Openings

Fat Point Brewing Known for its critically-acclaimed ales, Fat Point Brewing is expanding with a new taproom in University Town Center in Sarasota that just celebrated its grand opening this week. The 2,500-square-foot venue and beer garden will also host classic Fat Point menu items including gator bites, umami burgers, smoked fish spread and more. Now, the original Fat Point is in the process of moving across the street, as its lease ended at the beginning of April, with plans to officially reopen its doors sometime in the late fall months.
257 N Cattlemen Rd., Unit 90, Sarasota, @fatpointbrewing on Instagram

Coming soon

The Friendly Tarpon Tavern Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern, a beloved Tampa dive bar located at 3120 W Gandy Blvd., is under new ownership, but it’s not time to say goodbye just yet. While July 29 was the last day longtime owner Bill Geary was officially behind the bar, it will remain open as Barefoot Billy’s until new ownership is ready to begin work on the new concept, which is slated for September. After that, the bar’s namesake hopes to enjoy a life of semi-retirement and more time to spend with his family. Geary told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the evolving demographic of the neighborhood, along with changing habits among younger drinkers contributed to a decline in the happy hour crowd at Billy’s, which still managed to maintain a hold on its late night crowd. The new owner, who declined to be identified publicly, is a well-connected local with an entrepreneurial drive and a dedication to keeping the spirit of Barefoot Billy’s alive. The theme currently being considered is a sports bar with a focus on Tampa history and one that offers a more family friendly atmosphere, the new owner told CL. 3120 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, @barefootbillystampa on Instagram —Jordan Ducat

Fortu The basement of St. Pete’s historic Ponce de Leon Hotel used to be home to dancing nights and Barcelona inspired food before Ceviche made its move a couple blocks away last year. Now, a new pan-Asian steakhouse concept is finally opening at 95 Central Ave.. Fortu is that latest concept from Benson Hospital Group and local restaurateur Shan Bakrac. Fortu’s menu has an assortment of land and sea dishes, including Lobster Dynamite, miso sea bass, hot & sour beef, pork collar, and a speciality wagyu menu highlight cuts suchs as striplion, coulotte, and more. The bar will focus on serving high-end Japanese whiskeys, cocktails, cake and wines. Between its indoor and outdoor seating areas, Fortu can accommodate nearly 200 guests at one time. The basement under Fortu will remain El Cante, a Latin themed speakeasy. With its opening expected sometime in September, Fortu has started hiring for various roles in its staff. Those interested in applying should email resumes to careers@forturestaurants.com.
95 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, @forturestaurant on Instagram

Events

Nana’s One Year Anniversary Beware of Nana’s Juice Bar & Restaurant in Ybor City—you could have a plant-based platter and smoothie so delicious and energizing that it might have you contemplating going all-vegan. The small green building and giant colorful courtyard marked a year on its Ybor City parcel last month, and is celebrating this milestone with a party on Saturday, Aug. 5. Nana’s birthday party features dozens of local vendors, performances from T.Couture, Mila Killa, Sado Smooth and Friki Donya, henna tattoos, and food and drink specials from chef-owner Anisa Mejia (aka “Nana” herself). 1601 E 4th Ave., Ybor City, @nanas_ybor on Instagram—Kyla Fields

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