As the recent confrontations over the lease between Sangrias and Tommy Ortiz indicated, the complexity of transactions can be confusing. After our last posting of these events on SOHOTampa.com we received a phone call from Whiskey SOHO owner Tommy Ortiz. He was not happy. He stated that we had not given him fair coverage of his side of this story. Frankly, we had to agree that we had not told his side as much as we probably should have. We promptly arranged for an in person discussion later in the evening at his new restaurant – Cheap. We spent almost 2 hours with Tommy as he generously allowed us to ask virtually any questions about his activities in SOHO. We talk with him pretty often. He is a very easy person to talk to.

Just over a year ago Tommy became in control of half of the 300 block of South Howard owned by Frank Kane. The other half is controlled by T.C. Choy. The property Tommy controls includes the building fronting South Howard Avenue currently the location for Cheap (formerly Cappy’s), SOHOSushi, and Sangrias. Additionally in back of this parcel at Moody and Azeele are a couple of residential units and between them the Dubliner property.

Regarding the lease battle with Sangrias “Promises had been made that were not kept” had lead to a court order calling for “immediate possession” of the property. Tommy indicated that the 13 month eviction process had been delayed as a result of “deception” by Sangrias owners and partners. He indicated that leases were continually being shifted to different parties in order to thwart the eviction process. “There is another side to this story that is not being told – it is disappointing.” You have “ to take advantage of all options to reach your goals.”. The legally “proper” delivery of notice to vacate the property should be delivered to Sangrias at any time. Sangrias will probably be out of the property in a matter of days.

Tommy Ortiz has several business and financial partners, however, he is the one that is most visible in the operation of the businesses. He smiled when he said “I am not trying to prove anything. I am willing to work 24/7 and willing to work harder. I am only as good as my people.” (referring to his employees) He can frequently be seen clearing tables at Tacqueria Quetzlcoatl. Even in the effort to evict Sangrias, while additional workers were present, Tommy was there moving chairs and fixtures to the trucks. At a catered event, he was busy serving guests at their tables. He can usually be seen at one of his locations early in the day and he works til late – virtually every day. In February he will be 38 yrs old and is proud of his accomplishments.

He is vigilant about attending neighborhood and community meetings and, as we have, expresses a slight sadness as to why more people aren’t involved in helping to solve the really local issues.

Tommy is no new comer to SOHO. His first club involvement was with the Hydeaway (now the location of Whiskey SOHO). Stories of mob activity, complex financial dealings, and large egos were shared with us as his first experiences with club business in his early 20’s helped him learn how the game can be played. His commitment to the neighborhood was emphasized many times in our discussion.

We asked about the legal issues regarding the Dubliner deck area. Indicating a willingness to be “reasonable and fair”, his examination of the Dubliner lease does not include the deck area he said. Indicating their right to a ramp for handicap access, he argued that a significant part of the deck area should belong to the wet zoning area of the 300 block building, not the Dubliner. He also expressed his right to raise rent rates to an acceptable market rate as written in the lease. (A court date of March 3 has been set to help in determining these issues.)

On SOHO Sushi, “I don’t want Jeff (SOHOSUSHI owner) out. He has to build bathrooms. It is illegal as it is.” The bathrooms are currently shared with Sangrias. He stated he will sign off on the building of bathrooms pending permit approval. SOHOSushi is already scheduling meetings with contractors to discuss this option. With a location between Sangrias and Cheap, SOHOSushi is an obstacle between connecting the spaces together.

On Raydiance Tanning’s recent move, he indicated that he had tried to allow the long time business to stay, but could not guarantee a lease due to his future plans for the upstairs of the building. Additionally, he felt the previous rent had been below a fair rate and the higher rent had not been acceptable.

Contradicting rumors, “I don’t plan a mega club for the block. We want to do something unique.” He spoke of restaurants on the bottom floor with an art gallery/wine/cigar bar on the top floor. Previously he has indicated no significant culinary experience, but was clear that his plans were for more food oriented locations. Aware that profit margins are considerably less on food versus beverages, he said food is where its at.

On WhiskeySOHO. “ We are on a month to month lease.” The plans by Post Properties to demolish the building in favor of a retail facility with residential on the upper floors has been continually delayed as the real estate market has sunk. As to when the closing of WhiskeySOHO will occur, he expressed gratitude and good blessings that the eventual closing has been delayed as long as it has. Calling WhiskeySOHO his “golden goose”. He hopes to re-open the former Bahasa Lounge location on West Kennedy in January under a new Whiskey name, yet to be determined. He described Bahasa as having been his biggest competitor in the past and was proud that the property owner had approached him to take over management of the former Bahasa location. “People don’t understand what we are all about.”

The SOHO Vision. He sees SOHO becoming a walking district with more restaurants than bars. He hopes for a recognition of the “reasonableness of working together,” between businesses and residents.

Tommy was concerned about being portrayed as the “bad guy” of SOHO. A goal of being legally “fair and reasonable” was mentioned many times in our discussion. The problem of the “bad guy” image was attributed to his low key nature and subtle personality. However, he was quick to express concern about customer service and public response, enough so that he was very quick to allow us to post his cell phone number here so that you can call him directly with your questions, concerns, and comments about his efforts in SOHO. The phone number is 813-714-8085.

The willingness to be so open to you should be appreciated and not abused. There are very few people that will make themselves available to you in such a public manner. Tommy was polite, attentive, and respectful in our meeting. If you speak with him, we hope you will be as well.

“I believe in my heart of hearts that we are here to make the neighborhood better” said Tommy.

(For reference: Tommy Ortiz is the owner of, or key operating/managing partner of: Whiskey SOHO, Cheap, Hyde Park Café, SOHO Pizza Joint, Strings and Rings (now closed), Tacqueria Quetzlcoatl, Bahasa (now closed and under renovation), and other various interests.)