Credit: Gigglewaters/Facebook
Gigglewaters, the Safety Harbor-based restaurant and micro-theater that’s been racking up Best of the Bay wins since its 2018 debut, could soon open more locations.
Tampa tire and custom wheels giant RNR Tire Express, which reorganized as multi-brand holding company DX3 Brands, has acquired the franchise rights to the 1920s-inspired eatertainment spot, signaling plans for Florida-wide expansion.
RNR CEO Adam Sutton told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that he’s been a Gigglewaters regular for years, buying into the big cheesys, old fashioneds and cinema supper clubs before considering franchising.
“They’re not too far from our office [in Clearwater],” Sutton told CL. “We found this hidden gem. The staff was amazing, and the food was amazing…it’s a unique experience.”
“Eventually, we looked at each other and said, ‘This is a really good partnership,’” said Gigglewaters owner Rachael Fine Wilson. She and Sutton phoned CL from a multi-unit franchising conference in Las Vegas.
Fine Wilson and her husband and co-owner, Richie Wilson, brought their Brooklyn sensibilities to Florida in 2015, eventually opening Gigglewaters at 737 Main Street in downtown Safety Harbor. The flagship combines comfort food, craft cocktails and a 32-seat movie theater that screens classic films, tucked behind the dining room.
Since opening, Gigglewaters has built a loyal following, capturing multiple Best of the Bay awards, including Best Burgers, Best Grilled Cheese, Best Whiskey Bar and Best Underground/Independent Theater.
The restaurant has also made a mark on the community. During the 2025 SNAP benefits disruption, Gigglewaters headed the project responsible for offering free meals to children affected by the lapse.
Sutton told CL he was also drawn to Gigglewaters because “They make more money than average for your typical restaurant.”
He and Fine-Wilson are seeking franchise partners to expand throughout Florida and eventually the Southeast.
The expansion strategy includes both traditional brick-and-mortar locations and the GiggleTruck, a mobile unit that debuted in Pinellas in 2024 with Hilary Hawks as the first franchisee. The GiggleTruck brings a selection of the restaurant’s most popular dishes to local events, weddings and office gatherings.
“We’ve got big plans,” Fine-Wilson said.
This article appears in Mar. 26 – Apr. 1.
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