USF CU’s History You Can Bank On: The Surprising Story Behind Florida's Oldest Restaurant

Many of you may know that we recently launched a new storytelling series called History You Can Bank On, where we explore the rich stories behind the communities, businesses, and people we serve at USF Credit Union.

Today, Fabian from our Citrus Park branch shares the fascinating history of one of Tampa Bay's most beloved landmarks: the Columbia Restaurant.

What many people don't realize is that the Columbia began as a modest 60-seat saloon in Ybor City. Founded in 1905 by Spanish-Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr., the restaurant started with a simple dream - to create a gathering place for Tampa's growing community.

Over the decades, that small saloon grew into something extraordinary. Today, the Columbia is Florida's oldest restaurant and the world's largest Spanish restaurant, occupying an entire city block in the heart of Ybor City.

Its success didn't stop there. The Columbia expanded beyond Tampa to locations across Florida, while remaining family-owned and operated for five generations.

And here's a fun piece of trivia: the restaurant's famous 1905 Salad was perfected by waiter Tony Noriega and introduced in the 1940s, eventually becoming one of the restaurant's signature offerings.

Watch the video to learn more about this Tampa Bay landmark.

And that's Tampa History You Can Bank On!