Forbici, Tim Hortons, Cousin Vinny’s, Whataburger, Violet Stone: Restaurant Openings

While there have been some high-profile restaurant closures across the Tampa Bay area in recent months, there have also been a number of new eateries that have either opened or were announced as coming soon in the region.

Check out some of the latest Patch headlines about new restaurants:

• Blu Kouzina on Armands Circle has opened a second location in Sarasota.
• Popular soft-serve ice cream franchise Carvel is coming to Sarasota.
• Mediterranean fast-casual chain Cava opened a new location in Lutz.
• Despite announcing that its St. Pete property was for sale and The Chattaway was expected to close this summer, the restaurant will remain open under new ownership.
• Los Chiludos Fresh Mexican Grill opened a second location in Manatee County.
• The Michelin-recommended Tampa sandwich shop Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co. is planning to open a location in St. Pete’s Grand Central District.
• Daily Brew Station, a new coffee shop and breakfast cafe from a local mother-and-daughter team, opened in Palmetto.
• Fast-casual Italian chain Dalmoro’s Fresh Pasta To-Go reopened in new, larger downtown St. Petersburg digs.
• Tampa’s Forbici opened its second location at St. Pete’s Sundial.
• St. Pete’s Green Bench Brewing has expanded across the bay with a new location in downtown Tampa.
• A new Japanese Izakaya dining concept Hanami is planned for the growing downtown Clearwater district.
• A Siesta Key seafood restaurant has expanded with a second location further inland. Happy Clams and Hams, a restaurant, seafood market, and deli, opened June 8 at 4110 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota.
• The popular Hob Nob Drive-In, which closed in May 2024 after 67 years in business in Sarasota, reopened with new owners.
• French cafe Mademoiselle Paris has relocated its downtown Sarasota restaurant to a new location at 1766 Main Street.
• AER Tampa, a 334-unit rental community at 300 W. Tyler Street, has signed a lease with Next Level Brands for Matilde, a coastal Mexican steakhouse, planned to open in spring 2027.
• Michelin-recognized Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza opened at The Market at University Town Center in University Park.
• Il Panificio has opened a second location in downtown Sarasota.
• Doughnut maker Peachey’s Baking Co. has opened its second brick-and-mortar location at 999 Cattlemen Road, Unit E, in Sarasota.
• Rreal Tacos has acquired the historic building at 128 3rd Street South in downtown St. Petersburg, the former home of Red Mesa Cantina, as the Atlanta-based hospitality group continues its expansion across Tampa Bay.
• The new concept Saucy! by KFC has opened several restaurants across the Tampa Bay area.
• Sisters Katherine Kim and Mary Pierson have opened Sunny Seoul Korean Kitchen at 9750 State Road 64 in Bradenton. The family-owned restaurant offers a traditional Korean dining experience.
• Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons returned to the Tampa Bay area.
• The Violent Stone, a popular St. Petersburg pizzeria that’s also known for its Philly cheesesteaks and other sandwiches, is opening a restaurant in Tampa.
• Massachusetts-based Wahlburgers, a chain founded by Chef Paul Wahlberg and his famous brothers, Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, has opened at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
• The Texas-based chain Whataburger, known for its massive burgers and being open 24/7, continues its expansion in the Tampa Bay area.
• A new locally owned food concept is headed to Sparkman Wharf in Tampa, with Ziki's Greek Street Food planning a soft opening in July.