Fruitwood Stand Up Market — Restaurant in Tampa

I have lived in Tampa for five years, and Fruitwood has always been my most favorite place to eat. I would go there almost everyday, my husband and I would see the owner (who is so sweet) all the time when we were there. They have the best Plant Based wrap and BBQ Chicken Salad. I moved to Palm Beach recently, and was visiting Tampa for a sports game. I was so excited to go to Fruitwood after the game, and I knew they closed at 4PM, so at 3:30PM I tried to call them, and they did not answer. My husband then called them for me after at around 3:40PM, no answer again. I tried to order online, and it said pick up wasn’t available— this being at 3:35PM. I was super bummed, but still kept driving to the location, knowing I’d arrive with time before they closed. I arrived at 3:45PM and I jumped out of the car to run inside to order. When I got inside the lady at the front told me she couldn’t serve me. I looked down at the clock on my phone and I told her that it doesn’t close until 15 minutes from now. I also asked her if she could make an exception since I was traveling back to Palm Beach and I loved this place so much. She told me that she couldn’t serve me. I was so upset as I walked out, and my husband and father tried to talk to her as well with the same response on her end. I watched as two more customers went in after me and she denied them also. I find it so wrong that the employees were just sitting there (on their phones) waiting for time to pass with the doors unlocked and not allowing customers to order. Especially since they were not closed yet. I know the owner and I know he would not approve of this behavior, and the treatment we were given. This occurred on a Sunday 8/3, and I just think giving your job another 15 minutes of effort shouldn’t be too much to ask for...

My boyfriend and I ordered take-out. I got the Florida-style gulf shrimp salad and he got Price’s chicken caesar wrap. The reason I am giving food 3 stars is because that salad needs to come with a warning! I read the ingredients, and I knew it was going to be hot, but it was not just hot. It was ON FIRE. And by it I mean my mouth. And this is someone who LOVES hot food. No sane person can eat more than 3 bites of that thing. Also, it was basically just a cardboard box of soggy, warm (temperature), chopped lettuce. No pineapple. No tortilla strips. All Tabasco I swear to god. I threw it out. I’m sorry, but that hot garbage is not worth the money they charge for it. The ONLY saving grace was the Caesar wrap…. That thing was spectacular and humungous! Easily shareable… and thank god since my meal...

Well, the set-up of the place is COOL. Restroom is clean. The first place I visited in Tampa from Jacksonville. I planned to stop by this place from the beginning of my trip. I expected more in terms of food. The 'spicy chipotle cheddar' was not spicy at all. Clean: yes; tasted okay: yes; had Sth. special to remember about: NO except that the pizza was too small & pricy. I didn't find the special magic or WOW I'm looking for. The 'strawberry mango tea' is delecious but watch out, it isn't sweet at all. The lady who took the order is spicy & polite. Is it a place to plan for from a distance? I guess no, there should be more other places that do worth the effort of planning to visit...