{"id":236138,"date":"2026-04-17T21:09:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T21:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/236138\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T21:09:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T21:09:09","slug":"first-look-at-south-tampa-retro-bar-good-luck-chucks-in-old-soho-saloon-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/236138\/","title":{"rendered":"First look at South Tampa retro bar Good Luck Chuck\u2019s, in old SoHo Saloon spot"},"content":{"rendered":"

Good Luck Chuck\u2019s is set to replace the shuttered SoHo Saloon space on Tampa\u2019s 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, \u201980s and \u201990s.<\/p>\n

The former SoHo Saloon closed abruptly<\/a> after 14 years, announced via an Instagram post on its page in early March. Owner Michael Disser remains in control of the property.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Good Luck Chuck\u2019s will offer bottle service, food and a retro nightlife experience.<\/p>\n

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Expect chicken wings and the chicken parmesan quesadilla to return from SoHo Saloon\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Good Luck Chuck\u2019s is named after the general manager, Spychala.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverybody knows it as SoHo, we\u2019re trying to really push it now as South Howard Avenue,\u201d Staton said. \u201cWe want to create a brand new culture at this place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like Sunset Rodeo, a Nashville-inspired live music venue also on South Howard Street, Good Luck Chuck\u2019s will not allow anyone in under the age of 23.<\/p>\n

They want to bring an older demographic to the area, he said.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

A restored vintage jukebox from 1971 is loaded with 1970s, \u201880s and \u201890s music in the back room. Good Luck Chuck\u2019s looks to host live music four nights a week, Disser said.<\/p>\n

Disser owns multiple South Howard concepts: Corner Bar, Sunset Rodeo and Howard & Platt, an upcoming restaurant in the former T.C. Choy\u2019s building.<\/p>\n

Nostalgia seems to be a theme for Tampa-based concepts in 2026. Boogie Heights, billed as a nostalgic escape<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re really just trying to change the entire block, and make it a little bit more curated for everybody,\u201d Staton said.<\/p>\n

410 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. @good.luck.chucks<\/a><\/p>\n

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