Jamie Decrisci is bringing his love for food and Italian culture to Ybor. A former partner of That’s Amore in Harbour Island, Decrisci is opening a new 4,000-square-foot dining destination — a cross between a grown-up Chuck E. Cheese’s and a House of Blues — called Cheezy’s Bistro & Speakeasy in a few weeks.
The owner chose Ybor City because he wanted to stay in the Tampa area, plus he really loves that the district is up and coming. He says he’s glad to be part of the movement that encourages and promotes fresh ideas and concepts. After having major back surgery last year, Descrisci wanted a business close to home — and a place he could leave to his two sons.
The restaurant at 1909 N. 15th St. is set to debut the third week of June, but a soft opening may happen before then.
“We’re going to make sure we’re ready,” Decrisci said, adding that he wants patrons to come in and enjoy what Cheezy’s has to offer without waiting out an “Oh, they just opened” grace period.
Cheezy’s, whose “guido mouse” mascot pretty much says it all, showcases two floors of food and fun. Upstairs is the bistro, featuring decor elements like custom-made booths with faux leather in red, white and green, meant to symbolize the Italian flag. The restaurant also brought in engineered hardwood for the flooring, and plank wood around the bar was smoked by hand.
Additional highlights include a 70-inch television, old-school games such as PacMan and a small stage for live music, taking place Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. In the near future, Cheezy’s will host special weekly events — trivia and karaoke nights among them.
Believe it or not, the entertaining atmosphere is the sideshow. Inspired by his nonna who lived in a Tuscan village known for its pastas and sauces, Decrisci dubbed Cheezy’s a bistro because the food is meant to be taken seriously.
The menu is described as “Italian fusion.” He aims to incorporate different cooking ideas, using the Italian way to prepare them and creating what’s not a run-of-the-mill experience. One meal option is a create-your-own pasta dish, which allows patrons to select their noodles and add ingredients like prosciutto and lobster tail.
When it comes to the restaurant’s drinks, beverage manager Eddie Pearce plans four specialty cocktails — red and white frozen sangrias, a Jim Beam lemonade slushie and a Don Q rum slushie — which will be available during happy hour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, as are half-off premium wells and $5 appetizers.
“I want to make sure people know this is a restaurant first,” Decrisci said.
This article appears in Jun 8-15, 2017.