Saved from the Tremendous Bowl: Tampa entrepreneurs profit from giant, hungry crowds

In the vicinity of Julian B. Lane Park, several vendors sell BBQ, fresh lemonade and much more. They are excited about a new source of income during the pandemic.

TAMPA, Florida – The Super Bowl experiences footprint extends well beyond the actual event. There are miles of parking and tons of pedestrian traffic opening the doors for local business owners to make money.

“You know, there’s so much money out here. Right now it’s the Super Bowl and we could get our own money, we can get rich if we do our own thing, ”said Lakesha Dennard. She decided to sell fresh lemonade a few blocks from Julian B. Lane Park after her son gave her the idea. “So I was thinking about it, I can get out of here and make some money selling lemonade and fruit cups.”

Dennard lost her job at the airport in early 2020. But she says it was a blessing in disguise. “I work 12-hour shifts. And you never know, I couldn’t really think and see what I want to do in life. You know? Well, since I’ve been home, I’ve wanted to make money.” She says the break gave her the space and time to think about how she wants to make money and work.

Dennard is not alone in her entrepreneurial pursuit.

“Now to the people who come out there and say we do a good job and our prices are reasonable compared to what they do and pay for,” said Henry Freeman. He sells BBQ just outside the park.

And while he’s an avid Buccaneers fan, he actually loves everyone who visits. He wants all families to have an affordable option for groceries during a difficult year.

“So we don’t all have the money to play this place. And we tried to make sure everyone in Tampa Bay is happy now, “said Freeman.

He does his part by not only sharing his delicious grill, but also his positive energy. “I’m showing people out of town that we love Tampa and that we have oneness. And we’re trying to be a Sunshine State in Tampa. “

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