We lost some iconic spots in 2024. As anyone who’s been in the kitchen will tell you, it isn’t easy to run a local bar or restaurant, and factors like rising costs, increasingly slim margins, and back-to-back hurricanes certainly didn’t help. Here are a few of the more notable closures from around Tampa Bay over the last 12 months. 

King State

520 E Floribraska Ave., Tampa
Despite its popularity and a place in the top 10 of Food & Wine’s “Best Coffee Shops in America,” King State closed its Tampa Heights location in October. King State, which celebrated its five-year anniversary over the summer, was borne from a DIY coffee roasting warehouse operation and opened in June of 2019. It quickly became a popular destination thanks to its surefire breakfast, laid-back light-filled dining room, and killer drinks. Like many other businesses, King State battled through the pandemic, with the last few years bringing a lot of change for co-founders Tim McTague and Nate Young.
Photo via King State/Instagram Credit: Photo via @k1ngst8/Instagram
Eden 912 N Franklin St., Tampa A staple in Tampa’s nightlife scene abruptly closed its doors in July for reasons still unknown. Eden was known for its stacked entertainment lineups, stiff drinks and late-night hours. The nightclub abruptly closed on Thursday, June 13, according to social media posts from its employees—like former General Manager Niko Alvertos, who posted that “we all had the feeling something was going to happen, we just didn’t know when.” Eden’s Facebook and Instagram pages were also deleted, showing no trace of the once-popular nightclub and event space. It is also listed as “permanently closed” on Google. There was no official closing announcement issued by ownership. The two-story club was garden-themed, hence its name, and featured specialty cocktails inspired by the seven deadly sins, a ton of VIP booths, a late-night menu, themed parties and a steady rotation of DJs and other entertainers. The downtown Tampa bar and club made its debut in 2021, after $4.5 million dollar renovations rendered the former Franklin Manor space unrecognizable. Photo via Seven Marketing + PR Credit: Seven Marketing + PR
Vela 5232 Bridge St., Tampa After two back-to-back hurricanes, Westshore Marina District Italian restaurant Vela has had enough. The restaurant, which was from the people behind Cru Cellars, Bouzy and Small Giant, took to social media in late-October to announce the closure. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Vela. Unfortunately, the combination of recent hurricane damage and other challenges has made it impossible for us to continue serving you at Westshore Marina,” wrote Vela on Instagram. Officially opening in 2021 as a Cru Cellars outpost, Cru Hospitality Group rebranded the space into Vela in 2023, with a focus on classic Italian dishes like pizza and pasta, as well as Mediterranean staples such as kebabs, fresh salads and hummus. Photo via Google Street Credit: Photo via Google Street
Cider Press Gastropub 3118 3rd Ave. N, St. Petersburg A St. Pete staple for vegans called it quits after a decade. Cider Press Gastropub is officially “closed until further notice,” according to its voicemail. Originally called Cider Press Cafe, the owners, Johan Everstijn and Roland Strobel, first opened the original location in Naples in 2014, then on St. Pete’s Central Avenue a year later. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making these past 10 years so special,” Cider Press Gastropub owners wrote on social media. While the owners never intended to leave their location on Central, they were forced to in 2021 after disagreements with the landlord. Rebranded as Cider Press Gastropub, the duo opened in nearby Historic Kenwood in late 2022. While they had initially intended to open up the Kenwood location at the end of 2021, the owners told Bay News 9 that “Pandemic supply line issues” caused a delay. Photo via Cider Press Vegan Gastropub/Instagram Credit: Photo via Cider Press Vegan Gastropub/Instagram
Pegasus Lounge 14811 N Florida Ave., Tampa Pegasus Lounge, an institutional Tampa bar, live music venue, and karaoke spot, called it quits in November. Owner Julie Bible’s took took to social media, saying she’s ready for retirement. “What a blast we’ve had the past 23+ years. I’ll cherish all the memories and good times at both our original location and the current one,” wrote Bible. “It’s that time, I need to close this chapter of my life and sit back and drink margaritas on the beach. Yes, I’m retiring.” Fittingly, Pegasus Lounge—also a place where local rock bands could cut their teeth—went out on “Pornaoke Night,” which is basically regular karaoke, but with a large projector screen playing hardcore porn. Photo via Pegasus Lounge/Facebook Credit: Photo via Pegasus Lounge
