Ybor City's long-running Green Iguana Bar & Grill has changed names, but not hands. A new concept, Kelly Days Firehouse Tavern, recently took over the space at 1708 E. Seventh Ave. with fresh eats and drinks, and more changes are on their way.
The interior of the restaurant, which features indoor and outdoor dining for 110 guests, is under renovation at the moment, but Kelly Days continues to serve up lunch and dinner. Though no major structural renovations are planned, the decor is getting a revamp with new seating, a new bar and other custom-built additions.
According to Kelly Days manager Jay Silbermann, the restaurant decided to rebrand because they wanted to introduce a more modern concept, with a focus on craft beer and cocktails.
"Green Iguana always had a brand of being a Bud Light and shot kinda place, and it's kinda hard to change that brand without a new name," he said. "That's why we changed to Kellys."
With the brand change comes refreshed menus that've already rolled out. The food lineup, as Silbermann puts it, showcases fusion dishes that are "Americanized, but have Asian and Cuban, German and Mexican influence." Patty choices for build-your-own burgers — including local Wagyu, gulf-caught grouper and organic chicken breast — step up the restaurant's handheld game. Entrees like the Cuban pork chop and Everything but the Kitchen Sink Meatloaf sound impressive. And the beer, cocktail and wine selection is extensive.
Kelly Days plans to celebrate its grand opening sometime in July. The restaurant operates 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
