13 replies to this topic

[FlaNatv]

Finally, we have Pollo Tropical in Tampa Bay again. Now, I'm waiting for Uno Chicago Grill, Friendly's and Fazoli's. Some more Quaker Steak and Lube's would be nice too. Any others you'd like to see?

[TampaTKE]

Yes, We definetly need a Friendly's. I still can't believe we don't have one!! I love their Reeses Pieces Sundaes. The peanut butter topping is highly addictive!!

Also:

Legal Sea Foods
Lux Cafe' (New Concept from the Cheesecake Factory)
House of Blues
Morton's of Chicago
In and Out Burgers
Texas de Brazil
Pizzaria Uno
Hard Rock Cafe'

[tampasteve]

TampaTKE, on Jan 28 2007, 09:46 PM, said:

Also:

Legal Sea Foods
Lux Cafe' (New Concept from the Cheesecake Factory)
House of Blues
Morton's of Chicago
In and Out Burgers
Texas de Brazil
Pizzaria Uno
Hard Rock Cafe'

I heard recently that Texas de Brazil is going to be opening here in the next 2-3 years, so at least someday we will have one! I can't help but notice that people seem to be listing major chain restaurants (with some notable exceptions). I for one am very happy for sensational restaurants like Berns (Tampa), Guppy's (Indian Rocks Beach), Spain (DT Tampa), and Jacksons (Tampa). It would be nice to have a Hard Rock or House of Blues, but those are kind of touristy to be honest....but then, we are a big tourist area, so perhaps they would fit in nicely.

Steve

[cwat212]

there was an UNO in Tampa.  It was horrible and didn't last long.

sticking with the Chicago theme - S. Tampa is getting a Giordanos!  Brandon already has one.

[FlaNatv]

I know we have great local restaurants. The intended focus was on chain restaurants that are not in our market. Why do you think some chains don't survive here or seem to be fading.  For example: Kahunaville, Houlihans(Gone I Think), Hops(Gone in our market), Atlanta Bread(Citrus Park closed), Miami Subs (down to 1), Krispy Kreme(they overbuilt to fast). By the way where would you put a Hard Rock Cafe in Tampa, Ybor??...Channelside??...Elsewhere??...Is the timing off?

[tampasteve]

SOrry, I did not get the idea of the thread.

Well, Houlihans has tried the market twice now and failed both times (the one on N Dale Mabry is closed now); my main problem was that it was no better than Chillies or Applebees, but it felt like they cost more. Atlanta Bread will be re-opening soon if the sign on the door is correct, so that is good, I always liked it there. I belive that the problem at KK was the owner of those stores, not really the market failure, I heard something to that effect anyway.

Are there any Dave and Busters around? That is a pretty fun place somethimes, so I would not mind seeing one of those.

Hmm, I would like to see a Hard Rock in DT Tampa or Channelside...or at least at the HR Casino!

Steve

[TampaTKE]

I think it would make sense to open the Hard Rock at the Casino!!

I also think a Houston's in downtown St. Pete would be good!!

[thakrza]

If this area wants to really "compete" in the dining scene, they need to quit relying so much on the chains.  They are an eyesore a majority of the time, very quickly dated and not nearly as good as a really good original restaurant.  Sure, there are exceptions, but Tampa Bay is one of the Kings of Chain Restaurants.  What we need are more unique small businesses, period.  Lets be innovative and not ticky tacky!

That being said I have enjoyed food at Bonefish Grill.

[hjack]

"They are an eyesore a majority of the time, very quickly dated and not nearly as good as a really good original restaurant. Sure, there are exceptions, but Tampa Bay is one of the Kings of Chain Restaurants. What we need are more unique small businesses, period."

Couldn't agree more. That being said, I had the best steak of my life at Mitchell's Steak House in Boca Raton (sorry Bern's & Flemings...), and I would give my eye teeth for Stephen Starr to open up sister restaurants down here to the ones he opened in Philly (especially Alma De Cuba). Ofcourse fine dinning restaurant$ (see Profusion, Mezzanotti, The Signature Room), especially original ones, don't fare as well in Tampa as say Friendly's.
BTW, whoever is responsible for THIS "10 Best Steakhouse list for Tampa" http://www.10best.co...uses/index.html needs to be flogged with dirty diapers and then dragged naked through the streets on Tampa's hottest day... and after that they should be tortured. List problem # 1, they only have 9 restaurants. List problem #2, Grill 29 is on it... AND ahead of Flemings and Shula's !!?

hjack

[shekelmeisterMan]

Cities like Sarasota, all the way down to Naples, do a great job with independents...some of the best food in the nation however is here, in the great State of Florida....ethnic and mainstrream

Tampa's bad with chains, but I lived in Memphsi TN, which is horribly over populated by chains with very little independents ! and the food there is very lacking in imagination or innovation


Somebody mentioned Houston's....whew....I had my fill of that junk in the Memphis location where these people actually wait an hour or more to eat this junk, mediocre, yet expensive fare......I hope Tampa doesn't turn into BBq-laden, cheap Mexican Memphis-like. There are a lot of smart restauranteurs here that want to keep the chain experience to a minimum thank god.

ON THE BEACH

Edited by shekelmeisterMan, 28 June 2007 - 09:10 AM.

[VistaLakes01]

shekelmeisterMan, on Jun 28 2007, 09:08 AM, said:

Cities like Sarasota, all the way down to Naples, do a great job with independents...some of the best food in the nation however is here, in the great State of Florida....ethnic and mainstrream

Tampa's bad with chains, but I lived in Memphsi TN, which is horribly over populated by chains with very little independents ! and the food there is very lacking in imagination or innovation
Somebody mentioned Houston's....whew....I had my fill of that junk in the Memphis location where these people actually wait an hour or more to eat this junk, mediocre, yet expensive fare......I hope Tampa doesn't turn into BBq-laden, cheap Mexican Memphis-like. There are a lot of smart restauranteurs here that want to keep the chain experience to a minimum thank god.

ON THE BEACH

for some reason, food just seems to taste better in Miami or New York.  Don't know if they have better access to fresher food or what it is....i've eaten a basic breakfast at a cuban diner on lincoln rd. in miami beach, should taste the same everywhere, but i've never had better ham and eggs...what's the secret?

[FloridaFuture]

We desperately need some good seafood downtown.....

[tombarnes]

Are there any prospects for a non-chain operation to open in downtown Tampa?  It's been years since I was in Tampa, but I seem to recall a few good restaurants in Ybor City.

[FloridaFuture]

^There are lots of good non-chains downtown.

St. Pete just has a lot more and a better downtown overall.