A new sports-centric restaurant is set to open in CollegeTown, promising a blend of food, live music and a tribute to Florida State coaching legend Bobby Bowden. The venture has received the blessing of the Bowden family and is backed by two local ownership groups featuring Seminoles alumni, including former FSU tight end Dave Roberts.
The restaurant will occupy the space previously held by Tin Lizzy’s Cantina and 51 on Madison, located off Woodward Avenue near Doak Campbell Stadium in College Town. Inside, patrons can expect to see Bowden memorabilia provided by his family as part of a licensing agreement with the owners.
Roberts, an attorney based in Seagrove Beach and an investor in the restaurant with Tallqueso LLC., revealed that discussions are underway with FSU’s licensing department regarding usage rights for certain university-controlled trademarks. The second ownership group involved is TLC Fifty-Three LLC.
Roberts played at FSU from 1986-90 under Coach Bowden and expressed excitement about launching a restaurant that pays homage to his former coach’s legacy. The opening is slated for around the start of college football season.
“The Bowden family has been extremely gracious allowing us to use Coach’s name,” said Roberts. “We aim for this establishment not only to be a tribute to Coach but also provide a fun, family-friendly environment where students, fans, alumni, locals and visitors can enjoy throughout the year.”
Bowden memorabilia displayed will narrate his journey from his youth days in Birmingham Alabama through his illustrious 34-year coaching career at FSU. Under his leadership as head coach from 1976 until he retired in 2009 , Florida State became one of college football’s great dynasties winning two national championships (1993 &1999). He passed away last August due to pancreatic cancer at age 91.
The menu will feature classic favorites such as wings, nachos salads sandwiches and burgers while also offering live music performances which Roberts believes would significantly enhance customer experience
Interestingly enough there seems some friendly competition brewing between this new venture and Spurrier’s Gridiron Grill owned by former Gators football coach Steve Spurrier located down south on I-75 Gainesville which opened its doors two years ago.
“I always thought if they had a Spurrier’s restaurant in Gainesville we needed a Bowden’s here,” said Roberts whose son plays football at University South Florida Tampa.
“We’re really excited about how quickly everything has come together It promises be lot fun we think it’ll be really cool.”