In the early 1940s, Fillipo Ciaravella, a director of the Italian Club, operated Ciaravella’s Poultry Market at 1907 N. Howard Avenue in West Tampa. At a time when neighborhood markets were lifelines, his shop supplied local families with fresh poultry in a district built by immigrants, cigar workers, and small business owners.

By the late 1940s, the space transitioned into La Rosalia Variety Store, which operated until 1952. As West Tampa modernized in the post-war boom, the storefront evolved again — becoming West Tampa Television and Appliance Store, then later A&W Radio and TV, reflecting America’s pivot from iceboxes and hand-wrapped poultry to glowing screens and living-room entertainment.

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, several businesses cycled through the address — each one adapting to the needs of a changing neighborhood.

In 2008, Hung “Sunny” Choi opened Sunny Beauty Supply, which continues to operate there today.

And yet — through every transition, remodel, and retail reinvention — one thing never disappeared:

The name Ciaravella still remains on the building.

The history of the building next door can be found here

It’s a quiet architectural fossil. A reminder that West Tampa’s story is told in layers.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved