Coming soon
Cephas Hot Shop Cephas Gilbert—who served Jamaican food, aloe shakes, and holistic health advice (whether you wanted it or not) in Ybor City for almost 40 years—will open yet another Tampa business sometime in 2022. His new spot will have some similarities to Cephas on 7th which had different types of juices and shakes for purchase, he’s going for more of a farmer’s market meets herbal shop-type feel. Gilbert is open to other locations in Tampa, but ultimately wants to open his next brick-and-mortar business in the Ybor area—his homebase for the past two decades. Don’t expect a grand opening date any time soon, because Gilbert is in no big rush to open his new herbal shop and smoothie stand. “I have all the time in the world, ya know? Right now I’m just building the foundation for the future,” Gilbert says. “Wherever I go, the people will follow.” @aloeforhealth on YouTube
Open
Fresco y Más The third Tampa location of the Hispanic-focused grocery store serves the Clair-Mel City, Green Ridge Estates and Winston Park Improvements neighborhoods. Fresco y Más will take over the space once occupied by Harveys Supermarket (both Harveys and Fresco y Más are owned by SouthEastern Grocers). 7851 Palm River Rd., Tampa. segrocers.com
Expanding
Pia’s Veranda Italian food-lovers of Gulfport will no longer have to choose between Pia’s Trattoria and Tutto Bene for dinner, as Pia’s is expanding and taking over the space formerly occupied by its neighbor. According to the Gulfport Gabber, owner Pia Goff will create a new concept for the space, called Pia’s Veranda. Tutto Bene took to Facebook last week to announce its closure as owners Allan and Michelle Bishop decided to pack up shop and move back to Canada—although they did mention they would retain snowbird status. One of the most striking characteristics of their homey Italian spot was its outdoor seating adorned with warm lights and large umbrellas—which will soon be a revamped sidewalk attraction for its neighbors. 3038 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport. Pia's Trattoria on Facebook
ICYMI
Four new restaurant concepts are coming to Water Street Tampa A new craft beer and Ohio-style pizza spot called Small Giant Bar & Restaurant, from Cru Hospitality Group, will open in the street-level retail space at the Cora luxury apartment tower. A new wine and liquor store called Wine on Water is also planned for Cora, and will include over 500 selections of booze, as well as an outdoor garden that can be rented for private events. Meanwhile, The Pearl, a tavern and oyster room from Ocean Prime’s Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, will debut next to the Publix GreenWise Market at the development’s other luxury tower, The Heron. Over at Sparkman Wharf, which is also owned by Strategic Property Partners, the chocolate and dessert shop The Hamptons will open its flagship store in one of the standalone (non-shipping container) spaces. @watersttampa on Instagram—Colin Wolf
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater’s Gulp Coast Craft Brewery Passport has gone digital The once-physical passport is now free for mobile thanks to the Bandwango platform, no app download necessary. Launched in 2017, the St. Pete/Clearwater Craft Beer Trail divides the area’s 35 plus breweries into three regions running from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete. All you have to do is sign up for the passport, confirm via text then check in at each of the breweries by asking the bartender for the spot’s 4-digit code. Anyone who visits 15 stops on the trail (doesn’t have to be in one day, duh), gets a Gulp Coast t-shirt. visitstpeteclearwater.com
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