Firestone Tires, like many auto parts stores in the early 20th century, once sold merchandise from toys to house insulation along with its tires. Warner Grable was the proprietor of the Firestone Home and Auto Supply franchise on MacDill Avenue in the mid-1940s. It was a tough time to be in the tire business due to the rationing of rubber to preserve supplies for the U.S. Military fighting World War II. The world rubber supply was interrupted when the Japanese conquered Malaya in 1942, a country that manufactured 91% of America’s rubber supply. The store survived until 1954. John H. Kirkpatrick opened Kirk’s Appliances in the spot in 1955, offering typical household appliances and Zenith’s new television feature sensation--a 21-inch console with top tuning! That business lasted until 1973. The Tampa-based sports bar chain Beef O’Brady’s opened here in 1998 as the organization began to expand its franchises. It remains a Palma Ceia go-to for chicken wings, beer, and sports.