One of Ybor City's most dependable late-night anchors is changing hands. The Bricks, the cafe-bar and live-music hub on East Seventh Avenue credited with helping revive the western end of the historic district, now has a new owner after the building quietly sold earlier this year. Regulars and nearby businesses are watching closely: the venue's courtyard shows, late-night crowd and steady stream of community events have become part of the neighborhood's DNA. Incoming owners say they want to keep the core concept intact while rolling out targeted upgrades, and paperwork hints at much bigger development plans in the background.
Sale Details And Who’s Behind The Deal
Public records show the deed for the building at 1327 E. 7th Ave. transferred to Ybor City Mixed Use LLC on Jan. 9, with the sale history listing roughly $3.14 million for the transaction, according to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. State filings list YBOR MIXED USE LLC with JPRE Development as the registered agent and Joshua Pardue as manager, per the Florida Division of Corporations. The building had been owned by Ybor City Properties LLC, a company tied to Skatepark of Tampa founder Brian Schaefer.
What The Outgoing Owner Is Saying
In a text to reporters, Schaefer said, "Tenants will remain," and that staff and operations would not change immediately while the new owners work on restoring fuller service, according to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. He also told reporters the buyer is aiming to return the restaurant and bar to seven-day service and to make interior and exterior improvements. For now, managers and employees at The Bricks are keeping regular shifts and the venue's events calendar rolling as usual.
Where This Fits In Ybor’s Bigger Shake-Up
The buyer's links to JPRE and the larger Gasworx redevelopment put this corner of Seventh Avenue squarely in the path of a major neighborhood shift. Gasworx is a 50-acre plan that aims to connect Ybor City with Channelside using new housing, offices and a market hub, as reported by FOX 13 News. Developers and city officials have described the project as transit oriented and pedestrian friendly, which could ramp up demand for carefully curated restaurants and retail on nearby blocks. That kind of large-scale change helps explain why outside investors and leasing teams have been especially active along Seventh Avenue this year.
What’s Next For The Bricks
The Bricks' official site still lists the cafe at 1327 E. 7th Ave. and continues to post menus and upcoming shows, suggesting day-to-day service is rolling along while the new ownership settles in. Tampa Bay reporters have documented the handoff and early comments from the new owners, but a firm timeline for renovations or changes has not been released, per The Bricks and the Tampa Bay Times. Neighbors and regulars say they want clear assurances that the outdoor courtyard shows and small-business tenants upstairs will be protected as those plans take shape.
