Which Restaurants Are Open, Closed After Hurricanes Hit Tampa Bay?

TAMPA BAY, FL — After the one-two punch of back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, many Tampa Bay-region restaurants were affected by flooding, strong winds, heavy rains and power surges.

The aftermath has been difficult for many residents and business owners. While a number of bars and restaurants have reopened to the public, some remain closed because of extensive damage and others are indefinitely closed as restoration work continues.

Here are a few businesses that have closed their doors or are working to reopen:

Caddy’s Bradenton Riverwalk

Hurricane Milton caused major damage to this Caddy’s location along the Bradenton Riverwalk, including destroying the tiki hut at one of its two bars. It’s listed as permanently closed on the company’s website.

The local chain’s other four locations in Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, John’s Pass and Indian Shores are listed as temporarily closed.

Capogna’s Dugout

This more than 50-year-old eatery announced its closure after Milton and Helene.

“After 52 years of serving our Clearwater community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors,” the owners wrote in a Facebook post. “After two back-to-back hurricanes and a tough economy, we have taken a hit we cannot recover from.”

Cena

This downtown Tampa staple closed after more than a decade in business.

While the restaurant was closed on and off between Helene and Milton and saw a decline in sales after the nearby Davis Islands community flooded, the departure of chef and partner Michael Buttacavoli two weeks ago “was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” partner Ken Stoltenberg told the Tampa Bay Times.

Frenchy’s

Most locations of this popular northern Pinellas County beach chain remain temporarily closed for hurricane recovery. Currently, only the Frenchy’s Outpost Bar & Grill on Causeway Boulevard in Dunedin is serving food.

Lido Beach Pavilion

Lido Beach and its pavilion, which includes a concession stand, remains temporarily closed to the public after the back-to-back hurricanes.

Rod & Reel Pier

This Anna Maria icon known for its fresh seafood was completely destroyed during Hurricane Milton. All that physically remained of the location after the storm was “only a few piling and boards,” according to a social media post.

The Rod & Reel Pier’s future is in question after being completely leveled but Oliver Lemke, the German-based brewer and restaurateur who bought it last November, hopes to rebuild. He’s launched a GoFundMe fundraiser with a $300,000 goal for the rebuilding process.

“There’s no definite plan on how to proceed yet. Right now, we are gathering information trying to assess our situation. We will do everything within our means to rebuild the pier, but there are many issues to conquer,” he told the Anna Maria Island Sun.

Vela

This Italian restaurant, which opened three years ago in Tampa, announced its closure after Hurricane Milton.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Vela. Unfortunately, the combination of recent hurricane damage and other challenges has made it impossible for us to continue serving you at Westshore Marina,” the owners wrote in a Facebook post.

Do you know of a restaurant or bar that has reopened or permanently closed after hurricane damage? Email Tiffany.Razzano@Patch.com.