Don't Worry; This Time Skipper's Smokehouse Closure Is Temporary

TAMPA, FL — Just after reopening following a year-long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, Skipper's Smokehouse has closed again.

This time, though, the closure is temporary. The iconic Tampa eatery and music venue announced that it will be closed for the weekend after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus.

Cricket Larson, whose actual title is chief cook and bottle washer, said the temporary closure is out of an abundance of caution.

"Unfortunately, we have had one of our mullet family test positive for this godforsaken mess that is touching so many lives," Larson wrote on the restaurant's Facebook page. "We have elected to close Aug. 5th through 8th in an effort to allow for deep cleaning and testing for all of our staff members. This isn’t political. This isn’t the end of Skipper’s. We are taking steps to help our own remain safe and heal."

She said concerts scheduled for the weekend have been rescheduled and purchased tickets will be honored.

"We knew reopening in this pandemic ridden world would be a bit of a roller coaster, but we have our hands up, smiles on our faces, and we are buckled in for the long ride. We can’t wait to return to serving you after our staff has tested negative and our establishment has been deep cleaned."

She added that the venue will likely revise its COVID-19 protocols for patrons in light of the recent surge in coronavirus cases in Hillsborough County due to the introduction of the delta variant.

The 40-year-old Tampa landmark restaurant at 910 Skipper Road reopened July 15 after previously announcing it was closing for good a year ago in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Larson said the restaurant's owner, Tom White, decided to reopen Skipper's after receiving a barrage of requests from the community to continue operating its popular venue specializing in gator tail bites and introducing some of Tampa's top bands to audiences.

Now retired, White appointed Larson manager of the venue.