Casey Gonzmart, Jr., a fifth generation owner/operator of the 1905 Family Of Restaurants, has been appointed to Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Class 42 in recognition of his exemplary leadership skills and commitment to Florida’s hospitality. 
 
Leadership Florida brings together a diverse group of leaders from across the state, all dedicated to strengthening Florida’s communities and to enhancing their understanding of issues critical to Florida. 
 
Being selected for this program is a testament to Casey’s professional excellence and his effort to build upon the heritage begun by Tampa’s iconic Columbia Restaurant by driving company growth and innovation. 
 
His career began with Levy Restaurants and Compass Group, where he worked with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and spearheaded such high-profile events as Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa and the NBA Finals in Miami. 
 
Casey graduated from Florida State University, focusing on hotel and restaurant management. A prestigious apprenticeship at Familia Torres winery in Spain broadened his culinary and cultural horizons. 
 
A Tampa’s Jesuit High School alumnus, Casey is married to Jennifer Gonzmart. Together they are raising the family’s sixth generation legacy, Adalyne Mary and Casey, III. 
 
In his Leadership essay, Casey’s family heritage and his love of Florida was the centerpiece. 
 
“My family came to Florida from Cuba in 1902 in search of a better life,” he wrote. “More than 120 years later, the state continues to attract transplants from other places in the world. People still come here searching for a better life. That says everything about what a wonderful life Florida has to offer. I love that any part of the state you choose is vastly different from every other part. Miami is different from Orlando and Tampa and yet all have some different flavor to offer. You can almost be in five different states in the same place. 
 
“I love the ability to be an hour and a half away from a beach anywhere in the state. No other state has that.”