06/15/2026
QUAKER STEAK & L**E ANNOUNCES JULY 5 CLOSING
Quaker Steak and L**e announced today on its page that it will permanently close following business on July 5, ending a nearly 23-year run as a popular gathering place for the Tampa Bay community.
Since the announcement, the restaurant's page has been flooded with memories, photos, and heartfelt messages from longtime patrons, employees, musicians, and community organizations that have called the restaurant home for nearly 23 years.
Longtime General Manager Mark Howard shared an emotional message thanking the community for its support while encouraging customers to visit during the restaurant's final weeks.
"We would love to see as many faces as possible," Howard wrote. "Share memories and enjoy each other for just a little while longer. It's all about the people and relationships we've made along the way."
The restaurant's impact on Tampa Bay's music scene cannot be overstated. For years, Quaker Steak & L**e hosted live performances, bike nights, charity events, and community gatherings that provided opportunities for local and regional artists. At a time when live music venues continue to disappear, its closure marks the loss of another stage where musicians and fans came together.
Quaker Steak & L**e will serve its final customers on Sunday, July 5, closing a chapter in Tampa Bay history that few will soon forget.
