In the heart of Ybor City, one of Tampa’s most historic structures
is being brought back to life. Drew Newman, the fourth generation
of the family behind J.C. Newman Cigar Co., is nearing completion
of an ambitious restoration of the Sanchez y Haya building — a
landmark that has stood across from the company’s El Reloj factory
for more than a century.

The project represents years of preservation work and an investment
of roughly $20 million. When completed, the two-story property is
planned to house three distinct experiences under one roof:
Elaine’s, a contemporary American restaurant; Stanford Cigar Club;
and an 11-room boutique hotel.

Restaurant operator Nate Siegel, known for Tampa’s Willa’s and
St. Petersburg’s Cheeky’s, has been working with Newman to shape
the hospitality side of the development.

The History

The Sanchez y Haya building dates to 1910, the same year as
J.C. Newman’s neighboring El Reloj factory. It was originally
developed to serve factory workers, residents and visitors in
a neighborhood that was then home to a thriving cigar-making
industry.

During its long life, the property served many different roles,
including a restaurant, hotel, grocery store, distillery, coffee
mill, knitting operation and even a Prohibition-era speakeasy.
Its final chapter before decades of vacancy included the Chip-In,
a local dive bar that closed in the 1990s.

The Newman family acquired the deteriorating property in 2020.
Rather than allow another piece of Tampa’s architectural history
to disappear, the family committed to restoring it.

Restaurant, Lounge &
Boutique Hotel

Newman’s vision reaches beyond simply restoring a historic
building. The project is designed as a destination celebrating
the culture and history that made Ybor City famous.

Drawing inspiration from destinations such as California wine
country and Kentucky’s bourbon trail, the idea is to give visitors
another reason to experience Tampa through the lens of its own
heritage.

The neighboring J.C. Newman factory already attracts tens of
thousands of visitors, creating a natural foundation for the
expanded hospitality concept across the street.

A New American Brasserie

Elaine’s is named for Drew Newman’s grandmother, Elaine Newman,
and is envisioned as a contemporary American restaurant with
continental influences and deep ties to Ybor City’s culinary history.

The approximately 100-seat dining room is expected to feature
white-tablecloth service, a 12-seat bar, private dining and
outdoor seating. Design elements draw from Ybor history,
including bright red street doors and references to the famed
La Tropicana restaurant.

The planned menu centers on classic American cooking with Spanish,
Cuban and Italian influences, including a raw bar, prime steaks
and recipes connected to the Newman family.

Swanky Without Being Exclusive

Named for Drew Newman’s grandfather, Stanford, the lounge is
designed around floor-to-ceiling windows, a wraparound bar,
humidor, shaded patio and comfortable booth seating.

The concept is intended to feel polished and elevated without
requiring membership. The bar program is expected to emphasize
brown spirits and barrel-aged whiskey alongside cocktails,
wine and a compact food menu.

An Intimate 11-Room Stay

Upstairs, The Inn at El Reloj is planned as a boutique hotel
with just 11 rooms. Nine standard rooms are expected to measure
roughly 300 square feet, while two larger suites will approach
850 square feet.

The upper level also incorporates a wraparound porch and sky garden.
The overall concept is intentionally restaurant-led — more a
restaurant with a hotel above it than a traditional hotel with
a restaurant attached.

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