This spring already saw a slew of new eateries debut in Tampa Bay, and the rest of 2021 is looking just as good. From new food halls, a Tiger Wood’s concept, big Cali-based Tex-Mex chains,  seafood boils and more, here are a handful of new restaurants on the verge of popping off.

Wich! Please 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa Gourmet sandwich-based concept coming to Sparkman Wharf will also serve salads, and “creative snack smorgasbords.” A creation of restaurateur Dave Burton who also is responsible for Wharf neighbor Flock & Stock and the downtown Tampa throwback bar Gen X Tavern.
Noble Rice 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa Another Sparkman Wharf addition the “100-seat restaurant will feature a modern Japanese menu with sushi, ramen, yakitori and omakase options as well as an outdoor seating area and a full bar focused on Japanese whiskey and sake.”
The Battery 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa New concept from The C House folks coming to Sparkman Wharf. It’ll be a 4,000-square-foot “a refined-yet-comfortable restaurant, bar, lounge and boutique event space” that’ll focus on fancy bourbon, wine and classic bites.
Junmai Station 325 N Florida Ave, Tampa The Ebisu Sushi Shack owners have a new restaurant that features onigiri—aka stuffed rice balls—as its signature dish. Hoping for a June opening, the traditional Japanese concept is located in the bottom retail space of Downtown Tampa’s Hyatt House.
The Twisted Indian 2939 Central Ave., St. Petersburg The Grand Central District will be the home of the popular food truck’s new brick and mortar location that has unique Indian food like tikka masala naanwiches.
King of the Coop Third location for the Nashville hot chicken joint this time in Westchase in the Sprouts plaza near the intersection of Sheldon Road and Linebaugh Avenue. Hopefully opening by the end of the summer.
Pete’s General 2361 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg The Grand Central neighborhood will be home to the second location of the popular bakery Pete’s General. “We are focusing much more on bagels and our staple baked goods, but we have some other surprises in the works!” Steven Peterman told Creative Loafing Tampa, who owns the shop with his wife Sara.
Kingsford Fire Grille 204 Westshore Plaza, Tampa Hoping for a July opening, the 7,900-square-foot one-of-a-kind restaurant is branded with the Kingsford charcoal company bringing elevated grilled-grub like a Caesar salad with chargrilled romaine, smoked oak-barrel-aged bourbon cocktails and DIY tableside s’mores.
Jay & Luigi 3201 4th St. North, St. Petersburg Set to open in July, the Italian trattoria-style pizzeria will offer modern and traditional fare with pastas, salads, small plates, cauliflower rice bowls, and two types of pizza–New York and Roman-style aka pizza al taglio.
PopStroke Wesley Chapel A golf-centric casual dining concept co-owned by Tiger Woods with plans to open in Wesley Chapel. Includes a 36-hole professionally -manicured putting facility, dining area and outdoor playground complete with games like ping-pong and cornhole.
Fo’ Cheezy Twisted Meltz 111 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg The popular food truck is opening a second brick and mortar location this summer. Expect the same extreme grilled cheese creations like Mac N’ Rib, Triple OG, and Big Poppa–Colby Jack, veggie cream cheese, smoked bacon pickled jalapenos, and fire pepper strawberry jam served on artisanal sourdough with dirty chipz.
Outerbanks Boil Company The St. Pete Beach location of this lowcountry seafood franchise opened earlier this year, expect Clearwater Beach and Riverview to follow suit shortly. “Lowcountry” boils feature seafood like shrimp and crawfish, sausage, and veggies cooked together in a large pot of water and spices.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux 3740 Midtown Dr, Tampa Sports bar co-owned by former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees featuring Louisiana fare like Cajundillas, Voodoo Shrimp & Grits, po boy sandwiches, salads, and burgers. Opening in Midtown Tampa TBD.