New Restaurant & Lounge Aims for Year-End Opening in Ybor City

TAMPA, FL — Papi’s Tampa, a modern restaurant and lounge blending American bar fare with Latin influences, is preparing to open before the end of the year at 1708–1710 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, owner Robert George told Business Debut. He is aiming to host a grand opening party on New Year’s Eve.

Business Debut learned of this story first from CLTampa.com.

What to Expect

Papi’s Tampa will operate as a hybrid restaurant and lounge in the heart of Ybor City. During the day, the main floor will function as a fast-casual space where guests can order from their phones or through staff and pick up food at the bar. At night, the concept shifts toward a late-night destination with space to dance or lounge.

The two-level venue will feature a bar on each floor, with the upstairs designed as a more private, upscale lounge. Seating on the first floor will total roughly 100, including about 30 bar seats and 60 to 70 at tables. The upstairs lounge will add about 30 to 40 seats, allowing the space to flex for private events such as birthday celebrations, with overall capacity targeted between 120 and 150 guests in line with fire code.

George also plans to apply for patio seating so daytime guests can sit outside and take in Ybor’s street life, from free-roaming chickens to nearby cigar smoke. Papi’s is expected to be available on major third-party delivery platforms, including Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Menu and Vision

George said he sees an opening in Ybor for a strong burger-focused option. “We’re trying to bring a really good smash burger to Ybor at really affordable prices,” he told Business Debut. In addition to burgers, the menu will include a range of American bar staples.

Papi’s will also serve Latin-inspired small plates that put a twist on American favorites, reflecting what George calls the “Spanish soul” of Ybor City. “I think Ybor’s been missing a place that really resembles its Latin warmth but also blends a modern American style,” he told Business Debut.

George’s background includes development roles with Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons and Firehouse Subs, and a VP of development position with Fat Tuesday. He opened Fat Tuesday’s Ybor location at 1704 E 7th Ave and credits that project with inspiring him to launch his own locally born concept in the neighborhood.

Opening Timeline

George is targeting a late December opening. The current goal is to be ready in time for a New Year’s Eve grand opening celebration. If timelines shift, the opening date will be announced.

The team is currently hiring for management, bartenders, cooks and security as they move into training and final menu testing.

Hours

Papi’s Tampa is considering daily hours from 11 a.m. — 3 a.m. to capture both lunch and late-night traffic. Exact days of operation and final hours are still to be announced. Third-party delivery hours may extend beyond in-house service times.

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