Vinyl fever is sweeping the region, and one of the Tampa hospitality industry’s most well-known names is bringing his talents to the retro boom. Peppermint Lounge is a vinyl and live music lounge opening this fall at 1607 N Franklin St in Tampa Heights, led by industry veteran Ty Rodriguez.
The concept is inspired by the 1960s-era bar of the same name in New York City, with Rodriguez saying he is “building a spot for music heads, bartenders who give a damn about being bartenders, and anyone looking for a place to have an honest drink.” Peppermint Lounge is expected to open this fall, operating from 5 pm to 2 am and “creating a natural progression from early evening meetups to late-night vibes.”
Each evening will feature a curated LP playlist that will be set before doors even open, with the music serving as the focal point of the experience. Peppermint Lounge will also feature intimate shows for live music, and the bar will provide a “sharp and forward-thinking,” cocktail program “without the unnecessary, over-the-top flair.”
Rodriguez got his start at longtime Tampa favorite Mise en Place, and his time in the city led to eventually becoming the co-owner of the award-winning Seminole Heights restaurant Rooster & the Till. His experiences in hospitality and his passion for music are the driving forces behind Peppermint Lounge.
“Peppermint Lounge is my love letter to Tampa,” Rodriguez said. “I wanted a spot with soul, where music, photography, hospitality, and personality come together in a way that’s intentional and honest.”
The music promises to be a healthy mix, offering showcases for local artists on stage, with the main course featuring throwbacks to some of the 20th century’s most talented singers and songwriters. Peppermint Lounge is planning for special nights such as “CBGBs” or “Muscle Shoals Studio” that will spotlight artists who performed or recorded in those spaces.
The Peppermint Lounge team says the new space will feature large-format portraits by legendary photographer Jim Marshall, alongside a covered outdoor patio “designed for lingering, listening, and large parties, all housed within a classic Tampa industrial setting defined by polished concrete and exposed brick.”
It’s a throwback not only to 1960s NYC, but to Tampa’s historic roots and the unheralded service industry and music scene that have been the city’s entertainment backbone.
“This isn’t a buzzy spot designed for a feed,” Peppermin Lounge said in a release. “It’s an authentic room without pretenses or gimmicks. At its core, Peppermint Lounge is built on a solid atmosphere and real connections. Guests are encouraged to check their devices at the door and stay in the moment; be present for the music, the conversation, and the people. If guests prefer to pay cash, they’ve got a nod to that, too.”
Further details are expected closer to the fall 2026 opening. Follow them on Instagram to see the latest.