Welcome to this week’s roundup of openings and food news—and sadly, one closing. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams teamed up with Tyler, The Creator to create a specialty flavor you don’t want to miss. PDQ keeps slinging tenders after opening its 16th Bay area location last week in Temple Terrace. We also had to say goodbye to Pour Taproom in downtown St. Pete after the concept filed for bankruptcy this month. After we pour one out for the concepts who have shuttered for good, let’s see what’s on the foodie horizon in the Tampa Bay restaurant scene.
Opening
Boba Lounge Formerly housed within Tyrone Square Mall over a decade ago as “House of Boba,” the concept reopened in Oldsmar, with its original owner Lo Cavan operating under a new-ish moniker. Guests can choose from boba adorned smoothies, slushies or teas. @Bobaloungeoldsmar on Facebook.
Milkin’ It The coffee shop made its debut this week, serving up all things sweet. Cereal milk-infused treats are on the menu, as well as vegan doughnuts, pastries, and breakfast sandos. Espresso drinks are also at diners disposal to boost the sugar rush. 1000 Channelside Dr. Suite A1, Tampa. @milkinitcafe on Instagram.
Nice Shaved Ice Cafe Cool down with Taiwanese-style shaved ice, thin sheets of ice falling into a fluffy mound of flakes at this new joint. Besides shaved ice, other goodies on the menu include waffles topped with sweet cream, whipped cream, and powdered sugar; fresh fruit smoothies, and coffee. Guests can choose from several toppings like fresh fruit and boba. 6507 W. Waters Ave., Tampa. niceshavedice.com
PDQ Tampa Bay-based chain PDQ opened it’s 16th Bay Area location last week in Temple Terrace. Besides the award-winning chicken tenders dominating the menu, the chain is also in full Bucs fan mode thanks to a new Buccaneers Shake, a hand-spun red velvet shake topped with whipped cream and Oreos, is available now; order a shake and receive an official Bucs car flag while supplies last. Locations are open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 5112 E. Fowler Ave., Temple Terrace. eatatpdq.com
The Industry Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Industry wants to cultivate community through food and activities. The concept hosts live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Guests can also swing by for Monday Movie Night or Thursday Trivia. 119 S. Collins St., Plant City. eattheindustry.com
Coming soon
Ava’s Lowcountry Cuisine Since the pandemic struck, Chef Ava Evans had to get creative with her hours and offerings. The chef transitioned from lunch service to strictly Fridays and Saturdays. The menu includes eats like blackberry Cobb salad, Carolina gumbo, three cheese bake mac with your choice of red wine short ribs or herb beef tenderloin. Next month Ava’s is expanding with indoor seating for guests. Until then, you can opt for covered outdoor dining, pickup, or delivery. 112 Flagship Dr., Lutz. avascuisine.com
Copper Shaker Looks like it won’t be much longer until the Copper Shaker’s second location makes its debut in the former space of Flynn’s Retro Bar & Gaming in Ybor City. The craft cocktail bar and gastropub is known to serve up small plates like cauliflower bites, truffle fries, sandos, charcuterie, and flatbreads. An official opening date has yet to be announced.1502 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City. coppershaker.com
Mandola's Italian Kitchen The fast-casual Italian concept is the brainchild of the restaurateur and co-founder of Carrabba’s Italian Grill. The family-friendly menu offers up dishes for all. Diners can choose to eat inside, out on the covered patio, or snag it for takeout or curbside pickup. The concept is looking to debut in October. 2926 U.S. Highway 301, Riverview. mandolas.com
Morgan Mae’s Oyster House Opening up on September 28, the concept’s menu has a hefty focus on, you guessed it, oysters. “We’ll have steamed, raw, fried, grilled, as well as specialty oysters like blue cheese and Oysters Rockefeller,” owner Alan Blythe told CL in an interview. Land lovers can choose from chicken and steak dishes. 606 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. @morganmaesoysterhouse on Facebook.
Speakeasy Kava Scheduled to open before the end of 2020, the kava bar’s new location is located in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. This is the concept’s second location (the OG is located in Largo). Fingers crossed the 1920s themed tea and kava bar is open 24/7 like its successor. 2101 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. speakeasykavabar.com
Temporarily Closed
Marchand’s Bar & Grill Known for its loaded brunch bloody marys and its award-winning cuisine, Marchand’s located within the historic Vinoy Renaissance Resort voicemail says the concept is “temporarily closed until the foreseeable future.” Thankfully, the Vinoy’s marketing team assured that although the resort doesn’t have a reopening date in mind, Marchand’s has no plans of being closed for good. The Vinoy, 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. marriott.com
Closing
Pour Taproom COVID-19 has claimed yet another Tampa Bay bar. After nearly three years in business, Pour Taproom has shuttered for good. Pour was known for its self-serve beer and wine on tap, trivia, and a dog-friendly atmosphere—a must for St. Pete dining. According to Tampa Bay Business Journal, the taproom in downtown St. Petersburg has filed for liquidation bankruptcy on Sept. 14.
ICYMI
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams This week Jeni’s Sparkman Wharf location debuted a special scoop: Pluto Bleu. The new flavor is the product of a collaboration with rapper Tyler, The Creator (who earfquaked Tampa's Yuengling Center last fall). Last year the duo created “Snowflake,” a two-colored study of mint. The flavor went viral on social media, earning nearly a million likes on Instagram and selling over 4,000 pints on day one and 20,000 scoops in the first week. Make sure to swing by ASAP to claim your taste of Pluto Bleu, it’ll go fast. 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa. jenis.com
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