Shogun Sushi 1713 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa Earlier this year, Hao Wah closed its doors at its South Tampa location, leaving room for another restaurant to take its place. Introducing Shogun Sushi, an all-you-can-eat sushi and seafood fusion restaurant. The new sushi spot soft-opened earlier this month, and plans a grand-opening for Nov. 1, a representative told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. The menu features a wide variety of sushi, sashimi and Japanese-style entrees, with all-you-can-eat dinner specials starting at around $33 per person, and lunch all-you-eat starting at $22.Hao Wah’s Dale Mabry location closed after 44 years in business but their food is still available at its other location in Pinellas Park. Photo via Shogun Sushi Credit: Photo via Shogun Sushi

OPENINGS/CLOSINGS

California pizza chain Mountain Mike’s is coming to Tampa
“Mountain-sized” pizza is headed to Tampa. California-based pizza chain Mountain Mike’s Pizza has signed a 10-unit agreement to bring the concept to Tampa, Orlando, and Sarasota, with franchisees Sean Morrison, CEO of BizBox Group and Ned Algeo, Founder of Multipli Capital, according to a press release. Known for its signature 20-inch pies, the chain also serves chicken wings, garlic knots, salads, desserts, and a selection of beer and wine. Mountain Mike’s offers takeout and delivery options, but centers around a family-style dine-in experience, with most locations offering kids’ activity areas with arcade games, party rooms and big screen TVs.

New all-you-eat sushi concept Shogun takes over former Hao Wah Tampa location
Earlier this year, Hao Wah closed its doors at its South Tampa location, leaving room for another restaurant to take its place. Introducing Shogun Sushi, an all-you-can-eat sushi and seafood fusion restaurant. The new sushi spot soft-opened earlier this month, and plans a grand-opening for Nov. 1, a representative told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. The menu features a wide variety of sushi, sashimi and Japanese-style entrees, with all-you-can-eat dinner specials starting at around $33 per person, and lunch all-you-eat starting at $22.—Riley Benson

Tarpon Springs’ Five Branches Brewing closes this weekend

Beer fans have just a few more chances to salute a local beer scene staple. Veteran-owned and operated nano brewery, Five Branches, is shutting its doors this weekend. Five Branches, located at 131 Hibiscus St. in Tarpon Springs, opened five years ago and says its last day is Saturday, Nov. 2. Ramey Simpson and Jerry Brown opened Five Branches in 2019 after retiring from the military and gave back to the veteran community by donating to charities and projects like the Fundraiser for Firefighters of Pinellas charity they hosted in October. The owners cited health challenges and changes in ownership as some of the reasons that led to the decision to close.—Riley Benson

15 hot new Tampa Bay restaurants, bars and breweries that opened this fall
It’s been a tough fall for Tampa Bay restaurants. Following two back-to-back hurricanes, local restaurants and bars need your patronage now more than ever. Many didn’t make it, and quite a few are still recovering. But despite the circumstances, the area still saw a nice roster of new local eateries and watering holes open their doors across the Bay. From “Alaskan” tacos, high-end steakhouses, slushy bars, and of course, fried chicken, here are some of the most noteworthy restaurant openings over the last couple months.

15 hot new Tampa Bay restaurants, bars and breweries that opened this fall

EVENTS

Vegan Foodie Fest comes to South Tampa on Saturday
One of the many sad casualties of back-to-back hurricanes was the Bay area’s Tampa Bay Veg Fest. But on brand for the vegan community, an alternative has emerged. South Tampa’s WeVegan Cafe and vegan fitness coach John Thomas have teamed up to stage this weekend’s “Vegan Foodie Fest,” which promises to bring nearly two dozen plant-based vendors like Seasoned Green., Vegans Explore, and The Vegan Halal Cart to the parking lot at 4326 S Manhattan Ave, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. Sandra Aguilar-Carson, owner and baker of WeVeganEats and WeVegan Cafe, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that her team, which includes Nick Alami, owner of Vegan International Co., put the foodie fest together in the three weeks since finding out the bad news about Tampa Bay Veg Fest.—Ray Roa

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