On this episode of STIR, Chris sits down with Casey Gonzmart Jr., fifth-generation leader of the 1905 Family of Restaurants—home to the iconic Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, Goody Goody, Cha Cha Coconuts, and more. Casey shares how a single Ybor City saloon in 1903 became Florida’s oldest restaurant group, and what it really takes to preserve heritage while evolving for the next century.
Highlights & Takeaways:
The true beginning:
The family first opened the Columbia Saloon on December 17, 1903 (the same day the Wright brothers flew). After a fire, they reopened as the Columbia Restaurant across the street in 1905—a timeline twist the family uncovered with USF historians.
Culture that lasts:
The Ybor City flagship now spans 15 dining rooms and 1,700 seats, complete with nightly flamenco and Spanish tilework—a living museum of Cuban and Spanish influences curated by earlier generations.
Fifth-generation leadership:
Casey describes learning the business from the kitchen up—organizing stockrooms at 10, documenting soup recipes at 12—then building outside experience in stadiums, arenas, and airports before returning to help modernize systems and training.
Tradition + tech:
The team has implemented kitchen display systems, standardized training, and revamped e-commerce—all while protecting the rituals guests love (table-side 1905 Salad, anyone?).
Community first:
Each September, the group’s Community Harvest donates 5% of every guest check to guest-selected local charities—over $4.4M donated to date. During Covid, they paid teammates for 40 hours and healthcare, and produced 6,000+ meals per week for employee families.
Growth with intention:
With Florida booming, the fifth generation is more open to expansion—evaluating opportunities (including Lakewood Ranch) while continuing to invest in existing brands and markets.
The human side of leadership:
Casey’s morning routine centers on faith, focus, and movement. Asked what he’d want to hear if he were losing his hearing, his answer was instant: his kids’ laughter.
Memorable Quotes:
“If you’re coasting, you’re going downhill.”
“We’re nothing without our teammates. Many of them have known me since I was 10.”
“Our job is to serve great food at a great price, in a great atmosphere—and create memories for generations.”
About the Guest:
Casey Gonzmart Jr. leads alongside his cousin and uncle at the 1905 Family of Restaurants: Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Celebration & more), Ulele, Goody Goody, Cha Cha Coconuts, and several airport concepts at Tampa International Airport.
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On this episode of STIR, Chris sits down with Casey Gonzmart Jr., fifth-generation leader of the 1905 Family of Restaurants—home to the iconic Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, Goody Goody, Cha Cha Coconuts, and more. Casey shares how a single Ybor City saloon in 1903 became Florida’s oldest restaurant group, and what it really takes to preserve heritage while evolving for the next century.
Highlights & Takeaways:
The true beginning:
The family first opened the Columbia Saloon on December 17, 1903 (the same day the Wright brothers flew). After a fire, they reopened as the Columbia Restaurant across the street in 1905—a timeline twist the family uncovered with USF historians.
Culture that lasts:
The Ybor City flagship now spans 15 dining rooms and 1,700 seats, complete with nightly flamenco and Spanish tilework—a living museum of Cuban and Spanish influences curated by earlier generations.
Fifth-generation leadership:
Casey describes learning the business from the kitchen up—organizing stockrooms at 10, documenting soup recipes at 12—then building outside experience in stadiums, arenas, and airports before returning to help modernize systems and training.
Tradition + tech:
The team has implemented kitchen display systems, standardized training, and revamped e-commerce—all while protecting the rituals guests love (table-side 1905 Salad, anyone?).
Community first:
Each September, the group’s Community Harvest donates 5% of every guest check to guest-selected local charities—over $4.4M donated to date. During Covid, they paid teammates for 40 hours and healthcare, and produced 6,000+ meals per week for employee families.
Growth with intention:
With Florida booming, the fifth generation is more open to expansion—evaluating opportunities (including Lakewood Ranch) while continuing to invest in existing brands and markets.
The human side of leadership:
Casey’s morning routine centers on faith, focus, and movement. Asked what he’d want to hear if he were losing his hearing, his answer was instant: his kids’ laughter.
Memorable Quotes:
“If you’re coasting, you’re going downhill.”
“We’re nothing without our teammates. Many of them have known me since I was 10.”
“Our job is to serve great food at a great price, in a great atmosphere—and create memories for generations.”
About the Guest:
Casey Gonzmart Jr. leads alongside his cousin and uncle at the 1905 Family of Restaurants: Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Celebration & more), Ulele, Goody Goody, Cha Cha Coconuts, and several airport concepts at Tampa International Airport.
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