Stone Soup Company 1919 E 7th Ave., Ybor City One of the more seasoned businesses along Ybor City’s bustling 7th Avenue took to social media to announce its abrupt closure in late April. “Effective immediately, The Stone Soup Company will cease operations. We would like to thank all the current and past employees, the Ybor and Tampa community, and our guests who have supported us over the last 13 years,” ownership wrote on the restaurant’s Facebook today. “We appreciated the opportunity to serve you all! Thank you!” The casual restaurant was known for its menu of Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, burgers, salads and of course, soup—which ranged from lobster bisque and chicken noodle to tomato basil and Spanish black bean. Beer, wine, and cocktails were offered, too. The Stone Soup Company’s original owner Ilya Benjamin Goldberg opened his Ybor City restaurant in 2009 and its reputation for tasty Cuban sammies and quick service grew over the years, as well as its sizable “Best of the Bay” award collection. Photo via StoneSoupCompany/Facebook Credit: StoneSoupCompany/Facebook
Hao Wah 1713 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa After nearly-half-a-century, South Tampa staple Hoa Wah closed last March. Hao Wah was one of Tampa’s institutional Chinese buffets. The restaurant—well loved by locals and a popular gathering spot for families and students of the nearby Plant High School—opened doors on April 1, 1980. It started as a humble spot, but doubled in size during an expansion in the early-2000s. For a long time Hao Wah was known for its all-you-can-eat buffet including dishes ranging from sushi to pho to Szechuan–nearly any Asian dish you could think of. Like most others, the buffet shut down during the pandemic but it’s since returned to all its glory. An employee at Hao Wah’s Pinellas Park location said that the Pinellas Park location (10454 66th St. N) will remain open and the restaurant’s famed catering service will also continue. Photo via Google Maps Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Cena 1120 E Kennedy Blvd. No. 112, Tampa Last October, after 13 years, celebrated upscale Italian restaurant Cena has served its last dish in Tampa’s Channel District. Cena partner Ken Stoltenberg confirmed the recent closure to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, adding that nearby sister restaurant Bread and Butta Pizza Bar has also shuttered because they both share a kitchen. “The past year has been a challenging environment,” said Stoltenberg to TBBJ. “This summer was the worst summer we’d ever had. It’s a combination of the general economy, Cena is a destination — and it’s a luxury.” Stoltenberg also told the publication that the recent departure of Chef Michael Buttacavoli played a role in the decision, as did the fact that a large portion of the concept’s customers hailed from nearby Davis Islands, which was inundated by storm surge from Hurricane Helene. Cena (which is Italian for “dinner”) opened to warm reviews in 2013, and was praised by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay food critic Jon Palmer Claridge, who called it “the best new restaurant in town.” “Like its intimate sleek dining room, the menu is narrow, but boy, does it pack a punch,” wrote Claridge. “Chef Michael Buttacavoli delivers on Cena’s promise to be “modern, fresh, and simple.” Having recently dined at another noted Italian landmark, I am struck that Cena has much better food at nearly half the price.” Buttacavoli was also a known fixture around Tampa Bay, often competing in charity events like the Tampa Bay Food Fight and Epicurean’s Epic Chef Showdown. Buttacavoli even scored a win on the Food Network’s competition show “Beat Bobby Flay.” Photo via Google Street Credit: Photo via Google Street
Goody Goody which closes in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 29, 2024. Credit: Photo via goodyburgers/Facebook
Credit: Photo by Jeni Armstrong
