TAMPA, Fla. — The owner of an Italian sausage concession stand that had to downsize during the COVID-19 pandemic says he is hoping for a bigger than expected crowd at Gasparilla Saturday — one that could translate into strong sales to help rebuild his business.

What You Need To Know

  • Gasparilla is coming to Tampa Saturday and an estimated 300,000 people are expected to attend

  • The owner of Genoa Italian Concession says he used to have three stands but had to downsize to two during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • He said he is hoping for a big crowd and strong sales Saturday to boost his business

  • SEE ALSO: Spectrum Bay News 9 pirate party list for Gasparilla 2023

"We went down to two (stands) because, of course, over the years, since the pandemic, we've lost a lot of our staff," said Genoa Italian Concession owner Anthony Pizzo. "(I'm) in the process of rebuilding the staff — I wish we could go back to three or four stands, but I don't see it possible anytime soon right now."​

Gasparilla organizers say they expect some 300,000 people to line Bayshore Boulevard for the parade of pirates that runs from 2-6 p.m. One of Pizzo's concession stands is located at the beginning of the parade route at Bay to Bay Boulevard, while the other at Willow Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard. 

"We were here last week for the kids parade — decent crowd," said Pizzo. "I'm hoping this week — I mean the weather's perfect for tomorrow, 70 degrees — I'm hoping it's a big crowd." 

Pizzo said he expects to sell hundreds of items from his extensive menu and said the weather plays a big role on what customers order.

"If it's colder, they want more sandwiches," he said. "If it's warmer, they're going to want more lemonade and finger food." 

Genoa Italian Concession is based out of Orlando in the winter and Chicago in the summer, according to Pizzo. The owner said inflation has also taken a toll on the company and he's in the rebuilding phase. 

"Nowadays there's nothing cheap anymore — our prices, you have to bring up things too. All of our meat, transportation," he said. "Some people understand, some don't."

"You're rebuilding and every event it's almost like it's something new again," he added.