Goody Goody Burgers in Tampa, Florida

If you live in South Florida as I do, the name Goody Goody Burgers probably doesn’t mean anything to you. But now, if you mention Goody Goody Burgers & butterscotch pie to folks in Tampa, you’ll get a different reaction.

For comparison, it’s similar to what happens to old-school Miamians when talking about Royal Castle hamburgers and their legendary birch beer.

Before we jump into Goody Goody Burgers, let’s hit the rewind button first.

Goody Goody Burger Menu Front
Menu Front

Goody Goody Burger Brief History

Goody Goody Burgers in Tampa
Goody Goody Burgers in Tampa, Florida

The original Goody Goody Burgers shop closed in 2005, seventy-five years after that location opened. The company opened up shop in 1925. In the blink of an eye, Goody Goody Burgers closed forever, or so everyone thought.

Then, Richard Gonzmart of the iconic Columbia Restaurant Group spent nine years negotiating to make sure he would carry on the legacy of Goody Goody Burgers in Tampa

I’ve got the Golden Ticket!

We (Marcela & Colella) were one of the lucky few invited to try out the Goody Goody burger, fries, and shakes at the test kitchen in the Columbia Museum.

We had a tough choice between a vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry shake. So, we each opted to choose one flavor; mine was chocolate. The housemade ice cream used for the shakes made me excited.

Thick Chocolate Shake from Goody Goody Burger in Tampa, Florida
Thick Chocolate Shake

In order of preference, my favorite was vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. I’m not against strawberry shakes, but I’ve never ordered one. I’m primarily a vanilla guy with chocolate on occasion.

Fresh Cut Seasoned Fries

The fresh-cut fries are tossed in their signature mix of spices. I asked about a chili cheese version, and yes, they will be available when the restaurant opens up.

So the POX burger (pickles, onions, secret sauce) is placed before me. I take in its beauty, flip it, and remove the bottom bun to look at the sear. It’s a nice one, my friends.

The POX comprises roughly chopped onions, some pickles, and the Goody Goody sauce. It’s important to mention that the beef is fresh and locally sourced.

Wrapped POX Burger
POX Double Cheeseburger

In my Instagram post, I said it was incredible. The POX is unlike any burger out there, which is a good thing, or should I say a Goody Goody thing (sorry, I couldn’t help myself).

Goody Goody Thank Yous

Unfortunately, I couldn’t try the famous butterscotch pie, but that left me with an excellent reason to return when they open up in the next couple of months.

Thank you to the Columbia Restaurant Group, Goody Goody Burger folks, Chef Dave Ellis, and Jeff Houck, for setting the lunch up & giving us a historical perspective on everything (which is essential for me).

Back at Goody Goody Burgers again

Mesmerizing Goody Goody Burger Floor Tile

I would return to Goody Goody the following year to celebrate my birthday.

Marcela was dead set on having breakfast while I had a one-burger track mind. After sneaking a bite of her sweet potato pancake, I almost regretted my decision to go the lunch route, almost.

Marcela with her Sweet Potato Pancake
Hand-breaded Onion Rings

No fresh-cut fries for me this time, as I needed those hand-breaded onion rings in my life. The onion rings were so good; that I knew I had made the right choice.

Hot Dogs Also?

The Rusty Hot Dog

Speaking of the right choices, the Rusty dog with its housemade chili, shredded cheddar, onions, and blistered jalapeños was out of this world. I would have loved to eat a second one, but I had a POX burger on deck.

On my first go-around, it was a single patty without any cheese, so I asked for a double POX cheeseburger this time. The POX cheeseburger is everything I hoped for and just a little more.

I left wandering around the menu, looking at a future date with their Patty Melt. I hope Marcela won’t mind.

And…We’re Back!

Not only was I able to finally eat the delicious patty melt but the elusive butterscotch pie also found its way to me. This is a one-two punch you should not miss out on!

Butterscotch Pie from Goody Goody Burger in Tampa, Florida
Butterscotch Pie

Goody Goody Burgers
1601 W Swann Avenue
Tampa, FL
(813) 308-1925

Website – https://goodygoodyburgers.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/goodygoodyburgers

Monday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm

Goody Goody Burgers Documentary

2 thoughts on “Goody Goody Burgers in Tampa, Florida”

  1. Had my Goody burger and butterscotch pie yesterday, the second day of the opening. I enjoyed it but I have a couple of suggestions/comments: My bun bottom was wet, not good(y). Maybe the sauce needs to cook down a bit more? I missed the flavor of celery seed, but maybe my taster is off. I ordered with cheese but it came without, no big deal since I really wanted it original anyway and I understand they’re so busy a few small kinks are unavoidable. Service was OUTSTANDING. Made me want to go back to work as a waitress, or even a busser…they looked like they were having a great time. (so not happening at my age). The pie: The meringue was lovely to look at and very tasty, more dense than a typical meringue but really good. The filling did not remind me of butterscotch, and while it was good, it was basically sweet custard. It needs something. I ate the pie first, and then the burger because I’m just not as big an eater as I once was, so I really had an appetite worked up. I’m going to give them many more tries, because I really, really miss Goody Goody. The place is beautiful, and serving breakfast all day is brilliant. They will be mobbed on Sundays with the church crowd alone, since not too many choices besides the always crowded Village Inn and I-Hop.

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  2. I can still taste those thick-cut fries and that yummy burger with onions. I’m wondering how close they are able to reproduce the original taste. I’ll be planning a visit soon. They have a high bar of expectation. Can’t wait.

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