It was twice set ablaze and the fires were suspected arson from organized crime members who owned competing clubs.
Since then, the building has accommodated many businesses including El Goya (1975), the areas first gay dance club featuring a large dance floor and high-production drag shows.
It then sold in 1972 to a New York conglomerate who opened it as a Steak and Brew. It struggled later in the century and in 1970, friendly competitor Cesar Gonzmart, owner of the storied Columbia Restaurant, purchased the business with equal partner Jim Walter, a Tampa developer. Originally opened as Las Novedades Cafe at 1416 Broadway (now 7th Avenue) the operation moved to this building in 1946 and continued as one of the most popular Spanish food restaurants in Ybor City.
