The 20 most-anticipated new restaurants coming to Tampa Bay in 2022

By Stephanie Powers

Well, 2021 was a great year for new eats in Tampa Bay, and it looks like 2022 might top it. From more hot chicken spots, new food halls, a Tiger Wood's concept, big Cali-based Tex-Mex chains, and more, here are a handful of new restaurants on the verge of popping off.

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Wesley Chapel and Sarasota
A golf-centric casual dining concept co-owned by Tiger Woods plans to open this spring in Wesley Chapel and Sarasota in spring. Includes a 36-hole professionally-manicured putting facility, dining area and outdoor playground complete with games like ping-pong and cornhole.

Dave’s Hot Chicken

Various locations
National chain Dave’s Hot Chicken is currently searching for eight spots around the Tampa Bay area to open, including in Pasco and Polk counties. The founders of the hot chicken joint will be assisted by the owners of Tampa Bay’s Fuzzy’s Tacos franchises, Tampa natives Ian and Adam Lieberman.

Mochinut

11401 N 56th St., Temple Terrace
Mochi + Donut=Mochinut. The hybrid desert franchise already has 20 nationwide locations and is set to open its first Tampa store in Temple Terrace. Pinellas Park, Bradenton, and two Orlando stores are also on the way. combines the Japanese rice cake mochi, with a traditional American donut. Alongside the dessert mashup—which will come in a wide variety of flavors like mango, black sesame, matcha and Nutella—there will also be Korean rice-flour hot dogs (aka corn dogs) and boba on the menu.

Sweetgreen

Hyde Park Village, Tampa
Popular Los Angeles salad chain Sweetgreen is set to open at some point next year in Hyde Park Village. The chain has an ambitious mission, which includes becoming carbon neutral by 2027, and Sweetgreen’s menu includes bowls for days (curry cauliflower, elote, “shroomami”), salads, a hot honey chicken plate, plus sides like buffalo cauliflower and focaccia bread.

Portillo’s

St. Petersburg
Chicagoland favorite Portillo’s is opening its third Tampa Bay location near Tyrone Square Mall in St. Petersburg in the first half of next year. The Chicago-style weiner and steak sandwich slinging, fast casual concept already has locations in Tampa (2102 E Fowler Ave.) and Brandon (1748 Brandon Blvd.), but this is the restaurant's first foray into the ‘Burg.