Rays Manager, SoHo Restaurateur Team Up To Open New Dining Spot

If you're one of the many South Tampa residents who can't get enough of the gourmet fare at 717 South in Post SoHo Square, you're in for a treat.

The founding owner of 717 South, Michael Stewart, has just leased the 5,600-square-foot space at 718 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, where he plans to open AVA-Inspirato Italiano with his longtime friend, manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, Joe Maddon. 

The new restaurant, expected to open in May 2014, will feature "inspired Italian" cuisine, according to Stewart.  

Stewart has enlisted the services of nationally known designer Smith Hanes of Atlanta to decorate the interior of the new restaurant. Hanes, who has designed some of the top restaurants in Atlanta, is known for his use of natural materials, interesting accessories and unique color palettes. 

Maddon, a frequent customer at 717 South since 2006, was the inspiration for AVA. The son of an Italian father with the name Maddonini (shortened to Maddon), Maddon  has displayed his culinary talents by cooking Thanksmas meal at 717 South to raise money to feed the homeless at Christmas.

Maddon also shares a passion for fine wines with Stewart, who has developed a comprehensive wine list at 717 South with more than 200 selections by the bottle.

The new restaurant will seat 200-plus. The menu will feature house-made pastas, farm-to-table ingredients and fresh-baked breads. 

Voted one of the 20 best restaurants in Florida, 717 South offers an eclectic menu with everything from Italian fare to exotic seafood from the Pacific Rim. 

For more information, call 813-250-1661 or visit www.717south.com.