New Bricks Cafe Skates Into Ybor City

 

The pictures of The Bricks of Ybor, a new café on 7^th Ave. in Ybor City, tell a story of friendship, determination and fun.

The pics on its Facebook page show happy people celebrating big and little moments -- all over the world.

Brian Schaefer, owner of The Bricks, has been involved with Skatepark of Tampa for 17 years, traveling with SpoTlight Productions from one skate event to another. The Bricks is just an extension of that passion.

"We always do events in Ybor after our events at the Skatepark," says Schaefer. "So it was a need we wanted to fill. We're sophisticated but rough around the edges; fun and hospitable."

 

The café menu features salad and sandwich fare, as well as coffee, wine and creative drinks from a full-liquor bar. Schaefer states proudly that there is not a fryer on site and vegetarians have their pick from the menu, too.

 

Schaefer and his friends worked on the interior for months in anticipation of its opening. "We did all the work ourselves," says Schaefer. "The brick aesthetics, exposed A/C and electrical conduit give it a nice industrial look. The fine birch and pine work we did gives it a nice modern but sophisticated feel."

 

But they're not done yet. "The Bricks is an extension of our involvement in the community," continues Schaefer. "We have SPoT Skate Shop opening up next to The Bricks, so there will be a welcoming crossover between the shop, Skatepark, and SPoT Skate Shop. Now we'll have a location to host our after-gatherings for all the skatepark events."

 

The Bricks is open Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Brian Schaefer, The Bricks of Ybor