Goody Goody, Shake Shack, Ocean Prime, Fleming’s: Bay Restaurants 2024

TAMPA BAY, FL — The greater Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, saw a number of restaurant openings and closings this year.

Here are a few notable eateries across the region:

Arts & Central

A new 6,200-square-foot restaurant, Arts & Central, opened Feb. 19 in the Rosemary District.

It’s the anchor eatery for a new development called Parkside, according to Sarasota magazine.

Big Top Brewing

Big Top Brewing opened a new restaurant and brewery in Sarasota earlier this month.

The eatery at 3045 Fruitville Commons Blvd. is open for lunch and dinner, according to its website. Reservations are currently required.

Caddy’s Bradenton Riverwalk

Caddy’s Bradenton Riverwalk location was permanently closed after Hurricane Milton hit Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm on Oct. 9.

The storm caused major damage at the restaurant, including destroying the tiki hut at one of its two bars, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

The Bradenton site is listed as permanently closed on the company's website.

Ciro’s

A popular Tampa speakeasy has closed its doors after 15 years.

Initially, Ciro’s temporarily closed because of renovations at the 100-year-old Bayshore Royal building at 2109 Bayshore Blvd., where it was located, with no reopening date in sight, the restaurant, which launched in 2009, wrote on Instagram in March.

Its owners announced its permanent closure in April.

Ed’s Tavern

Ed’s Tavern, a sports bar and restaurant that’s called Lakewood Ranch Main Street home since 2009, has expanded in Manatee County, the Bradenton Herald reported.

Its second location recently opened its doors at the northwest corner of State Road 64 and Upper Manatee River Road.

The new restaurant seats about 180 diners and also boasts retractable floor-to-ceiling sidings that allow better views.

Fazoli’s

Italian chain Fazoli’s has expanded in Florida with a new location in the greater Tampa area.

Its newest restaurant is in Lutz at 24791 FL-54, according to VerdictFoodService.com.

“We’re proud to open our sixth location in Florida, which underscores our commitment to expanding in the state,” president Gregg Nettleton said. “We have incredible fans in Florida who continue to welcome us from day one. From waiting in opening day lines to ordering their fair share of unlimited breadsticks, their dedication to the brand makes each opening special.”

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar opened a new 13,00-square-foot flagship restaurant in Tampa in September.

The Napa-inspired restaurant and wine bar is located at 4342 West Boy Scout Blvd., across from International Plaza and adjacent to the current location.

The restaurant is designed to blend the company’s “California roots with the dynamic energy of our coastal home here in Tampa,” Fleming’s said in a news release.

The Fold

The Fold, a Three Oaks Hospitality pizzeria concept that’s operated out of Armature Works, opened a second location on Harbour Island in May, Creative Loafing reported.

The new eatery at 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. offers many favorites served at Armature Works, as well as an expanded menu.

In its new location, The Fold shares a space with Lily’s Sweet Treats.

Godson’s

Godson’s Pizzeria relocated to a new location this year, according to the Bradenton Herald.

The restaurant, previously located on Cortez Road, closing down operations there in April, is now open at 3306 Manatee Ave. W.

Goody Goody Burgers

This iconic Tampa brand revived nearly 10 years ago closed its doors again in September.
Goody Goody Burgers first opened in 1925 and closed in 2006, ABC Action News said.

Richard Gonzmart brought the brand back under his 1905 Family of Restaurants, which includes Columbia Restaurants and Ulele, in 2014, opening in Hyde Park.

The Green Orchid

The Green Orchid by Michael’s On East, a fully solar-powered garden-to-table restaurant, has opened at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

It will be the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant, generating more energy than it consumes, according to a news release.

The Greyson

The Greyson, a casual family-friendly sports restaurant and bar, opened its second Manatee County location earlier this month.

The new restaurant opened March 14 in the Lakewood Walk shopping center in Lakewood Ranch, the Bradenton Herald reported.

HaleLife Bistro

HaleLife Bistro, a local vegan and gluten-free chain, is opening its fourth location in the Warehouse Arts District, according to St. Pete Rising.

It will take over the space at 2462 5th Ave. S., which previously housed The Chelsea coffee shop.

Harold Seltzer’s Steakhouse

Harold Seltzer’s Steakhouse closed its last remaining location at the end of September in St. Petersburg, according to a post by Seltzer to the restaurant’s Facebook page.

The restaurant’s property at 3500 Tyrone Blvd. was sold and shut its doors for good Sept. 29,
Seltzer said. It opened 2000 as Sam Seltzer’s and has been Harold Seltzer’s since 2010.

The property will become a Dignity Memorial-branded celebration of life center.

The company closed its Port Richey location at the Gulf View Square Mall on May 19. That restaurant opened in 2002 as Sam’s before becoming Harold Seltzer's in 2010.

Hob Nob

One of Sarasota’s oldest restaurants, Hob Nob Drive-In, closed its doors for good on May 15.

The eatery opened 67 years ago in the 1950s, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

"Ever since COVID, the restaurant business has changed," owner Cary Spicuzza said. "The challenges you face are a little more insurmountable."

Jay Luigi

Italian restaurant Jay Luigi expanded from St. Petersburg into Tampa with a second location that opened in December, Ciccio Restaurant Group said in a news release.

