Group behind Tampa’s Michelin-starred Rocca will open new Clearwater restaurant

Rippers Credit: Interstruct

Rippers, a new American-style restaurant from the team behind Michelin-starred Rocca, is moving into Clearwater’s historic Telephone Building on Cleveland Street.

Located on the ground floor at 534 Cleveland St., Rippers will be Tastes Pretty Good Hospitality Group’s first Pinellas County concept, and is also the first to move into the Telephone Building.

Built in 1914, the Telephone Building is the first fully-restored historic landmark completed by the Cleveland Street Alliance’s coordinated restoration initiative, which is focused on reactivating the Cleveland Street corridor.

Apparently the building itself inspired the Ripper’s concept and menu, according to culinary director and Michelin-starred chef Bryce Bonsack.

“When we walked into that space, we were immediately drawn to it. It’s historic, it has incredible character and there’s so much history behind it,” said Bonsack in a statement. “We wanted to create something that keeps telling the story of America through classic food that’s approachable, delicious and affordable. The building and the concept simply belonged together.”

Rippers will focus on American classics like burgers, wings, sandwiches, fries, milkshakes and its signature deep-fried “ripper” hot dogs, which they cook “until it rips,” says a press release.

“We started in Tampa as a love letter to the city we grew up in,” said Tastes Pretty Good CEO Nick Reader and former Tampa Bay Bucs CFO, in a statement. “When this opportunity arose to come to Clearwater, we saw something very familiar. We understood the vision, we understood where it could go and we knew we wanted to be part of it.”

Tastes Pretty Good has been growing relatively quickly as of late. The hospitality group recently announced a new modern Spanish concept Lumbre, which will soon debut in the North Hyde Park area.

Besides Rocca, Tastes Pretty Good also operates Michelin-recognized Bar Terroir, and Michelin Bib Gourmand Streetlight Taco.

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This article appears in July 09 – 15, 2026.

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