Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken is eyeing its first Polk County location in Lakeland, FL at 3950 S. Florida Avenue, a former Kichi Taiyaki storefront. A zoning verification request has been submitted to the city, with plans for interior renovations for a new restaurant. The California-based chain confirmed plans to rapidly expand in 2026 across eight states […]
Red Mesa Cantina (Atlanta Taco Chain)
An Atlanta-based taco brand has purchased the three-story downtown St. Pete Red Mesa Cantina building and plans to transform it into a multi-concept destination. Also noted: a new Greek street-food concept from the father-and-son team behind Half Moon Seafood Company is coming soon to Sparkman Wharf in Tampa.
Barrio Burrito Bar
Barrio Burrito Bar, a Tex-Mex chain and sister concept to Canadian chain BarBurrito, is opening its 24th U.S. location and 5th Florida location at the Shoppes at Alafia in Riverview. Opening is scheduled for August 2026. Hours will be 11am-9pm with dine-in and takeout. Zach Schaap is the master franchisee for Florida; local co-owner is […]
Bengaluru Cafe by Amma’s Cuisine
Pure vegetarian South Indian restaurant coming to 16860 Focus Loop in Land O’ Lakes, FL. Menu will include South Indian specialties such as idlis, dosas, sambar, North Indian dishes, chaats, traditional plantain leaf meals on weekends, and Jain food. Located on the northeast corner of Focus Loop and Bexley Village Drive. No opening date announced […]
Kaif Cafe and Hookah Lounge
Kaif Cafe and Hookah Lounge LLC submitted plan review documents for a new cafe and hookah lounge at 8020 N 56th St in Tampa’s Del Rio neighborhood. The space is currently occupied by Costa Hookah Lounge, which is marked temporarily closed on Google Maps. Owner Raed Sadi was not available for comment. No opening date […]
Glaz’d Donuts
Glaz’d Donuts is expanding to a third location in Pinellas Park, FL, taking over a former Subway space at 11180 66th St N. The donut shop serves fresh hand-cut, hand-glazed donuts and a coffee menu including cold brew lattes, frappes, and espresso drinks. They currently operate two locations in Clearwater.
Ugly Dumpling
Shanghai-inspired dim sum, soup dumplings (xiao long bao), and noodles restaurant taking over a former TGI Fridays in New Tampa at The Walk at Highwoods Preserve shopping center. Would be the first Ugly Dumpling location in Florida. Managed by Vertex Hospitality Group out of Flushing, Queens, NY. Menu includes pork soup dumplings ($8.95), shrimp noodles […]
Rreal Tacos
Atlanta-based Mexican hospitality group Rreal Tacos purchased the former Red Mesa Cantina building in downtown St. Petersburg. Plans include a ground-floor Rreal Tacos restaurant with two bars opening in early 2027, a second-floor full-service restaurant concept (TBD), and a rooftop cocktail bar called Rreal Rooftop. The three-floor property has five bars, a rooftop patio, and […]
JW Marriott Saint Pete Beach
Ambitious luxury resort planned for Saint Pete Beach, FL. Expected to comprise a ten-story tower with extensive amenities including a luxury spa and wellness components. Multiple other future hotel projects also mentioned in article including The CW Resort (91-key luxury condo-hotel under construction in Clearwater), The Beachmaker Autograph Collection by Marriott in Madeira Beach, and […]
The Barking Lot
A 1,058-square-foot tavern and ‘dog dining’ facility with a leash-free zone for dogs. Received approval from Safety Harbor City Commission in February. Located near the intersection of Main and Delaware Streets. Opening details still TBA.