Ferg’s owner discusses entrepreneurship at USF forum

From left, University of South Florida Nault Center for Entrepreneurship executive director Allen Clary and Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill owner Mark Ferguson.(Michael Connor / St. Pete Catalyst )Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill owner Mark Ferguson was not initially a restaurateur.Prior to opening his St. Petersburg-based establishment, Ferguson was a physical education teacher at Southside Fundamental Middle School. However, he saw an opportunity to create a space to bring sports fans together.

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The entrepreneur eventually acquired a former Sunoco gas station in the Historic Gas Plant District. Ferg’s, which is adjacent to Tropicana Field, would open in 1992. Over time, Ferguson expanded the venture and added event spaces, a dog park and an outdoor concert stage. Last year, Ferg’s was recognized by USA Today as the“best local sports bar”in the country.This multi-decade story was at the heart of a University of South Florida “Conversation with a Founder” event at Ferg’s Monday evening. The disc