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Restaurant Roundup
What’s coming to Sparkman Wharf? | Photo by TBAYtoday
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Tampa Bay’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Tampa + St. Pete — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve.
Coming soon
Smith’s Provisions, Tampa | American | Opening date: March
Inspired by old school roadside burger stands, Sparkman Wharf’s newest addition will offer a range of burgers and sandwiches perfect for chomping on by the water.
The Back Bar, Tampa | Bar | Opening date: March
The Cru team also plans to open a new drinkery serving all kinds of cocktails and vino at the Wharf this spring, promising it’s “meant to feel like (it has) always belonged here.”
Greenlane, Wesley Chapel | Fast-casual salads, bowls | Opening date: tomorrow, Feb. 25
Both salad aficionados and those wary of greens will appreciate this locally-based brand’s latest drive-thru. Thank you, Gronk.
The Moon Under Water | British | Opening date: TBD Talk about a comeback kid. The longtime Sunshine City British pub is reopening just four years after its 2021 closure — but now in Gulfport. The pub’s old menu was packed with British staples like sausage rolls and cod fingers, plus award-winning Indian dishes.
The luxury hotel, golf, and beach resort boasts ample amenities for on-property relaxation, plus plenty to explore in “Florida’s best beach town,” according to Travel and Leisure.
Ah, the million-dollar question: can Tampa and Hillsborough County afford the new Rays stadium? The team’s leaders have committed to half the initial $2.3 billion pricetag, which would leave the county and city on the hook for around $1.15 billion. The Times mined local officials for intel. (Tampa Bay Times)
Development
Speaking of the Times, what exactly will become of the hurricane-tattered office building it once occupied? The Red Apple Group CEO — who’s also the developer behind 400 Central — is interested in buying the downtown St. Pete property. (Tampa Bay Times)
Community
Bay Area Legal Services launched a new AI chatbot to help renters sort out their rights. The legal chatbot, called Bailey B., can help draft simple legal documents and give advice on issues like requesting repairs + getting your security deposit back. (WUSF News)
Announced
Mumford & Sons are officially bringing their folksy rock to Tampa on Friday, Aug. 7. Tickets to the “Prizefighter Tour” go on sale today. On another note, is anyone else re-obsessed with “When I Get My Hands on You” featuring one Marcus Mumford after watching “People We Meet on Vacation”? (That’s So Tampa)
Try This
Pickleball at the Pier is back. Dink it out with your friends and foes on the Sunshine City landmark through Friday, April 10. Best of all, reservations aren’t required. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Transit
The Skyway’s going cashless. The bridge will shift to using fully cashless toll booths in April. Make sure you’ve got that SunPass ready, so you don’t have to pay the nearly 50-cent higher toll-by-plate rate. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Sports
The Olympics are over, but TBAY stays training future sports stars. 2004 Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi is now coaching track and cross country at Plant High School. The man some call the greatest living American distance runner shares his training philosophy. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Eat
Just call him Joe. King of the Coop founder Joe Dodd recently debuted Chicken and Pig, a new spot offering fried chicken with a slice of potato bread. But the fare’s a little different from the Nashville hot chicken customers might expect. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Mailbag
After yesterday’s bingo-forward newsletter, Brigid G. wrote in to share another local game: Retro Bingo Brunch at bartaco in Hyde Park with the Disco Babes. Take this quiz to let us know if you actually want more trivia + bingo content, unlike Bailey’s dad.
Featured Deal
Spend $50 on woman-owned cannabis brand TribeTokes and get a free pack of THC Libido Lift Gummies with purchase. Think: Stock up on top-reviewed CBD sleep gummies or enjoy a clean buzz from pineapple Delta 9 gummies. Use code VDAYGUMMY before the deal ends.†*
Post of the Day
A NCAA basketball is tucked inside Bayshore’s iconic balustrade.
You might want to avert your eyes if you don’t like sports (a la Bailey). TBAY is gearing up to host part of this year’s March Madness madness.
Use the promo code SAVE20 to get $20 off select tickets to the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds on Friday, March 20 + Sunday, March 22.
👕 Whether you’re the proud pet parent of a dog, cat, lizard, or hamster, show them off on a custom t-shirt.
🧹 Easily remove pet hair from carpets + upholstery thanks to the No. 1 best-selling Chom Chom hair and lint remover.
📷 Keep an eye on your four-legged friend with an indoor pet camera that’s under $30.
🧼 Make bath time a breeze with these pet bathing gloves that have soft bristles for easy grooming.
We recently quizzed readers on what exactly was American Stage’s original name. While we stumped a good amount of folks, there’s still time to submit your guess.
The longtime TBAY theater troupe brings another season of “Theatre in the Park,” to Demon’s Landing next month. But there’s plenty more standout shows to add to your calendar this spring.
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