Belleair Bluffs Market Set For Major Makeover

The first thing Michael Walguarnery wants his customers to know is that the will be open the entire time during its upcoming remodeling. 

The second thing he wants to you be aware of is the quality of the food at his popular Belleair Bluffs shop will change - it’s going to get even better. 

Starting around Feb. 1, contractors begin transforming the Surf and Turf into a gourmet neighborhood marketplace, complete with art deco décor, fresh local foods and a critically acclaimed chef to tie the whole project together.

“We’re changing the whole store… from below the floor to the roof,” Walguarnery said last week. “We wanted to take it to the next level. 

“But the most important thing we are doing is improving the quality of our food. Because ultimately the product is more important than any cosmetic changes.“ 

In addition to the planned 12-week renovation project, which includes a new entrance, a 40-foot by 20-foot center island, a café and even a vintage produce truck filled with fresh goods, the biggest changes will come from the outside. 

Walguarnery hired Chef Michael Bennett, who has an extensive culinary background as well as gourmet market experience, from a pool of about 40 applicants, and he hasn’t been disappointed with his choice. 

“Chef Bennett had experience in gourmet groceries down in Miami, and he liked the concept of what we were trying to do, so he really separated himself from the pack,” Walguarnery said.

Indeed one of the biggest changes, aside from the cosmetic upgrades, will be the inclusion of daily food preparation demos and classes to go along with the already-in-place open grill theme. 

According to Walguarnery and Bennett, open grill is a simple concept: they buy it, we cook it. Anything purchased in the store can be prepared on site, either to eat in the café or take home and warm up later for dinner. 

It will take the hassle out of cooking for people on the go, and allow meals to be prepared the right way, and Bennett will also show the customer how to do so. 

“We’re making it so you don’t have to think about cooking anymore,” Bennett said. "We’re trying to get back to good cooking.” 

Good cooking comes from good products, and owner and chef assure that Harvest Marketplace will be using the best, highest quality products, much of it found locally.

“We want to support small, local businesses by buying produce, seafood and meats from the Tampa Bay area,” Walguarnery said.  

“We’re striving to make something better.”