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Image from Riveters on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\nHistory: Tampa-born sports bar known for historic d\u00e9cor and scratch-made food; owner Andres Farfan also owns Boda Authentic Mexican in Tampa.<\/p>\n
New plans: Expanding to 330 1st Ave S with ~150 seats and modest cosmetic updates; factory-inspired interior with original WWII wings; daily lunch, dinner, and late-night planned. Planning to open in Spring 2026. <\/p>\n
Why we love it: An expansive history-themed concept with scratch made dishes and a friendly owner. <\/p>\n
Read our article<\/a>. <\/p>\n 2) Fusillo Italian Pasta \u2014 St. Petersburg<\/p>\n History: Founded by longtime friends Giangiacomo \u201cGiangie\u201d Greco and Alessandro Casali; both bring Italy-based management backgrounds to the project.<\/p>\n New plans: Fast-casual fresh pasta at 905 Central Ave with ~12 indoor seats and planned outdoor seating; daily-made pasta, imported ingredients, classics like cacio e pepe; desserts, beer, and wine; seven-day schedule. Coming soon <\/p>\n Why we love it: Tight menu, real Italian sourcing, and a simple choose-your-pasta format built for speed without shortcuts.<\/p>\n Read our article<\/a>.<\/p>\n 3) Outside BBQ \u2014 St. Pete Beach<\/p>\n History: Started as a food truck in 2021, then added a Tampa takeout storefront in April 2024.<\/p>\n New plans: Full-service beach restaurant at 6305 Gulf Blvd with dine-in, takeout, delivery (including potential beach delivery), and a bar program; Tampa takeout and food truck continue. Targeting spring 2026.<\/p>\n Why we love it: Owner Jevonta Godwin built the brand up from a food truck to a brick and mortar and now a second location. A family-owned, independent business to its core. <\/p>\n 4) Friendly Tavern \u2014 Redington Shores<\/p>\n History: Beach staple established in 1947; returning after storm-related closure with much of the original staff.<\/p>\n Reopened: at 18121 Gulf Blvd with ~90 seats inside, ~60 outside, and a tiki bar; daily 8 a.m.\u2013midnight (to 2 a.m. Fri\u2013Sat); menu of handhelds, fish platters, and a breakfast focus with a Bloody Mary bar.<\/p>\n Why we love it: It’s a return of a local staple. <\/p>\n Read our article<\/a>.<\/p>\n 5) Tiki Tim\u2019s TU \u2014 Pinellas Park<\/p>\n History: Second location of St. Pete\u2019s Tiki Tim\u2019s; known for Philly- and Maryland-inspired comfort food and a viral loaded Bloody Mary.<\/p>\n Opened in 2025 at 9711 66th St N with ~150 seats and two bars including one serving a private dining room; regular events, trivia, and weekday happy hours; early weekend openings.<\/p>\n Why we love it: Tiki Tim’s spoke to us about their very first location in St. Pete back in 2023, so we’re glad to see them expand. Another independent, family owned affair. <\/p>\n Read our article<\/a>.<\/p>\n 6) Clearwater Brewing Company \u2014 Clearwater History: Closed in August 2023; now back under new owners Hannah and Robert Menard with partners Brian Thompson and Shane Seagle.<\/p>\n Now Open: Family-friendly brewery in a 1950s Gulf gas station near the Pinellas Trail with turfed play areas; scratch pizzas and wings; community programming; new 10-bbl system with 45 bbl fermentation.<\/p>\n Why we love it: A true neighborhood reboot\u2014thoughtful food, kid- and pet-friendly outdoor space, and upgraded brewing capacity.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/clearbrewing.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
Image from Clearwater Brewing on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n
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Logo from Bogey’s Tavern<\/p>\n