Here’s another example of wonderful and expressive architecture, along with a peek into the past. The Frosty Morning Shop at Grand Central and Willow opened in 1931 and served orange drinks, sandwiches, and “food novelties.” It was nicknamed Big Orange Drive In the same year. The company, based in Atlanta, planned to open several franchises. Carhops wore orange pants and white tops and were the first women in Tampa to wear uniform pants, as seen in this 1936 photo. They were custom-made because commercial manufacturers did not make uniform pants for women in the 1930s. They opened a beer garden in the house next door in 1931, selling beer from the local Southern Brewery, as seen in the photo. In 1935, they acquired a liquor license and sold mixed drinks. Liquor bottles line the rear counter wall in this photo. The Big Orange also had a slot machine (legal for only two years) and a pianist who sat outside under a palm tree and played customers’ requests if she knew them.  It changed owners in 1938.

They were open 24 hours and served everything to be consumed in the comfort of your car. They also offered 24-hour delivery with employees riding Cushman Auto Glide scooters to carry orders. Ownership changed again in 1954, and an enclosed dining room was added. A year later, the manager was fined for selling liquor after hours. Their liquor license was pulled in 1956, and records indicate The Big Orange was demolished in 1957. The Tampa Fire Department moved their Station No. 3 here in 1986 after leaving the old station on Magnolia Ave. in Hyde Park. The former Big Orange property is now a drainage area for the fire department’s building and parking lot.

© 2022. Chip Weiner. Old Tampa Photos