The White Oak Cottage in Lithia mixes dining and shopping under the oaks — and now it’s serving Afternoon Tea on select afternoons.

A pre-dawn blaze heavily damaged Pacific Rim on Hillview Street. Owner Veth Senenoi vows to rebuild as community donations top $100,000.

South Tampa’s beloved deli is going suburban: Wright’s will open new locations in Brandon and Wesley Chapel with a bigger menu and catering push.

Cook Out opened its first Tampa Bay location in Temple Terrace today, taking over a former Boston Market and bringing its signature trays and dozens of shake flavors to the USF area.

V Modern Italian, led by Michelin-starred Chef Stefano Ciotti, will open at Hyde Park's Rome Collective in September with pasta, pizza and cocktails.

Tastes Pretty Good Hospitality will open Rippers, a casual American counter focused on "ripper" hot dogs, in Clearwater’s restored Telephone Building.

Texas Roadhouse will open its first Sarasota County restaurant at the Venice Crossing development on Laurel Road; approvals and a timeline are pending.

Seminole council cleared talks that could bring a Dutch Bros drive‑thru to the busy Park and Seminole Boulevard corner. Negotiations would pair the coffee kiosk with a bank on a long‑vacant lot.

Culver’s is planning a Tarpon Springs restaurant off U.S. 19 North, developed by S&L Companies as part of the chain’s broader 2026 Florida expansion.

Shaq’s Big Chicken is joining Elev8’s Citrus Park entertainment center this summer, bringing the celebrity-backed chicken chain into the mall’s food lineup. Trade reporting says the Tampa spot is expected in July.

Longtime Bern’s executive chef Chad Johnson has died; he was a major figure in Tampa’s fine‑dining scene and led new restaurant projects.

Seminole Heights staple Southern Brewing & Winemaking is closing as owners Brian and Kelly Fenstermacher retire. The taproom and homebrew shop will wind down in about four to six weeks.

Family-run Tasty Home Cookin' will close after 36 years; owner Shelly Timms cites post‑pandemic losses and rising costs. Regulars are gathering for one last meal.