Jay Luigi opened three years ago at 3201 4th Street N. in St. Pete. The new location is at 516 South Howard Ave. in Tampa.

Juno & the Peacock

The team behind Allelo opened a new concept, Juno & the Peacock, featuring new American coastal cuisine, in St. Petersburg at 400 Beach Drive, which previously housed 400 Beach.

Drawing from the timeless cautionary tale of Aesop's fable, Juno & the Peacock will feature locally sourced ingredients prepared in-house and will be open daily for lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch.

Lingr

The Nordic- and Asian-inspired restaurant Lingr at 400 6th Street S. in St. Petersburg abruptly closed its doors for good in April.

In a Facebook post announcing the closure of the restaurant, Lingr staff said that Chef Jeffrey Jew “has decided to prioritize family as they navigate the challenges of his mother's Lewy body dementia.”

Malai Indian Cuisine

The owners of a Largo Indian restaurant, Taste of Punjab, is expanding into downtown St. Petersburg with a new eatery.

Malai Indian Cuisine took over the space formerly occupied by Tropez, which closed earlier this year, at 437 Central Ave., according to St. Pete Rising.

“We are focusing on delivering the highest quality, serving food on time and with the right pricing,” the owners said.

Meliora

Popular Southside Village restaurant Meliora, which opened in 2022 at 1920 Hillview Street, has rebranded, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

The restaurant now boasts a new name, Adeline, as well as a new business owner, Edward Zaki, co-owner of 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown Sarasota.

The restaurant has also unveiled new lunch and dinner menus.

Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime, a luxury seafood and steakhouse from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, opened its new Sarasota location in mid-December at The Quay, according to a news release.

The waterfront restaurant’s menu offers diners seafood, prime steaks and handcrafted cocktails.
Spanning 9,513 square feet over two stories, Ocean Prime Sarasota has 355 seats, including two elegant bars and two private dining rooms.

Outback

The Outback Steakhouse restaurant at 7207 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota wasamong the dozens of restaurants closed nationwide by Tampa-based Bloomin’ Brands Inc. earlier this year.

Peach’s

Peach’s closed two Manatee County restaurants in Holmes Beach and Ellenton in June.

“We are a proud small business with dedicated teams and loyal guests. This decision was not ours to make, and it does not reflect the incredible dedication of our team at these locations,” Alison Thomas, president of Peach’s Restaurants, said in a news release.

Pesky Pelican

The Pesky Pelican Brew Pub in West St. Petersburg closed its doors for good at the end of 2023.

The popular bar closed after falling behind on Small Business Administration and Economic Injury Disaster loans borrowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, owner Dan Pemberton told St. Pete Catalyst.

Owing about $540,000, he used the funds to open a successful catering and banquet business. Thinking he had a buyer lined up, he closed the second company and when the deal fell through, found himself in debt and unable to keep up.

Pin on Grand

Pin on Cafe, an Asian-fusion restaurant, has relocated from the Edge District to reopen in a new larger space in the Grand Central District as Pin on Grand.

The new restaurant, offering Thai, Laotian and Vietnamese menu items, is at 2458 Central Ave., which previously housed Valhalla Bakery and Proper Meats.

The owners also operate Pin Wok & Bowl, which focuses on Thai and Japanese flavors, at 445 Central Ave.

Pistil House

A wine and flower bar recently opened in St. Petersburg, I Love the Burg said.

Pistil House, located at 2533 1st Ave. N., serves curated wines from Oregon and Washington, craft beer, coffee, and charcuterie boards.

Ringside Cafe

Ringside Cafe, a music venue in downtown St. Pete, has closed its doors for good after 35 years, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Initially located on Fourth Street, it initially closed in 2013 so Trader Joe’s could move into the space. It later moved to Second Street N., not far from Jannus Live, in 2021, and relocated once again in July 2022 to its most recent space at 350 First Ave. N.

“I don’t have anything bad to say. There’s nothing anybody did,” owner Greg Pugh told the Times. “I had a great long time and I’m feeling good about it and moving on. I played with the toy long enough.”

Samurai Cat

A Japanese cafe and bakery, Samurai Cat, has opened at 407 Central Ave., which previously housed Beans & Barlour, according to I Love the Burg.

The cafe’s Instagram page features videos of a chef wearing a cat mask.

Shake Shack

The Tampa Bay area’s first drive-thru Shake Shack opened Friday in Wesley Chapel. The brand is known for its milkshakes, crinkle-cut fries and burgers.

The new location at 25600 Sierra Center Blvd. also offers indoor seating.

Sweetgreen

The chain Sweetgreen, which focuses on healthy salads and grain bowls, has opened its new Edge District location at 1114 Central Ave.

The made-to-order fast-casual eatery makes everything in house using produce delivered that morning, according to its website.

The company already has a presence in South Florida, as well as three locations in Tampa.

Taverna Toscana

Fabio Viviani, who appeared on Bravo’s “Top Chef,” opened his new modern Italian steakhouse in downtown Bradenton soon, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

The celebrity chef’s restaurant concept Taverna Toscana is at 1301 Sixth Ave. W.