If things go Frank Chivas' way, then a massive, multi-level $2.5 million seafood restaurant could be taking over much of the second level of the Clearwater Beach Marine Aquarium.
Chivas, the current owner of Clearwater restaurants Rumba, the Salt Rock Grill, the Marlin Darlin’ restaurants and the Island Way Grill, plans to meet with the Clearwater City Council tonight and propose a five-year lease for this restaurant inside the city-owned Clearwater Beach Marina.
The restaurant - to be named the Marina Cantina - will take up almost 9,300 square feet on the inside of the marina and and 11,200 square feet for an outdoor patio in a previous space that used to house a U.S. Post Office. The plan is for Chivas to lease the space for five years with the chance to renew for another five after.
At the start rent would cost $9 per square foot for seven years, then $17.50 for another five years, the $20 per square foot - the actual market value - after that. The city of Clearwater would also receive 8 percent of alcohol sales from the Marina Cantina rooftop patio.
This situation is very similar to one earlier this year where Columbia Restaurant owner, Richard Gonzmart was chosen to lead a $2 million dollar renovation effort on the longstanding Water Works building in Downtown Tampa. Gonzmart also plans to open a seafood restaurant in this city-owned building. His will be called Ciao's and is expected to open by the end of the year.
