Over the next few months, Tampa Bay will have new concepts popping up all over town. From bakeries to breweries, this summer will be filled with openings destined to crush any hopes of your beach body being a thing this year. Grab your rashguards and coveralls and get ready to eat.
American Neat Grill + Whiskey House American Freedom artisanal distillery is debuting its food and drink component, America Neat Grill & Whiskey House, which adds two watering holes and eclectic American cuisine driven by a wood-fired grill. 2232 Fifth Ave. S., St. Petersburg.
Baba Bodega owners Debbie and George Sayegh are bringing their hush-hush passion project to another St. Petersburg neighborhood. The bakery will carry menu items like house-made pita bread, kebabs, sandwiches, Greek coffee and sometimes pastries. Its Instagram account has been dropping hints for weeks and they recently got their interior stamped by local muralist Chad Mize. 2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
bier boutique Within the next few weeks, husband-and-wife owners Scott and Heather Brookey will debut Key West popular concept “The bier boutique” to a renovated car garage St. Petersburg’s Historic Uptown District. 7th Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
Chicken Salad Chick Two new locations of Chicken Salad Chick are set to open this summer. The fast-casual restaurant serves up a variety of classic chicken salad flavors with a twist, like the Kickin’ Kay Lynne — which is a combo of buffalo sauce, ranch, bacon, cheddar cheese, jalapeños and Sriracha. The first location will be 4050 W. Kennedy Blvd. in May, and the second will be stationed on Bloomingdale Ave.
Counter Culture James Beard semifinalist Jeannie Pierola, known for Edison: Food + Drink Lab, will soon launch her third concept. The restaurant will serve up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. Bayshore Center at 2909 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa.
Forbici Tampa restaurateur Jeff Gigante is set to launch a modern Italian eatery called Forbici in Hyde Park Village in the coming months. The menu has a number of pie varieties planned, and their crust is based on a one-of-a-kind fermentation process. Diners can also look forward to Italian tapas, salads, grain bowls and entrees — in addition to house cocktails, craft beer and a full wine list, plus cocktails and wines on tap. 1633 W. Snow Ave., Tampa.
King State Issues with permitting have prolonged the opening of the coffee spot, but this summer, there is hope for its debut. Located within a renovated 1950s building, serving up coffee, beer and food, while pouring 16 taps — 10 of which are their own. King State expects to operate 8 a.m. to midnight daily during the soft-opening phase. 520 E. Floribraska Ave., Tampa.
Mr. + Mrs. Crab Guests are encouraged to eat with their hands and dive into the restaurant’s Cajun-style seafood. Each plate is sold by weight and cooked in a one-of-a-kind blend of spices, then served in a plastic steam bag. Diners control which type of seafood ends up in their bags and the spice level, plus their choice from four sauces: Cajun, lemon pepper, garlic butter seasoning or garlic butter. Each combo comes with corn, potatoes and other sides like sausage and boiled eggs. 1251 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.
NoHoJunction This food hall will be the future home to a variety of cuisines ranging from a coffee shop to a pizzeria. We are waiting patiently to see how elevated this concept will be compared to the other local food halls, including Armature Works and Hall on Franklin, which are in close proximity. Hours for the latest dining hall will be 6 a.m.-11 p.m. all week long. 1500 W. Cass St., Tampa.
Olivia Local restaurateurs Chris and Michelle Ponte have transformed the former Carmel Kitchen into their latest concept, Olivia. A mix of northern and southern Italian cuisine is on the menu including Neapolitan pizza and a wide range of pasta dishes. 3601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa.
Park & Rec Next month Tampa can expect a new adult playground in town. The 9,900-square-foot, two-story space will host Park & Rec staples like giant beer pong, DJs and retro arcade games and Sunday brunch. Watch out GenX. Menu offerings are planned to mirror the ‘Burg location, with over-the-top bar bite essentials and signature cocktails like the Party Pouch aka an adult CapriSun. 290 S. Meridian Ave., Tampa.
Pink Pineapple Seminole Heights is about to get some tropical vibes this summer with the debut of this tiki bar concept set to host a full bar to mix up classic rum-based tiki cocktails like Mai Tais and Zombies. Traditional Filipino cuisine will be on the menu, handled by Noel Cruz of Ichicoro. 5137 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Pokéworks The Hawaiian-inspired poke franchise, has agreed to open three locations in the Tampa area. The joint is will boast a customizable menu of create-your-own poke burritos, bowls and salads, as well as signature builds. Each selection is dressed with “unique regional options” and an array of proteins, sauces and other toppings. 2734 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.
Salt Shack On the Bay The beach getaway will serve up freshly caught fish and seafood on the waterfront Rattlesnake Point. Seasonal cuisine and tropical cocktails are other planned highlights. 5415 W. Tyson Ave., Tampa.
Sandwich House Brainchild of Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast Breads, a local small-batch bakery founded by Brett Wiewiora and Christina Cann is coming to Seminole Heights. The concept was slated to open at the beginning of the year, but has had some minor setbacks. Soon it will be serving up sandwiches made with freshly baked artisan loaves from Gulf Coast Sourdough, plus sides, beverages and desserts. 5214 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa.
Sophia’s Cucina + Enoteca Owners of St. Pete hotspot Lolita’s Wine Market are set to launch the Italian concept this week. Sophia’s will pair shareable small plates, one them a four-ounce monkfish piccata, with craft cocktails. The menu is expected to have a significant wine presence, as well. 2349 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Stones Throw The oyster bar is expected to open by the end of May right outside of Armature Works next door to soon-to-be stand-up paddleboard company Urban Kai’s second location. 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa.
Tiki Docks River Bar & Grill The restaurant will debut on the Alafia River. The waterfront restaurant weighs in at 15,000 square feet and features an island vibe. 10708 Palmetto St., Riverview.
Other bites to look forward to in the late summer/ early fall months will be the debut of Atlanta’s hotspot Poke Burri, Sunshine Kitty Catfe, Psomi Bakery + Eatery and Sly Dogs. We will welcome you with open arms and elastic pants.
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