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Students, faculty, and university leaders at the 51���� got a taste of Tampa culinary history when the family behind visited the Judy Genshaft Honors College for a live cooking demonstration on Feb. 6.

Hosted in the one-of-a-kind Leona Genshaft Food and Culture Studio as part of the Honors College’s new Made to Share series, the Gonzmart family demonstrated the preparation of two of the restaurant’s signature dishes for Honors College students and staff, President Emerita Judy Genshaft, former USF President Rhea Law, and other special guests.

Developed and hosted by Honors students Reva Gandhi and Fabiana Requena, Made to Share highlights local chefs and organizations dedicated to preserving culture, health, and the environment through food and culinary practices, bringing them together with curious students for vibrant cooking demonstrations, conversation, and shared meals.

“The Gonzmart family were truly our dream guests for the very first Made to Share event,” Requena said. “The Columbia Restaurant is such an important part of Tampa’s history and culture, and having the opportunity to host their family made the show incredibly special for everyone involved.” 

Quality Ingredients with History 

The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City has been open for more than 100 years and has endured cultural and economic shifts throughout its history. During more challenging periods, the restaurant leaned on tradition to stay afloat.

“Our food is all about history,” said Richard Gonzmart, fourth-generation caretaker of the Columbia Restaurant. “Our menu is all about where it comes from.”

While preparing the Columbia’s Cuban sandwich and 1905 Salad, the Gonzmarts emphasized the importance of quality ingredients. From a longstanding relationship with La Segunda Central Bakery to an exclusive commitment to using Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, the Columbia Restaurant has maintained traditions that have helped its dishes endure for generations.

There has long been debate surrounding the Cuban sandwich — from its origin story to the order of its ingredients and where to find the best one. For the Gonzmarts, however, the sandwich represents the beginning of their family’s legacy in Tampa, the fusion of cultures within the city, and a commitment to tradition. When customers request alterations to the sandwich, Richard Gonzmart makes sure they understand what they are changing.

“You can do it, but it’s just not a real Cuban sandwich,” he said.

For Andrea Gonzmart Williams, daughter of Richard Gonzmart and a fifth-generation caretaker, the sandwich also carries personal meaning.

“It isn’t just a sandwich,” Gonzmart Williams said. “I joked once that I was a walking Cuban sandwich because I have German, Italian, Spanish, and Cuban in me.” 

Deepening Community Ties 

The Columbia Restaurant attracts visitors from around the world who travel to Ybor City in Tampa to experience the restaurant and its signature dishes. Growing up in the restaurant, Gonzmart Williams said she did not always realize how meaningful the space was to both travelers and local residents.

“It’s mind-blowing to me because it’s just a part of my life, but people come to see us. It’s such an honor,” she said.

Amelia Turner, Andrea’s daughter, reflected on growing up in the restaurant and the sense of community among employees and family members alike.

“I remember going there whenever I had school off, and it was amazing how much of a family everyone was,” Turner said. “Everyone knew each other.”

For the Gonzmart family, community engagement and family remain core values. Gonzmart Williams concluded the demonstration by encouraging audience members to gather around food with the people they care about most.

“When things are going bad, my favorite thing to do is sit around a table with my dearest friends and family and enjoy food,” she said.

The Honors College plans to host Made to Share events every semester.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have world-class spaces like the Leona Genshaft Food and Culture Studio that allow the college to create learning experiences students simply cannot get in a traditional classroom setting,” said Charles Adams, dean of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. “Programs like Made to Share bring together culture, community, and hands-on learning in ways that inspire curiosity and connection.”