By james art 
Tampa, flag. – Anthony Gilbert knows the streets of Tampa – because he grew up on them. He saw firsthand what it is for families to fight, businesses to fight for survival and to neglect the neighborhoods.
He now uses the same streets – and the power of social media – to change the story.
Combining basic noises with digital influence, Gilbert has built a pipeline that helps Tampa’s small business to flourish – especially those in black and minority communities that often remain abandoned.
His Instagram page, @calalanthony_, is not just about posting food photos – it becomes a reliable resource that leads customers to the business who needs the most.
The result? Real dollars, real growth and real hope.
And what works here in Tampa is quickly becoming a plan that other communities may follow.
Roots in the community, eyes for the future
Gilbert’s desire to elevate others is personal. Born and raised in Tampa, he grew up in difficult circumstances, navigating instability, family struggles and life in the system. Until the age of 16, he was out alone – it appears how to survive in the same neighborhoods where he today helps to rise.
“I learned a lot from growing up here – about what people need and what it takes to do it,” Gilbert said. “It drives me now. I try to give people the support I know can change. “
Grassroots responds to social media – the effect of the pipeline
What makes Gilbert’s work so powerful is his approach – it is harsh, true and rooted in the community. He does not wait for press releases or PR campaigns. He listens to the streets, his followers and his gut.
“Sometimes I’ll see a place and just pull out. Other times, people like me, “Anthony, you have to check this place.” I believe in the community – they know what is good, “he said.
This combination-work on the basis of the Earth, paired with the reach of social media-creates something special: a referral pipeline that leads to customers right to the small business of Tampa.
And when Gilbert publishes, people don’t just like it – they show up.
Lee’s greedy barbecue – proof that it works
Just ask Aledy Lee’s barbecue, a family barbecue that puts great food but struggles to be noticed. Gilbert came in, ordered a plate and published it. What happened further was more than anyone expected.
“Their business jumped over 3000% after this post,” Gilbert said. “And they are still busy and grow.”
Customers started traveling from all over Tampa – and even from other countries – because they saw his post. This is the pipeline. Grassroots Hustle, Social Media Reach and Community Trust – works together to change the future of business.
Why Tampa’s small businesses need this
For small businesses, especially in the communities of black and minorities in Tampa, Gilbert’s work is more than useful – this is necessary.
Reality is difficult:
60% of restaurants fail within their first year and 80% are close to five years (National Restaurant Association).
Business owned by blacks face even more challenges, often lacking access to funding, marketing and links to reach a wider audience.
When these businesses are closed, it is not just a loss of income – it is a loss of culture, history and community. Gilbert struggles to keep these doors open.
More than food: Save history and invest in children
Gilbert’s work extends beyond the doors of the restaurant.
Take, for example, St. Peter Klaver Catholic School. Founded in 1894, it is the oldest surviving historic black primary school in Florida – a place that trained black children during segregation when other doors were closed.
The school is now facing closing due to low enrollment. For Gilbert, saving is as much for the future as for the past.
“This school is part of Tampa’s history,” he said. “But not just history – children today need a chance.”
Hope Difficulty: Inspiring the Next Generation
While Gilbert’s platform is helping the business now, he also thinks of the children who watch.
Because he was one of them once.
“I want them to see me and know – you can come from the struggle and yet build something for yourself,” he said. “Your situation does not determine you.”
He has already started attending schools and plans to develop his work with local young people – using his history and platform to show that success is possible, no matter where you start.
Tampa plan – and beyond
What Gilbert builds here is bigger than a city.
Each community has small businesses that struggle to remain open. Every neighborhood has children who should see that this is possible. Gilbert proves that the main noises and social media – when used together – can be a tool for real change.
He works in Tampa. It can work anywhere.
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