Good Luck Chuck’s is set to replace the shuttered SoHo Saloon space on Tampa’s South Howard Avenue, with a planned opening date of mid-May. The retro-inspired bar will pay homage to the music and energy of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.
The former SoHo Saloon closed abruptly after 14 years, announced via an Instagram post on its page in early March. Owner Michael Disser remains in control of the property.
At the new space, expect live music and DJs on the patio and in the main bar. The Backstage Room, a secondary space inside, will offer a more laidback experience featuring higher-end craft cocktails, said head of marketing for Disser Hospitality Investments Stephen Staton by phone Thursday.
Good Luck Chuck’s will offer bottle service, food and a retro nightlife experience.
Expect chicken wings and the chicken parmesan quesadilla to return from SoHo Saloon’s menu, general manager Chuck Spychala said Friday at the bar. The Backstage Room will have a separate menu of small bites and appetizers; entrees will be available in the main bar and patio.
Good Luck Chuck’s is named after the general manager, Spychala.
“Everybody knows it as SoHo, we’re trying to really push it now as South Howard Avenue,” Staton said. “We want to create a brand new culture at this place.”
Like Sunset Rodeo, a Nashville-inspired live music venue also on South Howard Street, Good Luck Chuck’s will not allow anyone in under the age of 23.
They want to bring an older demographic to the area, he said.
The success of Sunset Rodeo led to the revamp and rebrand of SoHo Saloon, Disser said Friday. He expects returning patrons will appreciate the updates.
A restored vintage jukebox from 1971 is loaded with 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s music in the back room. Good Luck Chuck’s looks to host live music four nights a week, Disser said.
Disser owns multiple South Howard concepts: Corner Bar, Sunset Rodeo and Howard & Platt, an upcoming restaurant in the former T.C. Choy’s building.
Nostalgia seems to be a theme for Tampa-based concepts in 2026. Boogie Heights, billed as a nostalgic escape into past decades, is set to open in Tampa Heights in late summer. It is one of three new spots coming to the former Hall on Franklin building.
“We’re really just trying to change the entire block, and make it a little bit more curated for everybody,” Staton said.
410 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. @good.luck.chucks
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