2 Upcoming Eateries To Take Dining Experience In Tampa To Next Level

TAMPA, FL — Tampa-based Next Level Brands’ Jeff Gigante has already proven himself as a visionary when it comes to dining experiences. Now, with two forthcoming concepts to open by early next year — Boulon Brasserie and Union New American — Gigante has curated an all-star lineup of industry professionals in hospitality, real estate, business and marketing to transform Tampa’s dining scene.

Gigante, former co-founder of Ciccio Restaurant Group, along with real estate entrepreneur Andrew Wright and attorney/investor Joseph Guggino, form the core corporate team at NLB.

A St. Petersburg native, Gigante has been successfully developing a diverse collection of restaurant concepts for 25 years, earning a reputation for hospitality, community involvement and philanthropy.

During his senior year at Florida State University, where he received a bachelor of arts and a master of arts in film, Gigante, made his foray into the restaurant world, opening Gigamo Bros pizzeria. A few short years later, while pursuing acting and hospitality in New York City, Gigante worked with and befriended the Lanza family, successful entrepreneurs with a passion for restaurants.

Rising from food runner to trusted manager, Gigante convinced James Lanza to come to Tampa Bay, a city he saw as bright with potential for food and beverage and entertainment concepts. Lanza was hooked and, together, the two co-founded, along with Chef Luis Flores, the Ciccio Restaurant Group, establishing multiple popular brands over the better part of two decades.

In 2019, with an eye toward his own vision, opened Forbici Modern Italian, in Tampa's Hyde Park Village, known for Roman-style pizza and pastas in a lively, convivial atmosphere

Wright is founder, CEO and managing partner of Franklin Street, a full-service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Tampa, and managing partner of Ally Capital Group, an investment company specializing in real estate and debt instruments associated with real estate.

Born in New York City and raised in Tampa, Guggino is an attorney and an investor with a penchant for the restaurant industry. Previous investments include Caffe Paradiso and Forbici Modern Italian.

The three men have joined forces with restaurant icon Chris T. Sullivan, former chairman and CEO of Outback Steakhouse Inc.

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Sullivan, who has known Gigante and Wright for many years through his involvement in the Tampa Bay restaurant community, noted that he has always been impressed with the projects they engage in and what they have each accomplished in their individual careers.

“I consider Jeff one of the top restaurateurs and operators not only in the Tampa Bay area, but the entire country,” said Sullivan. “Likewise, Andrew is someone who has his hands in many of the most exciting and successful projects in the market. Jeff and Andrew have the expertise and vision to create something great and I look forward to helping however I can.”

Now in the latter part of his career, Sullivan’s participation is seen as a symbolic “inauguration” by Gigante.

“Chris is the ideal addition to this illustrious line-up of professionals,” he said. “Our vision aligns beautifully, and his support and mentorship are the perfect resource for the progression of Next Level Brands.”

Both Sullivan and Gigante share the philosophy that a great workplace fosters great talent. Case in point, the NLB team has curated a team of industry leaders to help open their next two concepts, which include Executive Chef Adam Polisei and Kal Harris as a general manager (both formerly of Ocean Prime); and Miami-based Unfiltered Hospitality Group to create the libations programs for both forthcoming concepts.

“Overall, if you have a great idea along with the right people in the right places, you can have a very successful business in Tampa Bay’s dining industry,” said Sullivan. “I feel that Next Level Brands has each of these pieces and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Boulon Brasserie will be located at the Thousand & One high-rise at 1001 Water St. Gigante said it will pay homage to the French bistro, where good food, good wine and better company come together "to create joie de vivre."

Boulon Brasserie will include a restaurant, café and full bar, with a menu highlighted by fresh-caught seafood, locally sourced ingredients and modern interpretations of classic French pastries.

Union New American at Westshore City Center, 1111 N Westshore Blvd., will encompass 9,358 square feet of space with indoor and outdoor dining.

"We are thrilled to be bringing a high-quality, locally owned dining experience to the area and look forward to introducing our New American cuisine and first-class hospitality to the Tampa Bay community," Gigante said.

He describes the food as "traditional American fare inspired by global ingredients."

Union New American will include a private event space on the second floor and offer live music and dining in an outdoor terrace lounge with a contemporary ambiance. It will be open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

While the pandemic unfortunately delayed opening plans, Gigante hopes to open both restaurants by early next year.