Big Storm buys Darwin Brewing, J.C. Newman to open Ybor City hotel and restaurant, plus more Tampa Bay food news

J.C. Newman to open Ybor City hotel, restaurant and cigar lounge Last year, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. und erwent the massive process of rehabilitating the historic cigar factory "El Reloj", now dubbed the "last cigar factory in Tampa." But expansion doesn't stop there, as the company recently announced plans to open a new hotel, restaurant and cigar lounge across the street from its factory-turned-museum in the restored Sanchez y Haya hotel at 1601 E Columbus Dr. in the North Ybor neighborhood. Tampa Bay residents, tourists and history nerds alike will soon be able to take a tour through the three-story El Reloj museum, and then take a stroll across E Columbus Drive to J.C. Newman's newest all-inclusive concept—slated to open by the end of 2023. jcnewman.com

Big Storm Brewing Co. purchases Bradenton’s Darwin Brewing, continuing statewide expansion Clearwater-based Big Storm Brewing Co. continues expanding south with its recent purchase of Bradenton’s Darwin Brewing—cementing its position as one of the most extensive local breweries in Tampa Bay. Darwin Brewing was founded almost a decade ago out of Darwin’s on 4th—a popular Peruvian restaurant that closed in 2015—and Big Storm plans to pay homage to its culinary roots. The Bradenton-based brewery and taproom is known for its food and beer pairings, as well as incorporating native Floridian ingredients into their brews—characteristics that Big Storm will continue to incorporate. In a press release, Big Storm co-owner L.J. Govoni states that the company will take the upcoming year to find the perfect home for Darwin. bigstormbrewery.com

Drunk St. Pete residents can now get pasta in a bag at DalMoros DalMoros is giving the best holiday gift to St. Petersburg’s pasta lovers, late night drunks, or anyone who identifies as both. The fast-casual pasta shop at 653 Central Ave. just debuted fresh to-go bagged pasta options for the holidays, but they’ll be available for purchase year-round, too. The family size is $9 and serves 3-4 people, while the personal size runs for $3.50. stpetersburg.dalmoros.us

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