Meet the Owner: Martha's Place

There's something about Martha's Place that transcends location, ownership, and even gaping cultural divides. Current owner Nashaat Malak is originally from Egypt. He understood the restaurant's essence when he decided to buy it after it moved from East Tampa to Southeast Seminole Heights about five years ago.

“It's a family restaurant," Malak said. "Same customers everyday. If they're not showing, (you know) there's something going on."

The move did cost Martha's Place some of its faithful core. "We lost some
customers," said Malak. "40(th Street) and Hillsborough has more traffic. But a lot of new customers are actually from the neighborhood," he said of the latest location at 5202 N Nebraska Ave.

Martha's Place

5202 N Nebraska Ave.

(813) 239-1819

Learning curve: When Malak bought Martha's, he had to add a little American southern and soul food to his repertoir. ”A few things I
have to know, like the smothered pork chops, neck bones, turkey
wings.”

Finding balance: ”I keep everything the same," said Malak, "just added new stuff.” Some of his more contemporary additions to the menu include tilapia, basa, mahi mahi, salmon, turkey sausage, grilled chicken, shrimp.

Yet keeping the standards: Still on the menu are fried catfish, fried chicken, neck bones, oxtail, smothered pork chops, meatloaf, collard, mustard and turnip greens, black eyed peas, banana pudding, peach cobbler, plus a full breakfast menu that includes biscuits and gravy, pancakes, french toast, grits, breakfast sandwiches, omelets and egg combos.

Malak's secret: "The food is good, lower priced, and home cooked. Nothing from the can. I dont' use frozen foods.”

Road to here: Malak, orginally from Cairo, moved to the U.S. from Athens in 1991. He lived in Detroit for 15 years, and worked at McDonald's, White Castle, Burger King, and Greek restaurants. He moved to Tampa when he heard that Martha's Place was for sale. “I was tired of the cold," said Malak.

Hours: Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.