4 Coming Soon Hillsborough County Restaurants
Take a look at what could be opening in May around Tampa.
We report on a lot of restaurant activity throughout Hillsborough and the surrounding counties, but these are the few with plans to open their businesses as soon as this month.
Note when we last spoke to the owners in the status section of each blurb. Keep in mind that delays happen, so check each brand's social media or web presence before loading into a car and showing up with an appetite.
Rose’s Coffee & Cones — Tampa/Ybor City
Address: 2206 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
Opening estimate / status: As of our interview with owner Birgul Lemmon on May 13th of this year, Rose’s Coffee & Cones was waiting on a final state inspection and targeting an opening in about two weeks.
What to expect: A small coffee and ice cream shop inside a historic cottage-style building in Ybor City. The space is about 900 square feet and is expected to seat 15–18 guests inside, with three tables and lounge-style seating. Owner Birgul Lemmon is also working toward outdoor seating with benches, bistro tables and lighting.
Menu highlights: Paninis, specialty coffees, island drinks, Turkish ice cream and Italian gelato. Lemmon said Turkish ice cream is rare in Tampa, and the shop plans to bring it in from Miami with a wide range of flavors.
Hours: Planned opening time is 7:30 a.m. Monday–Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. Closing is planned for 11 p.m. Monday–Wednesday and 9 p.m. Sunday, with Thursday–Saturday hours still being finalized.
Who’s behind it: Owner Birgul Lemmon, who is opening the shop in honor of her mother, Remzy. Friends Juju and Maher will help operate the business on days Lemmon is working at Sarasota Hospital.
Full article coming soon.
Smokin Oak Wood Fired Pizza & Taproom — Lithia
Address: 5607 Circa Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547
Opening estimate / status: As of our interview with co-owner Lauren Hoger on February 11th of this year, Smokin Oak Wood Fired Pizza & Taproom was targeting a late May or early June opening.
What to expect: A 2,400-square-foot wood-fired pizza restaurant with about 123 seats across indoor and outdoor areas. The patio will include a traditional bar, while the interior will feature high-top seating around a self-pour tap wall, plus standard tables and booths.
Menu highlights: Specialty and build-your-own wood-fired pizzas, cauliflower crust, salads, breadsticks, stuffed garlic breadsticks and desserts. The franchise emphasizes fresh ingredients and operates without a freezer on site.
Hours: Planned daily hours are 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Who’s behind it: Lauren and Korey Hoger, with their children also involved in day-to-day operations. The Lithia location will lean into youth sports, with plans for team fundraisers and community tie-ins.
Soni Cafe — Tampa/Westshore
Address: 4211 W Boy Scout Blvd, Suite 130, Tampa, FL 33607
Opening estimate / status: As of our interview with owner Elton Shkokota on April 21st of this year, Soni Cafe was targeting a mid-May opening, pending final preparations.
What to expect: A cafeteria-style breakfast and lunch cafe inside an office building in Tampa’s Westshore area. The cafe will be open to building tenants and the public, with a quick-service, pickup-focused setup and seating for around 40 guests.
Menu highlights: Breakfast sandwiches, platters, bowls, eggs, toast and omelets. Lunch will center on Boar’s Head sandwiches, rotating hot specials, and salads such as Caesar, Greek, chef’s and antipasto.
Hours: Planned Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
Who’s behind it: Owner Elton Shkokota. This will be the first Soni Cafe, but Shkokota has operated Harborview Cafe in Tampa since 2018.
Renzo’s — Tampa/Soho
Address: 122 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Opening estimate / status: As of our interview with Renzo Menzerotolo on April 23rd of this year, Renzo’s was targeting a soft opening in early to mid-May, with a grand opening planned for the first week of June. The transition from the Kennedy Boulevard location to Howard Avenue was expected to continue through July.
What to expect: A relocation and upgrade of Renzo’s original South Tampa restaurant after 17 years. The new Howard Avenue location will include a full bar, about 160 seats, an open kitchen and an exposed open-fire parrilla designed to bring the steakhouse experience into view.
Menu highlights: South American-style parrilladas, Uruguayan short ribs, Argentinian churrasco, flat meats, Brazilian picanha, yuca, tostones, sweetbreads and platters built around multiple signature cuts. The menu will also carry Italian influence, reflecting Argentina’s culinary roots.
Hours: Planned Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Who’s behind it: Renzo Menzerotolo, along with his father Jose Menzerotolo and brother Claudio Menzerotolo. Soccer will remain part of the experience, especially South American and European matches, Argentina games and Messi appearances.