Open
Chipotlanes Chipotle is moving from fast-casual to even faster with the announcement of “Chipotlanes” drive-thru options, including three Tampa Bay locations. Customers order on the Mexican chain’s mobile app or website, then go to one of the restaurant’s designated pick-up lanes and voila, you’ve got your burrito bowl (or chips and guacamole which are much easier to eat in a car). As of last week, the Zephyrhills store, at 7646 Gall Blvd., is the only one up and running but two others—16118 Preserve Marketplace Blvd. in Odessa and 6020 U.S.-301 N in Ellenton—should be open in a couple of months. chipotle.com—Stephanie Powers
District South Kitchen & Craft This new South Tampa spot is the sister restaurant to District Tavern, located in the Channelside area. It opens in the old La dolce vita space on Monday, Nov. 8, with a grand opening set for later this month. There are similarities between the two sister restaurants in terms of food, but South has a slightly smaller menu that focuses on fresh, seasonal dishes—with the ever-changing catch of the day and steak of the week to set it apart from its sibling. 3301 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. districtsouthtampa.com—Kyla Fields
SweetFish This is the third local concept from Phoenix Hospitality Group, which opened both Haiku and Eden Lounge and Nightclub in downtown Tampa earlier this year. If you’re looking for some rejuvenation after a long night of drinking downtown, the newly-opened SweetFish—located next to Duckweed Urban Grocery—can help rid that hangover with its health-oriented menu of smoothies, poke bowls, pokerittos (poke burritos), detox shots and acai bowls. SweetFish’s build-your-own poke bowls feature fresh ingredients like yellowfin tuna, salmon, hamachi, grilled chicken and shrimp, served on a bed of white rice, cauliflower rice or mixed greens. 811 Tampa St., Tampa. @sweetfishco on Facebook—KF
Reopened
Timpano Italian Chophouse After being closed since summer 2020, the restaurant reopened Monday for dinner service, with lunch and brunch service to follow in the coming weeks. Timpano’s menu is known for its classic Italian offerings, including steaks, seafood, housemade pasta and weekly live music. Tavistock Brand Marketing Manager Lauren Gustafson confirmed that live music is to be expected at the renovated location back in July, but official details are still TBA.1610 W Swann Ave., Tampa. timpanohydepark.com—Katlynn Mullins
Coming soon
Kojak’s House of Ribs The South Tampa staple closed last year after owner Chris Forney sold the property to apartment developers, but there was still hope of reopening. At the time of the closing, Forney said the restaurant might reopen in a smaller spot that was “easier to maintain,” and the hunt was on. Apparently, that location was found in the shell of an old Pizza Hut. Now, the popular BBQ spot is set to open back up in Seffner across the street from Hungry Harry’s Famous BBQ, another local favorite. Right now, Kojak’s is waiting on materials to arrive so build-out can start, and opening is “still a little while out,” according to Forney. Once things open back up, don’t forget the Key lime pie.1809 S Parsons Ave., Seffner. @kojaksbbq on Facebook—KM
Sprouts To give University Area residents and college students healthier food options, a new Sprouts Farmers Market is opening at the soon-to-be Rithm@Uptown, a multi-story, mixed-use neighborhood development. A press release says the retail portion of the 100-acre Rithm project will include the 23,256-square-foot grocery store plus over 25,000 square-feet of open space with dining capabilities for prospective tenants. 2200 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. sprouts.com—Alexandria Jones
Closing
(swah-rey) Downtown St. Pete will soon be without (swah-rey) mini cupcakes, artisan marshmallows, and thick cake slices when both Central Avenue locations of the boutique bakery close their doors this month. Owner Leslie Ciccone told dismayed customers that she and her husband/business partner Greg are packing up and moving back to San Diego. Leslie advanced her career with the Federal Aviation Administration there—a job she's had since 1991. There’s no exact closure date set in stone, but Leslie mentioned that both locations—at 625 and 2105 Central Ave.—are taking full cake orders through Nov. 7. swah-rey.com—KF
ICYMI
Michelin stars are finally coming to Tampa Bay restaurants The world’s oldest, and best-known restaurant rating system is finally coming to Florida. Visit Florida, the state’s public-private tourism agency, announced Monday that it reached an agreement to bring Michelin Guide to Florida. For now, the first Michelin guide for Florida will debut in spring of 2022, and will only include Tampa, Orlando and Miami metro areas. According to a spokesperson for Visit Tampa Bay, just Tampa restaurants will initially be included in the guide, which leaves out plenty of good eats in the Sarasota, St. Pete, and Clearwater areas.—Colin Wolf
Tampa Bay Burger Week kicks off Nov. 4 Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s own celebration of beef and buns kicks off Thursday, Nov. 4 and includes two dozen local restaurants offering both dine-in and takeout specials for $10 or less. All you have to do is head to these spots and ask for the special until Nov. 14 when the beefy party ends. Yes, there are drink specials, and yes, a portion of proceeds go to charity (this year it's Feeding Tampa Bay). See the full list of participants via. tampabayburgerweek.com—Ray Roa
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This article appears in Nov 4-10, 2021.