Sea Salt 183 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg After almost 10 years of serving raw oysters and crab legs in downtown St. Petersburg, popular seafood restaurant Sea Salt will close. The restaurant’s parent company, Aielli Group, made the announcement in a press release, as the concept nears the end of its lease on the second floor of The Sundial. “The past ten years have been nothing short of amazing,” said co-owner Ingrid Aielli in a statement. “We’re incredibly proud to have been part of this community and thankful for the friendships and memories we’ve made together. This farewell is bittersweet, but we’ll forever cherish these experiences.” Originally debuting in 2015, Sea Salt made a name for itself over the years with its 80-foot raw bar, 22-foot-tall wine cellar, $1 oyster happy hours and Venetian-inspired entrees. Sea Salt will remain open through its last day of service on Dec. 31. Photo via Sea Salt/Facebook Credit: Photo via Sea Salt/Facebook
Five Branches Brewing 131 Hibiscus St., Tarpon Springs Veteran-owned and operated nano brewery, Five Branches, shut its doors in early November. Ramey Simpson and Jerry Brown opened Five Branches in 2019 after retiring from the military and gave back to the veteran community by donating to charities and projects like the Fundraiser for Firefighters of Pinellas charity they hosted in October. The owners cited health challenges and changes in ownership as some of the reasons that led to the decision to close. Five Branches moved into its Hibiscus Street location last year after growing out of its nearby Athens Street spot. The Athens location also flooded from Hurricane Idalia shortly before the team was expected to move. “From our loyal customers to our dedicated partners, you have made these five years truly memorable and meaningful, the taproom wrote on social media. “While this chapter is ending, the relationships and memories we’ve built will always remain in our hearts.” Photo via Five Branches/Facebook
Lingr 400 6th St S., St. Petersburg After three years of dishing out exciting fusion cuisine and picture-perfect cocktails, a mainstay in St. Pete’s dining scene closed in ate April. “After almost 3 years of Lingr serving the St. Petersburg community and its visitors, I have made the difficult decision to close. During illness and family emergencies, I have always counseled my employees that their health and family are more important than Lingr,” Chef and owner Jeffrey Jew writes on Lingr’s Instagram. “Now, I am in the position that I must take my own advice and spend time with my Mother as we navigate her Lewy body dementia.” Chef Jew encourages his customers to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association as an act of support for him and his family during this difficult time. Lingr made its highly-anticipated debut in the spring of 2021 showcasing a contemporary blend of Jew’s Nordic and Asian heritage with unique dishes like pumpkin and mushroom dumplings, smoked lions mane and trumpet mushrooms with Brunost cheese, and fried fish with fermented black beans and chili oil. Photo via LingrRestaurant/Facebook Credit: LingrRestaurant/Facebook
Luv Child 516 S Howard Ave., Tampa Nearly five years after its debut, South Tampa modern Cuban concept Luv Child said goodbye last summer. Luv Child took to social media to announce the closure, and to thank diners for their support. “After careful consideration, we have decided to permanently close our doors at Luv Child, with our last day of service being Sunday, July 28th,” read a statement from the restaurant. “We have cherished every moment spent serving you and are incredibly grateful for your unwavering LUV and support. Thank you so much for being a part of our journey!” Luv Child was known for a posh (and very pink) atmosphere, offering up elevated Cuban and Latin fare like loaded quesadillas, chicharrones, and tostones, as well as a well-appointed cocktail menu. No exact reason was given for the closure, though the post stated that a second location of Italian fast-casual concept Jay & Luigi will open in the same space. Luv Child was owned by the Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG), which also operates other local restaurants including Green Lemon, Daily Eats, Fresh Kitchen, Water & Flour, Taco Dirty, Cali and others. Photo via Luv Child/Facebook
The Chelsea 2462 5th Ave. S, St. Petersburg Nearly four years after arriving at St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, a beloved cafe said goodbye in early June. Owner Teresa Vidal Chalkley opened The Chelsea in 2021 to pay homage to her experience as a student working in New York’s bustling Chelsea district and exploring Manhattan’s boutiques, galleries, cafes and bistros. Photo via thechelseastpete/Facebook
