Jon Cooper, the Tampa Bay Lightning's head coach, is stepping into the Seminole Heights dining scene with support for a new restaurant called The Black Palm. The project, led by District South owner-operators Ryan Fitzgerald and Cody Tiner, is aiming to take over the space now occupied by The C House and is targeting a late-summer 2026 opening. The partnership between a neighborhood fixture and a high-profile local sports figure is shaping up as a notable move along Florida Avenue.
Details about the ownership team, the chef and Cooper’s role surfaced in the Tampa Bay Business Journal. According to the report, Fitzgerald and Tiner, who operate District South, plan to open The Black Palm in Seminole Heights, with Tiner set to serve as chef and the group looking to take over the building that currently houses The C House. The Tampa Bay Business Journal described Cooper as "backing" the project but did not spell out whether that support is financial, advisory or more promotional in nature.
Where It Would Sit
The building associated with The C House sits at 6005 N. Florida Ave., an address local outlets have flagged for years. ABC Action News notes the restaurant's address and its long-running presence in the neighborhood. If The Black Palm ultimately moves into that footprint, it would mark another change along a busy restaurant stretch on Florida Avenue.
What Cooper's Backing Could Mean
Celebrity or athlete involvement often speeds up buzz and can shape how quickly a new restaurant draws crowds or potential investors. Local coverage has tracked a steady churn of openings and closures in Seminole Heights as operators work to match neighborhood demand, a trend highlighted by Creative Loafing. For the District South team, Cooper’s association is likely to put early attention on The Black Palm from fans and food media, while the longer-term verdict will still rest on the menu and service.
Timeline And Next Steps
The ownership group is targeting a late-summer 2026 opening, according to the initial report from the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Public filings, a formal announcement from the operators or updates from the team behind District South are expected to outline details such as the planned menu, seating capacity and a firmer opening date as the project moves forward.
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