Giving Back is Natural for Gaspar’s Patio Bar & Grille’s Owner

If only his dad could have been there.

That thought was among Jimmy Ciaccio’s first sentiments when he heard his name called out above all others at the Jan. 18 ’s monthly luncheon, which drew more than 100 people to the .

From a field of three finalists, , owned by Ciaccio and named in memory of his father, was selected as winner of the .

Hanna, a longtime chamber member and certified public accountant, established the award in 1990 after recognizing a need to honor companies that significantly grow their businesses and contribute to the well being of the community.

Initially known as the Temple Terrace Lounge, the business was started in 1960 by Ciaccio’s father and his Uncle Fano.

“I actually learned from the ground up,” said Ciaccio, who recalled coming in on the weekends to help his uncle clean up the bar when he was about 11 or 12 years old.

“I don’t have a college degree, but I think I have a master’s degree in experience,” he said.

In 1990 Ciaccio took over the bar, and when his father died in 2002, he became sole owner of the business. Shortly thereafter, he renamed it to honor his dad.

In 2004, he added an outdoor patio that includes a bar and a staging platform for live entertainment.

Two years ago Ciaccio expanded his business further by opening an adjoining 2,500-square-foot pool room. He also added more parking spaces and improved the outdoor lighting and landscaping.

“I’ve been blessed because all of this has brought more people who just come to relax,” said Ciaccio, 46, who estimates he puts in 60-hour weeks at the site.

In addition to reaping personal rewards from his business, he’s also known throughout the community for his generous spirit.

He hosts numerous nonprofit group meetings at Gaspar’s at no cost to the organizations, and he provides space in his parking lot for fundraising car washes.

Ciaccio also donates items, including reams of paper and T-shirts for students at King High, as well as food for the faculty and administration prior to parent/teacher conferences.

Additionally, the Temple Terrace resident to enhance curb appeal near fairways at the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club.

“You want small businesses like us to succeed because we constantly are asked to give,” said Ciaccio, who credits much of his success to the support he receives from his wife, Patsy, and his two children.

General contractor Steve Tozier has played a major role in Ciaccio’s expansion projects and has become very familiar with how he runs his operation over the years.

Tozier said, in his view, Gaspar’s owner is 100 percent deserving of the award.

“He does a great business, and it’s getting better all the time,” said Tozier, who recently organized a combination birthday party/baby shower for his daughter on the patio.

“That’s the kind of thing Jimmy does for the community,” said Tozier, a Temple Terrace resident. “He opens up spaces like that and he sometimes doesn’t charge.”

Longtime customer Scott Bergman was equally pleased to learn about Ciaccio’s award.

He gives his friend credit for not only investing in the business but in the community as a whole.

“I’m enjoying the fact that he’s not just willing to have things at the status quo,” Bergman said.

“I also enjoy the fact that when you go in there you don’t feel like you are going to see a bar room brawl,” he added. “He caters to good people in the community.”

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