Goody Goody returns with new old favorites

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Goody Goody burgers are once again sizzling as Richard Gonzmart's latest restaurant opens Tuesday in Tampa.  But the hamburgers won't be the only star on the menu -- everything from giant pancakes to butterscotch pie will be part of the rebirth of an iconic Tampa brand.

Longtime Tampa residents may remember the original Goody Goody, which dates back to 1925.  But fans of the drive-in's famous hamburgers have been out of luck since the Florida Avenue location closed more than 10 years ago.

Now, the distinctive green sign is back -- this time over Hyde Park.  Gonzmart bought the rights to the name and even some of the recipes, and months of preparation will end when the new restaurant's doors open Tuesday.

"I'm beyond excited.  Ever since I was 5 years old, I dreamed about having a Goody Goody," Gonzmart offered.  "Here I am at 63; finally the dream comes true."

Gonzmart's family is known for Ybor City's Columbia Restaurant, and he recently opened Ulele as an anchor of Tampa's newly completed Riverwalk.  But the food at Goody Goody will be different from anything on the menu at those restaurants.

"I wanted everyone to feel like they were stepping back to 1940 or 1950, when things were really simple," he continued.

The round-the-clock breakfast menu includes everything from giant pancakes to ham steak -- with the bone -- to coffee cake French toast. 

For lunch and dinner, Gonzmart promises "fresh" diner-style meals and, of course, the famous burgers -- featuring Florida beef. 

Lastly, Goody Goody will be bringing back the famed butterscotch pie recipe, along with a number of other options.

Goody Goody opens at 7 a.m. Tuesday at the corner of Swann and Dakota.