Taco Baby 235 Main St., Dunedin Taco Baby, a charming 51 square-foot taqueria inside a former ATM, closed its doors—or singular pick-up window, last March. “After much consideration, we’ve made the decision to close Taco Baby permanently. While we’re sad to say goodbye, we cherish the memories we’ve created together and the joy that Taco Baby has brought to our community,” the restaurant wrote on social media last month. “Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being a part of our Taco Baby family.” Chef Traci Bryant and Shane Bittaker of Nina Hospitality Group opened Taco Baby out of a former ATM stand in the spring of 2019. Its understandably small menu consisted of street tacos with proteins like chicken tinga, al pastor, jackfruit, and pork carnitas, chips and queso, loaded nachos and a variety of bottled sodas. Photo via tacobabydunedin/Facebook Credit: tacobabydunedin/Facebook
Ciro’s 2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa A longtime South Tampa mainstay officially closed its doors in April, although its ownership is “actively seeking other locations.” Ciro’s parent company Three Oaks Hospitality announced the permanent closure of the high-end cocktail bar, citing ongoing structural issues within the Bayshore Royal building. “Since 2009, Ciro’s has been a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike,” the bar wrote on social media. “Thank you to our loyal guests, staff and the Tampa community for your support and memories shared over the years. As they say, this isn’t a goodbye, it’s a see you later.” Photo via Google Maps
Tropez St. Pete 437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg In late May, Tropez took to social media to announce it was closing for good, citing rising supply cost, competitive wages, and ongoing construction on Central Ave. “It is with a heavy heart that we have to confirm the rumors you have heard about us closing. This was a very difficult decision that came about due to the constant rise in supply cost, competitive wages, the loss of foot traffic on Central Ave , the construction, while paired with minimal parking. We want to thank all of you for the memories over the years and look forward to seeing you when you stop in for a visit at Little Philly in Grand Central.” Photo via Tropez St. Pete/Facebook
Rollbotto Sushi 221 1st St. N, St. Petersburg Last May, Rollbotto Sushi closed unexpectedly after 12 years of serving up rolls near the Sundial. According to the Tampa Bay Times, employees were given zero notice and were informed of the closure via text message. A GoFundMe was also launched to help employees recoup lost wages. Photo via Rollbotto Sushi/Instagram
Crisp & Green Water Street 1055 E Cumberland Ave., Tampa After a year at its Water Street location Crisp & Green quietly shuttered its doors last April. Representatives from the company shared the following statement with Creative Loafing Tampa Bay: “After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to close our Tampa location. We’re so thankful for the hard work and dedication of the team to bring the Crisp & Green brand and for the opportunity to serve our amazing customers in Tampa. Thank you for being a part of our journey and we hope to be back in Tampa soon.” Crisp & Green’s mission is to “offer chef-crafted nutritious foods to fit conveniently into a modern, wellness-driven lifestyle,” boasting menu items like its signature salads, grain bowls, smoothies, aguas frescas, acai bowls and build-your-own options. Photo c/o Martins Communciations Credit: c/o Martins Communciations
Oronzo Midtown 1120 Gramercy Ln. D-200, Tampa Fast-casual Italian chain Oronzo closed its location in Midtown last March. A collaboration between Dan Bavaro, owner of Bavaro’s Pizza, and Bob Johnston, CEO of Front Burner Brands, the company told the Tampa Bay Business Journal that the location has struggled since launching during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Oronzo,” the letter states. “Since our opening in 2020, during the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have strived to bring you an uncommon Italian culinary experience and a welcoming atmosphere. However, despite our best efforts and the unwavering support of our local community and dedicated team, we find ourselves facing the difficult decision to close our doors.” Photo via Oronzo/Instagram
