunately, I think our police deptarment knows better than to target someone or something for no reason or just because somebody thinks something might happen or just doesn’t like someone.
I must tell you ..I am learning that many of the downtown businesses were none too happy with The Gabber’s ugly covereage of The Dive. You see they understand that The Dive might actually bring them more patrons too. Nevermind that they too may one day suffer the wrath of The Gabber and their one sided reporting.
Contempt prior to investigation is never wright ! We should all stop in look and listen before we jump to conclusions ! Gulfport as a whole can benefit from more businesses that bring in revenue ! What we don’t need in this economy is to have vacant storefronts ! Just food for thaught !
Hey, I just wanted to thank everyone for all of the feedback about the new place. I would like to explain some of the difficulties that we have faced during and leading up to our opening. We had two very crucial parts of our kitchen leadership walk out at the beginning of the first night. A very nice Gulfport resident decided to help out in the kitchen during Gecko Fest with no prior knowledge of our menu or kitchen. As you can imagine it created a very difficult operational situation. It upsets me that we were not able to provide everyone with a product that is up to my expectations and some of yours. I have spent every day along with my partners to address every issue that caused problems that weekend and I am confident that if you all give us a chance we will not disappoint you. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know many of the Gulfport residents and I am excited to meet many more. We are also offering a discount to all Gulfport residents all the time. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please email me at esw2035@hotmail.com or just stop by and we can chat.
Thank you,
Ernie Webb
MTobers said: I must tell you ..I am learning that many of the downtown businesses were none too happy with The Gabber’s ugly covereage of The Dive. You see they understand that The Dive might actually bring them more patrons too. Nevermind that they too may one day suffer the wrath of The Gabber and their one sided reporting.
Here’s the thing M, the controversy was initiated by the businesses advertising. If not for the AD this issue would not have presented itself. I’ve yet to see an apology for the mischaracterization of our community but instead I see members of the community making excuses and blaming the media.
Instead of citizens targeting their discontent to the actual writer of said article, they are blaming the Gabber as a whole. Well I know Cote and I can tell you that he had nothing to do with that article and as a member of the Gabber he is being unfairly criticizes. So lets get down to the culprit of your discontent shall we?
Cathy Sulustri, a wannabe writer, who’s best work is seen when she writes about herself. More specifically when she express how she was victimized or in articles expressing self-deprecation. She can write about her dog, but she couldn’t write about dogs in general. She can write about partying in Brooksville bars, but she can’t write about someone else opening a bar. The only thing that floats her boat is that a narrow segment of the population thinks she’s daring. Well, daring doesn’t translate into reporting, it might put you in the room but it doesn’t mean she knows what to say when she gets there.
IMO, if you read Crazy Cathy’s diatribe and take it to heart, you’ll spend a lifetime pulling out your hair. If you believe what Bill Northrop has to say, you’ll be quoting a well known German leader who said on many occasions; “how fortunate we are that the people are stupid”
For an accurate accounting of the world around you, read Rush’s Reality!
…..Who’s Cote?
Oops…hit enter too soon.
From my perspective the writer and the publisher of “The Gabber” are responsible, not the rest of the staff. Who said anything about them? That’s like saying the person delivering The St.Pete Times and everyone working there is a left wing liberal.
I agree that some of the advertising was questionable. I too had some concerns. Salustri could have done what I and others did and that was to go over to The Dive and talk to the owners and find out what was going on. It is also a little odd that the writer would editorialize the same story she covered as a news item. Bottom line, it was yet another one sided / biased story as seems to be the norm for “The Gabber”.
As far as taking it to heart, merchants did take it to heart as they are concerned about their livelihood and they know new additions like Tangelo’s and The Dive can help them too!
On a side note…I went to Tangelo’s tonight and then ran into some Chamber volunteers that had been at The Dive for a cabaret show with a singer known as Judy B Goode. They said the show was excellent. I believe it is going to be every Sat. nite from 7-10.
…..parking was dismal…..
“that’s a great thing” isn’t it Councilman Hastings?
…and from my perspective the business should have apologized along with removing the advertising that cause the problem to begin with. It’s easy to blame the messenger, how about the business taking responsibility for their part?
I’m not defending Cathy Sulustri’s poor performance, we’ve almost all been victims of her at one time or another, but one should look at the cause and affect to remedy the issue. Now that members here have warmed up to the proprietors of this establishment I guess they can do no wrong, so the fault must lie with the messenger? Housefeathers
I went to the Dive and asked for a beer menu, what I received was and answer, Bud, Bud Lite, Michelob Ultra. $3 bucks a can. OK, so they must emphasize their wine selection…I’ll check it out and get back to you. Residing outside of Napa Valley has given me some insight into the distinctions that make a difference.
I’ll take the time to sample what they consider their specialty on the menu, and like Foody report my findings. I don’t care about personality contests, I’m interested in what they do, what they advertised and the quality of their product, after-all the value of a restaurant is in what they serve and how they serve it not in their ability to charm the public.
Cote is one of the Gabber’s Watchdogs.
2iveiw: “…and from my perspective the business should have apologized along with removing the advertising that cause the problem to begin with. It’s easy to blame the messenger, how about the business taking responsibility for their part?”
My point, exactly. I hope this was nothing more than a huge misunderstanding, that the Dive Bar will do well and be a great addition to the Gulfport business community. But exactly when are the owners going to step up and apologize for their part in this?
Been there 3 times few people there will try again
A group of usm 2 gay 2 str8 went to the Dive Bar/Grill during 100yr celebration day Saturday. All the area businesses were busy of course because of the festival. We arrived at the Dive around 8pm, it was busy but not overly croweded at that point. There was a band playing with a singer that wasnt really that good but people seemed to be having a good time sitting outside next to the band lol. We had drinks at the back bar and bartender was cordial but wasnt too talkitive. We went upstairs to the roof bar and not many people were up there. We were going to have a drink up there but the bartender didnt really smile or ackowledge us as we walked by the bar or looked interested all that much. I would love to see this place really take off and besuccessful and any new place opening and having 2 festivals in the first month or so is hard. If they can get the staff focussed more on guests interaction it will help out alot! Good luck and all the best!
TruthAboutRestaurants,
My first experience there was upstairs, where I stood for a while waiting for the bar tender to text on his phone. He served me and went back to his phone, as I sat there folks were coming in…he was on his phone. When I left…yup…the phone.
So, besides not having a real selection of beer, Bud & Bud-lite, I had to wait for it and so did everyone else while he played with the phone.