Alessi Bakery, the family-run Tampa institution that has been around since 1912, is about to make a big move that is also a very short one. The bakery is shifting one block west into a dramatically expanded home in West Tampa, with the new Alessi Bakeries Food Market at 3003 W. Cypress Street set to open Wednesday, April 15. The 18,000-square-foot renovated space will house a bakery, café, rotisserie and full-service bar. The longtime shop at 2909 W. Cypress Street will close in mid-April to give the team time to switch everything over.
Opening Day And A Close Look
During a recent walkthrough, the Tampa Bay Times photographed demo wedding cakes and described the new market as built to carry the Alessi name into its next century. The Times shared images from the Wednesday visit and highlighted how much more of the baking and retail action will now be on display for customers. The coverage offers locals an early peek at how the family business is reshaping its space for larger retail and catering work.
What’s Inside The New Alessi Bakeries Food Market
Owner Philip Alessi Jr. told Business Debut that the 18,000-square-foot layout splits sweet and savory production into open-air kitchens and provides seating for about 120 guests inside and outside. Guests will be able to watch live cake decorating and order from a coffee and smoothie bar, wood-stone oven pizzas, a rotisserie program and a full liquor bar. Longtime staples such as Cuban sandwiches are not going anywhere. Alessi said the plan is to balance wholesale and catering with a modern retail marketplace and casual dine-in options.
When And Where To Go
As reported by Creative Loafing, the new shop fills the restored Tampa Letter Carriers’ Social Hall at 3003 W. Cypress St. and officially opens Wednesday, April 15. Creative Loafing lists bakery hours as 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday. The operation is expected to offer a blend of walk-up quick service and sit-down dining as the team settles into the new space.
The Building And The Move
The renovation of the historic Letter Carriers’ building, which included a new mezzanine, walk-in coolers and an exterior patio, was overseen by Summit Design + Build and JVB Architect, according to Tampa Bay Business & Wealth. Alessi traces its roots to 1912 on its own website, and the family frames this relocation as a way to protect more than a century of history while dialing up production and customer service (Alessi Bakery). The roomier footprint is intended to support expanded catering and wholesale operations alongside a bigger retail presence.
Old Shop Timeline And Soft-Open Plans
Philip Alessi Jr. told Business Debut that the longtime location at 2909 W. Cypress Street will close on April 11 so the team can move equipment and prepare the new site. A soft opening is planned for April 14, with a grand opening on April 15. Business Debut also reported that the bakery will be open seven days a week, with early coffee service and extended evening hours for the bar, pizza and rotisserie offerings. The family described the move as bittersweet but said the upgrade is necessary to modernize operations and keep Alessi serving Tampa for another generation.