Six Ten Brewing 7052 Benjamin Rd., Tampa After celebrating a decade in Tampa Bay, Town ‘N’ Country’s popular Six Ten Brewing emptied its kegs last June. The local brewery—largely known for its wide variety of craft beers, regular event programming, and friendly hospitality—took to social media to announce the sale of its building and imminent closure of Six Ten. “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of our beloved brewery, as we have made the difficult decision to sell and allow another brewery to begin their journey,” Six Ten Brewing wrote on social media earlier this week. “From the first pint we poured to the countless celebrations, events and gatherings, every moment has been a life-changing experience for us. We are deeply grateful for the trust you placed in us, the feedback you shared, and the loyalty you showed.” Owners Leslie and Chris Johnson ditched their corporate jobs to open Six Ten Brewing in 2014, and quickly made a name for themselves in the local craft beer scene. In addition to an impressive “core beer” lineup of brews like the CBGB Berliner Weisse, TPA double IPA, Poco Loco Belgian Ale and Tent Beer Munich-style lager, Six Ten is also known for both its seasonal and specialty bottle drops. Photo via SixTenBrewing/Facebook Credit: SixTenBrewing/Facebook
Mott & Hester Deli 1155 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa Mott & Hester Deli, a sandwich hotspot with a popular catering service has closed its doors in late-February after almost 42 years at its original location. While the deli didn’t explain why it chose to close its doors for good, comments under the announcement allude to the well-deserved retirement of owners Ted and Gina Kelly, who opened the deli in December of 1982. The popular, no frills deli with under a dozen seats offered a menu of loaded turkey, meatball, Italian and ham sandwiches, New Orleans-style fare like po’boys and muffulettas, hearty pasta dishes, salads, soups and entrees like spinach artichoke casseroles and Sicilian-style roasted chicken. Its Wild Turkey sammy with sautéed mushrooms, melted pepper jack cheese, and mayo on toasted white bread was a particularly popular menu item—and even made Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s 50 Best Sandwiches list in 2017. Photo via mottandhesterdeli/Facebook Credit: mottandhesterdeli/Facebook
Zydeco Brew Werks Ybor 1902 E 7th Ave.,Ybor City After five years of redefining the corner of 7th Avenue and 19th Street in Ybor City, Zydeco Brew Werks said “a bientôt” last January. Not getting to be with regulars and staff on a daily basis is one of the hardest parts of the closure, Zydeco brewer and co-founder Paul Rutherford told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “We’re definitely going to celebrate,” Rutherford said about the brewery’s final weeks in Ybor City. The 45-year-old who moved to Tampa from the northeast to open the brewery, brought Zydeco three medals at the World Beer Championship, including a gold for his American brett saison. He said that he even found a cask barrel of his infamous Butchy scotch ale, named for Colorado outdoorsman and salsa maker Butchy Craft. Its location at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry will stay open. Photo via zydecobrewwerks/Facebook Credit: Photo via zydecobrewwerks/Facebook
Bacon Bitch 1122 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Bacon Bitch, a popular brunch restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg (with a somewhat contentious reputation) closed its doors in May. “Sad to inform you that this location has closed. Bacon Bitch locations continue in Orlando (UCF), South Beach (Miami Beach) and Bayside (downtown Miami),” a sign on Bacon Bitch’s closed doors read. “We are sorry about the short notice and we will miss St. Pete. Best Wishes!” St. Pete’s Bacon Bitch location made its debut in the fall of 2020. It was known for its menu of breakfast sandwiches, avocado toasts, salads, burgers, BLTs, plus champagne, beer, wine, daytime cocktails and sangrias for its “thirsty bitches.” Photo via Bacon Bitch St. Pete/Facebook Credit: Photo via Bacon Bitch St. Pete/Facebook
Florida Cane Distillery Tasting Room 1820 N 15th St.,Ybor City Florida Cane Distillery’s tasting room and bar located inside Ybor City’s historic El Encanto building quietly closed its doors in mid-January. The constant decline in Florida Tourism, coupled with the closing of so many other Ybor music venues/bars/restaurants and the recent shootings have pushed us to this decision,” the owners of The Florida Cane Distillery wrote on social media last week. “Although we are saddened by having to close to the public it’s been such a great joy to host all of you in our tasting room, on our behind-the-scenes tours, and hands-on whiskey classes—this was only possible because of your loyal support.” The Tampa-based spirits distributor debuted its Ybor City location—which it boasted as “Florida’s first vodka tasting room”—in 2012, mere months after launching its production space in Brandon. Although its tasting room closed its doors last weekend, its variety of Florida-made rums, gins and moonshines can be directly purchased from its website or from local retailers like Luekens Liquors and B21 Fine Wine and Spirits. Photo via canevodka/Facebook Credit: Photo via canevodka / Facebook
