SOHO GROUP
Leading The Way South Tampa Does Business How many Entrepreneurs form the Soho Leisure Group? Tommy Ortiz and Chris Scott, lead a team of dedicated managers and team mates to deliver a superior product. Can you tell us a little about the Soho Leisure Group, when it was formed, what started the idea? Tommy is proud to have been born and raised in Tampa. He has lived here, played here and is humbled to have had the opportunity to achieve his dreams here. In 1991 Tommy got his first break and became the co-owner of the legendary Hyde Away. In 1994, he opened Tuts Pyramid. What a learning curve! With a handful of smarts and little cash on hand - Tommy opened the Hyde Park Café. Thirteen years later, He is proud to have been a part of transforming this once battered establishment, into a South Tampa staple. What has been the most surprisingly difficult part of running nightclubs and establishments in Tampa? We have been tremendously successful in that with the development of more and more competition, our loyal guests always return to what they know and feel confident can deliver on what we always promise. Do you feel that you have gained most of the market share in Tampa? We are fortunate to have three successful operations in the South Tampa area and encourage the continued growth of the Tampa area. This part of Florida continues to thrive and competition only increases the ability to thrive. Tommy, so I hear you opened Hyde Park Café 13yrs ago with little cash on hand. What would you say were some of your worst moments that humbled you to establish the empire that stands today? My first humbling experience would have to be when I first opened the Hyde Away, and I had a falling out with my part-
Can the city of Tampa Handle any more nightclubs? Yes. This city is densely populated and deserves unique, authentic and well operated establishments. We have a great city and hope to see continued growth.
ners, so I decided to leave the location. I thought I could open a place in the same vicinity, and be able to bring my guests, and that they would follow me there. This is when I quickly realized that the power of a team, not one individual, was more important to the guests, and so I learned a valuable lesson. That it is not just YOU that makes a difference, but all of us together combined, is what makes the difference. This simple concept taught me the value of building a team. My second humbling experience would have to be, after quickly having the opportunity in reinventing the Café, and building a beautiful venue. I thought this would allow us to gain market share in South Tampa, because we were now able to offer the same amenities that are top competitors were offering. Boy was I wrong. It turned out that customer service was the true value of a venue. Not the venue itself. That the failure to lead my team to victory and take my guests for granted was another huge experience for me. That’s when Blue Martini opened up and completely wiped us out from our Friday night crowd, and that’s when I had to dig deep and find out what caused the matter. After some heavy thinking, I realized that it was due to the fact that I failed to lead my team, in applying the principle of great customer service. Even though we still had a great place like Blue Martini, our customer service did not compete. So I quickly had to change my game plan and strategy to support the team and customers. So that was my second humbling experience, knowing that I was the cause of leading my team to failure.
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What are 3 Factors that separate South Tampa nightlife, from any other part of the city? Loyalty. There is a unique factor about South Tampa and it truly embraces its own culture, supports it, and lets it thrive. What projects can South Tampa expect from the Soho Leisure Group in the next 5 yrs? Many. The Soho Leisure Group is dedicated to enhancing the South Tampa area in all facets from “not so sexy” parking lots that are well lit and safe to providing new grab and go food venues and additional night life. The sky is the limit in an area that supports us as South Tampa has since 1988. At the end of the day, who makes the final decision? The team. From owners to managers to team mates, our decisions are made so that everyone feels good about the direction and provides united support. The Group has been part of the nightlife evolution in Tampa since the early 1990s. How has the nightlife scene changed since Tommy opened the legendary Hyde Away, and where does the Group see it go from here? South Tampa has matured in so many ways, and yet has stayed as equally humble, small and elite. The customers are gracious and loyal. We are thankful to be part of such a wonderful community. Do you feel that the nightlife scene in Tampa can stand its ground with other Giants like Miami and New York City? Tampa has proven itself as a significant force in the entertainment scene, drawing two Super Bowls, hosting 3 Major League sports teams and a home to numerous superstars and athletes.