Openings
Counter Culture Finally! 5x James Beard Award Semifinalist Jeannie Pierola has launched her third concept. Counter Culture is now solely offering dinner service seven days a week, and will soon begin offering breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes once the concept finds its footing. 2909 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa.
Fortunato’s Italian Restaurant Trattoria-style Italian eatery and pizzeria Fortunato’s opened its third restaurant in downtown Gulfport. This new location which opened in the former intimate indoor-outdoor space of Mexican restaurant Chapo Taco, showcasing live music. 3038 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. fortunatosgulfport.com
Girl & A Grill Seminole Heights debuted a new breakfast concept offering up traditional morning eats like specialty breakfast plates, homemade pancakes, and made-to-order omelets. 4330 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. girlandagrill.com
Hibachi Express Despite its name, Hibachi Express has a lot more to offer besides made-to-order stir fry and grilled meats—it provides many traditional Japanese entrees and appetizers, as well. Hibachi Express is offering up a $7.25 lunch special and packed sushi party boxes. 2104 E. Bay Dr., Largo. hibachiexpresslargofl.com
Karima’s Cuisine The new Moroccan restaurant Karima’s Cuisine is officially dishing out Middle Eastern delicacies near USF’s main campus. The menu features soups, salads, sandwiches and appetizers like falafel, pita and hummus and grilled eggplant—all with a Moroccan twist. 2709 University Square Dr., Tampa. 813-999-8334.
La Bahía The Puerto Rican bakery operates as a non-profit organization, La Bahía’s website states that 100% of the profits go toward local and international missions. 214 E. Bearss Ave., Tampa. bahiabakery.com
Sam’s Sushi Nuzzled in between Regal Cinemas and Coldstone Creamery in Pinellas Park, this Japanese-fusion restaurant serves made-to-order sushi rolls, fresh seaweed salads, bento boxes, and vegan options. Sam's Sushi will soon offer beef, chicken, and seafood pho, as well. 7210 US Hwy 19 N., Pinellas Park. samssushipinellas.com
Stix Billiards The popular billiards-focused sports bar Stix has officially opened its newest Tampa Bay location in Oldsmar. The latest addition is stocked with 15 pool tables, 20 beers on tap and a menu of bar bites like jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks and chicken wings. 13918 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. 813-475-4697.
Yum Yum Hot Pot AYCE The highly-anticipated hot pot restaurant Yum Yum Hot Pot quietly opened in Temple Terrace on Christmas day. It's an all-you-can-eat restaurant, but make sure you read the fine print. There is a two hour limit to eating and its employees are allowed to charge you up to $14.99 a pound for any wasted food— so eat wisely. 11301 N 56th St., Temple Terrace. yum-yum-hot-pot
Coming soon
Atria Bread Atria Bread and Coffee has been slinging its homemade loaves of bread at various markets and pop-ups throughout Manatee County for some time now, but this year it will finally have its own storefront in Lakewood Ranch. Although a projected opening date has not been determined, Atria is currently hiring bakers and baristas, so a grand-opening is in the near future. 4120 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. atria.cafe
Backyard Grill & Patio Backyard Grill and Patio is opening in the spot that Tampa’s Nueva Cantina location previously occupied on January 10. This concept is hoping to become a local live music hangout. 4918 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa.
K Club Bar & Bistro/ Vantage Rooftop Bar Clearwater’s new Karol Hotel will open its new restaurant and bar K Club Bar & Bistro and Vantage Rooftop Bar next month. Vantage joins a handful of other rooftop bars in Tampa Bay. 2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater. thekarolhotel.com
Mary Margaret’s Next month, St. Pete is set to welcome a new Irish Pub to its food scene. Expect classic Irish dishes (with vegan options) and a hefty amount of boozy pours. 29 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg. marymargarets.com
Closings
FarmTable Cucina The restaurant served up its last bites and sips on New Year’s Eve. The joint shared the same fate as Locale Market below.
Kenwood’s Organic Produce Before you freak out, only Kenwood’s storefront is closing due to high rent. They are still fulfilling subscription orders and will be taking on some local markets.
Locale Market Today, January 3, is the final day of business for Locale Market. Over the next year, the Sundial will be under construction while being transformed into a food hall.
Lucky Dill Following death of owner, Westshore’s Lucky Dill location has closed for good. The restaurant's other location in Palm Harbor remains open.
Lupton’s Buffet Although the beloved restaurant side of the business has closed, Lupton’s Catering is still running strong. So don’t hesitate to put in an order for pickup.
Pair O’ Dice After six years of business, Pair O' Dice Brewing is shutting down at 4400 118th Ave N. #208 in Clearwater. The taproom served up its final pours last weekend.
Roux After five years, South Tampa’s Creole restaurant Roux has closed. Tampa is now in search of another New Orleans comfort food eatery that can provide an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil.
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This article appears in Jan 9-16, 2020.