Tampa, Florida — For more than four decades, Pach’s Place has been more than just a breakfast restaurant for South Tampa residents. It has become a daily tradition, a meeting place and a community hub where customers are greeted by name and treated like family.
Now, as construction continues at the building that houses the restaurant, the owners want the community to know one important message: Pach’s Place is still open and ready to welcome guests.
A Tampa Tradition Spanning More Than 40 Years
Located inside the Tahitian Inn on South Dale Mabry Highway, Pach’s Place has earned a loyal following over the years.
Many customers have made visiting the restaurant part of their daily routine, stopping in each morning before heading to work or beginning their day.
Owner Cathy Kelly says those long-standing relationships are what make the restaurant special.
“Everyone comes, everyone stops by Pach’s Place. It’s almost a daily routine for them,” she said. “They wake up, they come to Pach’s Place, and then they start their day, which is really beautiful. That way we can check on them, they check on us, and it becomes a family. It’s more than just a restaurant. It’s a community.”
Building a Family Atmosphere
Kelly, who took over ownership of the restaurant, has focused on creating an environment where both employees and customers feel valued.
She says customer service and genuine connections remain the foundation of the business.
According to Kelly, her team strives to create an experience that goes beyond simply serving meals.
“When you come to Pach’s, I want you to experience the love,” she said.
The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere has helped create generations of loyal customers who continue returning year after year.
More Than Just Breakfast and Lunch
While community remains at the heart of Pach’s Place, the food is also a major reason customers keep coming back.
“Pach’s Place is a local breakfast restaurant,” Kelly said. “The menu’s pretty vast, but it’s really breakfast and lunch.”
The restaurant offers a wide selection of breakfast and lunch favorites, including eggs, locally roasted coffee, smash burgers, Cuban sandwiches and handmade devil crabs.
Kelly proudly highlighted some of the menu’s most popular items.
“We have eggs, we have the best coffee in town,” she said. “We have the best burgers. Cuban sandwiches are good, our devil crabs are amazing. Handmade, everything’s always handmade.”
For many customers, however, the appeal extends beyond the menu itself.
“It’s more than just breakfast, it’s more than just food. It’s about love, it’s about being noticed, being paid attention to. People matter, that’s what makes Pach’s the best,” admitted Kelly.
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Staying Open During Renovations
Pach’s Place currently remains open while renovations are underway at the Tahitian Inn.
Like many businesses operating near active construction zones, the restaurant has experienced challenges as customer traffic has been affected.
Kelly described the ongoing situation as “a little bit stressful”, noting that construction activity has made it harder for some customers to access the restaurant.
Despite those obstacles, the business continues serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week.
At this time, there is no publicly announced timeline for when the renovation project will be completed.
Community Support Remains Key
As construction continues, Kelly hopes longtime customers and new visitors alike will continue supporting the restaurant that has become a staple of South Tampa life.
For many residents, Pach’s Place remains more than a dining destination—it is a place where friendships are built, neighbors connect and community thrives.
Have you ever visited Pach’s Place or have a favorite local breakfast spot in your community? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
