Local Veteran-Owned Businesses in Tampa Bay We Can’t Get Enough Of

Raw Smoothie Co.

📸 Raw Smoothie Co – Instagram

With two locations in Tampa Bay, you won’t go wrong with snagging up a smoothie, or smoothie bowl at Raw Smoothie Co. Try one of their green smoothies that include a whole serving of greens, whole fruit, and omega rich seed! You can even enjoy your smoothie in a bowl-like-form by adding coconut flakes, granola, and fresh fruit on top – yum! Raw Smoothie Co. offers military and first responder discounts.

Forge Gym

📸 Forge Gym – Instagram

Feel like a millionaire with a private-style 24-hour gym. This hidden gem is perfect for anyone looking to start their wellness journey and reach their fitness goals. Whether you were intimidated to join a saturated gym, or if your work out routine doesn’t fit into normal business hours,  this is your spot! Choose the music you play in the entire gym, come by at ANY time, and be part of one of the greatest fitness communities in Tampa Bay.

Check Forge Gym out! Try their 3-day free trial, or get the 24-hour day pass to see what we’re talking about! We’re sure you’ll find the perfect membership for your lifestyle and your needs.

King of the Coop

King of the Coop reigns as Tampa’s first Nashville hot chicken restaurant! They currently preside as having the best fried chicken in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay Awards, which they’ve won twice in a row in 2019 and 2020. This place is SO good, we went twice in three days to have their chicken tenders and wings! We highly recommend the mac and cheese and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Thank us later! Don’t forget the King Sauce for a little bit more tang. If you’re a lover of chicken wings or a chicken tender orderer – this might just be one of your favorite local veteran-owned businesses in Tampa Bay!

Keel Farms

Enjoy farm-fresh wine, craft beer, ciders, and delicious food at Keel Farms in Plant City! This hidden gem is the perfect date spot, or for a girl’s fun day! Don’t forget to bring a bottle or six-pack home to enjoy even more. Keel Farms is one of the many veteran-owned businesses in Tampa Bay, and one of our all-time favorites! Did you know that Major Keel is an Army Reserve Medical Service Corps Officer? His grandfather was a Technical Sergeant with the Signal Corps, joining in 1945 and serving in Japan immediately following WWII!

The Honu Restaurant

📸 The Honu Restaurant – Facebook

A dining and drinking staycation experience! At The Honu Restaurant in Dunedin, enjoy yourself in a tiki and Polynesian atmosphere. You’ll get all the island feels when you visit The Honu Restaurant, especially with their delicious island-style dishes and the stunning and lively decor. The Honu Restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients from farmers and suppliers they personally know. Any dish here will surely create a taste bud party!

Crislip Cafe

No matter what kind of mood you’re in, check out Crislip Cafe in Downtown St. Pete to sweeten your day! At Crislip Cafe, they have delicious locally-soured coffee and mouth-watering pastries, as well as a selection of cheese, wine, charcuterie, craft beer, and fondue! This is one of our favorite veteran-owned businesses, especially because it’s the perfect spot to bond with a friend.

They are known for having some of the best cheese and grazing boards, with a variety from all across the United States, and the whole world. When you check out Crislip Cafe, take a look at the gallery that local artists have put on display! You will notice that the cafe tries to focus on supporting local creators by bringing the freshest ingredients to the table, art from emerging and the best artists, and merchants.

5 Branches Brewing

📸 5 Branches Brewing – Facebook

Come out and spend some quality time at the unique Sponge Docks! Located in Tarpon Springs, 5 Branches Brewing is a must-visit while staying at the Sponge Docks. 5 Branches Brewing has local craft beer, wine, and hand-crafted cocktails! The variety of local and in-house craft beers isn’t the only thing that makes 5 Branches Brewing great, it’s one of the greatest veteran-owned businesses in Tampa Bay!

The name actually comes from the 5 branches of the military, including the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marines, and the Coast Guard. Besides being one of our favorites for their delicious beverages, the community feels, and cozy place, they also donate a whole deal! Check them out.

Sarge's Smokehouse BBQ

📸 Sarge’s Smokehouse BBQ – Facebook

Are you looking to try somewhere new to fill your BBQ fix? Sarge’s Smokehouse BBQ has a dine-in location in Tampa but travels all across Tampa Bay in a food truck! There is just something about a BBQ food truck that makes your mouth just water. They are known for their 75 combined years of military experience and sampling of BBQ to create the best BBQ for their customers. Make sure to come hungry, you won’t go wrong with a combo platter or BBQ sandwich.

Bayboro Brewing Co.

📸 Bayboro Brewing Co – Instagram

For local veteran-owned businesses near St. Pete, you’ll want to jot down this brewery on your bucket list! Bayboro Brewing Co. is a local brewery and tasting room that offers a variety of different craft beers to check out. Bayboro Brewing Co. has a rotating tap that changes throughout the year with new and returning flavors! Their dishes are like nothing you’ve seen before, and even if you have, the taste will make you come back the next day!

Bullfrog Creek Brewing

📸 Bullfrog Creek Brewing – Facebook

Bullfrog Creek Brewing is more than just a brewery. With some of the best local craft beers and delicious food, this easily makes one of our favorite local veteran-owned businesseses in the Tampa Bay list. Bullfrog Creek Brewing is veteran-owned and started by a local native from Tampa Bay. If you’re a fan of craft beer, Bullfrog Creek Brewing has you covered with over 18 craft beers on tap! They have IPAs, stouts, sours, ales, lagers, ciders, seltzers, and more to choose from.

Studio Flava

📸 Studio Flava – Instagram

When it comes to dancing, what’s your FLAVA? Studio Flava is a dance studio and event space located in Tampa! If you’re looking to take dance classes, get choreographed lessons, join in some dance fitness, or even rent out the space for an upcoming event, Studio Flava has you covered. Why not support local veteran-owned businesses when you can? The studio is open during the class schedules to check out or even participate! Studio Flava offers a class schedule for a variety of different dance fitness classes to join.