Dave Burton is introducing what’s billed as “a totally rad concept” to downtown Tampa. The Tampa Bay restaurateur — who owns Tampa Pizza Company and The Hall on Franklin’s Melt Shoppe and Heights Fish Camp, plus has a partner role in SoFresh, Holy Hog Barbecue and The Getaway — has been mapping out his newest venture, Gen X Tavern, for about six months.
And it’s exactly what you think it is.
With a planned opening of April or June 2018, the 150-seat hangout is set to feature a full bar, food menu and old-school fun that evoke all things late ’80s and early ’90s — even the decor.
A trophy cabinet host stand, for example, will welcome guests into the comfortable, inviting, quirky tavern, as will vintage-style furniture. Renderings of the space were drawn by architect Carlos Molnar of Sol Design Studio to reflect era trends like neon lighting and an overhead projector for drink specials. But Burton emphasizes that “everything is still very much a work in progress.”
On the ground floor of the Bank of America building parking garage between Tampa and Ashley streets, Gen X Tavern intends to grab the attention of locals looking for a quick lunch. It also expects to hook a large happy hour crowd with deals on both bites and beverages, alongside nighttime bar hoppers.
Burton’s longtime passion for the area fueled his decision to open another downtown destination.
“I live downtown. I’m from downtown. I’m one of the few people that actually can say, ‘I’m a native of Tampa,’” said Burton (to clarify: the restaurateur’s not from downtown, but he does reside there). “I’m very passionate about the core of downtown… being active and fun, attracting a younger crowd.”
The menu will stick to approachable, top-notch classics such as burgers and tacos, as well as fun finger foods that include funnel cake fries and potato skins. Though most of the eats, like the interior, remain in the works, patrons can look forward to the Magnum PI burger with grilled pineapple, pancetta, mozzarella, and teriyaki, and the Molly Ringwald salad, featuring strawberries, arugula and goat cheese.
Orange creamsicles, boozy milkshakes and bourbon-fried Twinkies put a spin on perennial favorites for sweet tooths as well.
“Burgers and tacos isn’t something I’ve tackled yet, so that’s kinda one of the reasons I wanted to do this concept, because it’s a place I would go to. The concepts I like to do, to work on and develop are concepts I enjoy,” said Burton.
As for the bar program, Gen X Tavern aims to please with adult CapriSuns, house-bottled wine coolers, eight to 12 beers on draft, and highball cocktails with names like The Iceman, Pretty in Pink, The Clamdigger, and Bushwood Country Club.
Burton and his team of consultants, Larissa Pepe and Libor Vitu, are the minds behind the concept. They plan to hire a bar manager and about 30 to 40 staff members closer to the launch.
Customer-driven mixtape events, ’80s and ’90s proms, letter jacket parties and trivia nights are some of the entertainment elements the tavern crew is throwing around. A “closing time” song will play to help close out each evening, too, and servers will wear tags with throwback AOL screen names.
Despite all its retro kitsch, Gen X Tavern will be grounded in the roots of classic food, drinks and good times.
“I like and appreciate the trends and the fads, but, for me, I like to stick with things that are more approachable and longer lasting,” Burton said. “Pizza isn’t going anywhere.”
Editor's note: This story has been updated since its original publication to reflect that Gen X Tavern founder Dave Burton lives downtown, but isn't from there.
