By Libby Hopkins
Have you ever driven by The Winthrop Barn Theater in Riverview and wondered what it is and what purpose does it serve to the community? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many people in the community often wondered what goes on in the barn. Well, you won’t have to wonder for much longer because new management has taken over the catering and operations at the barn and they have lots in store for the barn and the community.
Amy and Gary Moran are the new managers of the barn and together they bring 25 years of restaurant/catering experience to the Brandon area. The couple owns Wimauma restaurant in South Tampa. It’s a farm to table concept that focuses on local fresh food. They want to incorporate the same fresh and local feel to the barn. “We are going to make The Winthrop Barn Theater ‘the’ place to have an event in Brandon,” Amy said. “We are going to play up the rustic element of the space and we are also going to add some community events as well.”
They have already held a few community events at the barn that have included a mixology class and a French country dinner to name a few. “We want to do some cooking classes, themed dinners and other fun stuff to get the community involved and let them know we are here,” Amy said. It’s next big event will be a Yelp Kentucky Derby Party on April 27 at 7 p.m. Yelp is a social media website that focuses on restaurants and events. There will be two live bands, miniature horse racing, and 30 different restaurants on hand for guests to sample food and so much more. “We want to make it the biggest event that Yelp and anyone has ever seen,” Amy said. Guests are encouraged to come dressed for Kentucky Derby.
The couple is working on hosting some singles events at the barn with Match.com as well. Amy feels that if two people meet and make a connection at the barn’s singles event, they would want to come back and have their wedding at the barn. “I want the barn to be the place to go to if you want to have an event with great food and a lot of fun,” Amy said, “I want to put the barn on the map.”
Visit www.wimaumafoods.com. If you would like to book an event at the barn, email Amy at amy@wimaumafoods.com or call 498-0494. The Winthrop Barn Theater is located at 11349 Bloomingdale Ave.
