There’s never a dull week for food news in Tampa Bay. Here’s what’s new in Tampa Bay, and what your neighborhood welcomes in the coming months. Highlights include the return of downtown Tampa’s Fly Bar & Restaurant the fact that Tampa Bay is finally getting its hands on some Guthrie’s fried chicken. See the rest below.
OPENINGS
Mio’s Grill & Cafe The new fast-casual restaurant serves up Mediterranean fare as well as vegetarian options like soups, salads, hummus, gyros and falafel wraps. Hours for Mio's are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-3 a.m. 119 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg.
Publix Downtown Tampa’s Channel district launched the store last week after battling construction delays. The new Publix has more features than the obvious grocery store, including a pharmacy and both an indoor and outdoor seating area with Wi-Fi. 1105 E. Twiggs St., Tampa.
COMING SOON
American Freedom Distillery This December, the kitchen of American Freedom launches by serving a limited menu with items designed to pair well with bourbon. A grand opening event in the Warehouse Arts District is scheduled for early 2020 following the holiday season. 2232 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg.
CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop Offering up a hefty selection of rotating vinos by the bottle and glass, with a focus on natural wines, the bottle shop will also serve bites like cheeses, charcuterie and small plates. Look for a late fall opening. 1005 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
Fly Bar & Restaurant If all goes well with permitting and construction, we can expect the reopening of Fly this December. The new location is going to offer lunch and dinner service seven days a week. 442 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Guthrie’s Chicken We’ve been itching for an opening date since we got wind that the award-winning chicken chain was coming to Tampa Bay. Now we can expect those golden fried delights in our hands by the fall. 5224 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa.
Must Wine Loft Founders of Must Wine have decided to launch a brick-and-mortar inside of a former laundromat. The European-inspired wine and cheese loft plans on hosting classes; it’ll also serve sandwiches, paninis, boards and a selection of pintxos and tapas this October. 442 2nd St. N. in St., St. Petersburg.
Rocket Fizz The third location of soda pop and candy shop is coming to the 600 block. Get ready for old-fashioned treats that will surely land you in the dentist's chair. 668 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Shaker & Peel The taco-focused restaurant brings multi-cultural flavors and a full bar serving up fruity margaritas starting next month. 3159 Curlew Rd., Oldsmar.
Shibui Originally slated to open in the fall of this year, the Asian fusion restaurant and cocktail bar will now debut in early 2020. 912 N. Franklin St., Tampa.
Take Three Cafe Little Donut House is rebranding to Take Three Cafe next month. Don't worry, the mini doughnuts aren't going anywhere, the menu will just be loaded up with more breakfast and lunch items. 4048 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
CLOSING
CDB Pizza and Italian Restaurant After 45 years of service, CDB Pizza closed shop following a legal dispute with the property owner. For over four decades, the pizzeria was a mecca for USF students and locals looking for a fat slice of 'za and beer for a deal. RIP to a real OG.
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This article appears in Sep 5-12, 2019.