By: Maria Williams
Rachel Fine Wilson has always had a knack for the dramatic, transitioning her theater background into a pioneering role at Gigglewaters Social Club & Screening Room in Safety Harbor, Florida. Her journey from the spotlight of theater to the culinary limelight illustrates a life of transforming passions into realities. At Gigglewaters, Rachel melds the essence of New York’s vibrant dining scene with a profound commitment to community, redefining what it means to engage in a culinary experience.
Prior to her current role, Rachel navigated through diverse careers in New York City, from managing educational institutions to building a marketing company and even gracing the entertainment industry on television sets across the country. These experiences have all funneled into her vision for Gigglewaters, inspired by a longing to bring a slice of New York’s dining elegance to Tampa’s doorstep. Here, Rachel’s resourcefulness and creative zest shine through.
Gigglewaters is Rachel’s canvas, where her past endeavors blend into her current creation. The venue has secured over 50 culinary awards, a testament to Rachel’s eye for detail and zeal for excellence. But at its core, Gigglewaters is more than a restaurant; it’s a reflection of Rachel’s journey and her vision for a community-centric dining venue. Her dedication extends into community contributions, like her efforts to nourish first responders during COVID and following hurricanes, rooted in a familial legacy of giving back.
Rachel’s connection to New York is a fundamental part of Gigglewaters’ identity. Having lived in three different boroughs, Rachel, along with her husband Richie Wilson, a lifetime New Yorker, infused Gigglewaters with the essence of New York’s diverse and vibrant food culture. Moving from New York, they longed for the eclectic dining experiences they enjoyed in the city. This longing inspired them to create a space that brought those beloved elements to Florida. “We missed the little things that made dining in New York special- the hidden gems, the old architecture, the neighborhood favorites, the brunch culture. Gigglewaters is our way of bringing that spirit to Florida,” Rachel shares.
With Gigglewaters, Rachel Fine Wilson aimed to transcend typical dining experiences by seamlessly blending exceptional cuisine with captivating entertainment. At the heart of Gigglewaters is a full bar and restaurant offering innovative American cuisine crafted with high-quality ingredients, including their signature Wagyu beef hamburgers, featured on Cooking Channel’s Man vs. Food. Beyond the dining area, however, lies a true gem: an intimate 32-seat movie theater, where guests can enjoy classic films while savoring the full menu. The team at Gigglewaters elevates the movie experience by borrowing artistic inspiration from the films to create bespoke cocktails that are featured for each showing, enhancing the immersive atmosphere and making every visit a distinctive event. Once a month, the team offers their “Cinema Supper Series,” a fully curated 10-course culinary adventure that serves the audience precisely what the character on screen is eating and drinking. Think Pulp Fiction’s $5 milkshake or Royale with Cheese. Experiences like this make Gigglewaters stand out as a true innovator in a crowded industry.
Looking toward the future, Rachel’s belief in the charm of traditional comfort food combined with exciting culinary explorations sets the stage for continuous innovation. Her commitment to creating “a place of a thousand good times” is more than a catchphrase—it’s a pledge to every customer who walks through the doors.
As Gigglewaters celebrates its sixth anniversary, Rachel and her team are enthusiastic about further cultivating a space that has become integral to Tampa’s culinary and cultural landscape as they begin the journey of franchising across Florida. Gigglewaters is a tribute to Rachel’s heritage in the restaurant industry and her unique approach to dining, offering an experience that merges nostalgia with forward-thinking creativity, appealing to a broad audience.
While the company continues to evolve, it remains a testament to Rachel’s unwavering dedication to serving food and creating a vibrant, inclusive community space that feels like home to everyone who visits. Her vision for Gigglewaters as a place where stories are shared and memories made is just beginning to unfold, promising many more chapters of culinary delight and communal joy. With a commitment to constant innovation and a unique blend of dining and entertainment, Gigglewaters stands poised to continue setting the standard for experiential dining, bringing a piece of New York’s spirit to Tampa and beyond.
Published By: Aize Perez