Tijuana Flats Multiple Locations On April 19, Tijuana Flats announced that it has closed 11 stores including four Tampa Bay locations. The company chose which stores would be shuttered based on financial performance, occupancy costs and market conditions, according to a press release. Four stores in Jacksonville were also closed in February prior to an ownership change this month that saw the Central Florida-based company switch hands from TJF USA, LLC to Flatheads, LLC. The release said Tijuana Flats has also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Tampa Bay is still home to at least a dozen Tijuana Flats that are still open. Photo via tijuanaflats/Twitter
Yum Yum Hot Pot 11301 N 56th St. Suite 6, Temple Terrace Temple Terrace all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant Yum Yum Hot Pot quietly opened on Christmas day in 2019. The popular spot featured a unique conveyer belt system that ushered ingredients to hungry patrons in their booths. However, earlier this summer Yum Yum closed without warning. A sign on the front door said the establishment was closed for renovations. However, the phone is currently disconnected, the website is deactivated and the Instagram page says it’s “closed.” Let’s hope it does re-open in the future. Photo via Google Maps
White Lie 1710 E 7th Ave., Ybor City Ybor is going through changes, and White Lie could be considered another casualty of the rapidly changing neighborhood. The bar and nightclub celebrated its last night on NYE, after owner Mo Pickering claimed the landlord wouldn’t renew her lease. The spot was formerly home to businesses like Green Iguana, Kelly Days Firehouse Tavern and Red Star Rock Bar. Photo via White Lie/Google Maps
Bastet Brewing 951 E Adamo Dr. Suite B, Tampa Best of the Bay-winning Bastet Brewing served its last pint of fermented goodness last August. “The short explanation is that adverse socio-economic conditions that began in 2020, the year we opened, have led us to make a pragmatic decision that is the best for moving forward,” Bastet Brewing’s owners wrote on its website. “For nearly 4 years we’ve fought against the persistent unfavorable challenges within the beer industry to keep the doors open, but with limited options available to us, the financial burden has proven to be too great.” In the fall of 2021, both Ross and Lett graced the cover of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay for a story that delved into the world of Tampa Bay’s Black brewers and the challenges they faced. Lett talked about his experiences with racism as one of the few Black brewers and brewery owners in Florida. On the National Black Brewers Association’s directory, there are only three Black-owned breweries in the state of Florida, including Bastet Brewing and St. Petersburg’s Green Bench Brewing. In 2023, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation reported that the Sunshine State is home to almost 500 craft breweries. Photo by Aaron Hosé
Big Storm Brewing Multiple Locations So far, 2024 has been a rough year for Big Storm Brewing Co. In May, the company was slapped with a lawsuit over ties to a troubled non-profit. Then in mid June, Big Storm was evicted from its Ybor City location. This year the company has also closed locations in Odessa and Cape Coral, and Orlando. Photo via Big Storm BrewingUPDATED 07/03/24 Updated because L.J. Govoni was not named directly in the lawsuit. Credit: Big Storm Brewing
Fo Cheezy Twisted Meltz (downtown St. Pete location) 111 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz, a fancy grilled cheese concept, took to social media earlier last March to announce its immediate closure. “We have enjoyed being a part of and serving the downtown community and thank you for all of the support,” ownership wrote on Facebook yesterday. “This decision was not made lightly but in doing so we are able to pursue some exciting new ventures we know you will find just as dope.” Fo’Cheezy made its debut on St. Pete Beach in 2020 and opened its second brick and mortar in downtown St. Pete in 2021. To the delight of the restaurant’s regulars, its flagship location on the beach—as well as its OG food truck—are not going anywhere. Photo via focheezytwistedmeltz/Facebook