Tampa

Renzo’s Bringing Open-Fire Steakhouse Concept to Tampa

South American parrilladas, picanha, and churrasco will highlight the menu.

Image from Renzo’s website

TAMPA, FL — Renzo Menzerotolo told Business Debut that Renzo’s is planning a soft opening in early to mid-May at 122 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, where he operates the family business alongside his father, Jose Menzerotolo, and brother, Claudio Menzerotolo.

The new restaurant is a relocation of the family’s original South Tampa location after 17 years and will introduce an upgraded open-kitchen, open-fire steakhouse concept on Howard Avenue as the brand transitions its longtime Kennedy Boulevard space while continuing operations in Carrollwood and St. Petersburg.

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

What to Expect

The new Howard Avenue location represents both a relocation and an upgrade for Renzo’s, as the family transitions its original South Tampa restaurant into a larger, more prominent space in Soho. Menzerotolo told Business Debut the move allows the brand to continue operating in South Tampa while adapting to rising costs at its longtime Kennedy Boulevard location.

Guests can expect a full-service restaurant with a full bar and expanded seating for about 160, up from roughly 100 at the original location, Menzerotolo told Business Debut.

A major addition at the new space will be the open kitchen and exposed open-fire parrilla, which will serve as a centerpiece of the dining experience. Menzerotolo told Business Debut the live-fire cooking setup is designed to give guests a direct view into the preparation of the restaurant’s signature meats, bringing a more immersive Argentinian steakhouse experience that was not possible at the previous location.

The concept will continue to blend elements of a restaurant, café, and market-style experience seen across its other locations, while elevating the overall presentation and service in the new space, Menzerotolo told Business Debut.

The menu will center on Renzo’s South American-style parrilladas, including platters built for two and cuts from across the region. “We are an Argentinian and South American steakhouse,” Menzerotolo told Business Debut, pointing to offerings such as Uruguayan short ribs, Argentinian churrasco and flat meats, and Brazilian picanha, along with sides including yuca and tostones.

Menzerotolo said Renzo’s also carries Italian influence on the menu. He highlighted platters with five signature cuts, chicken, picanha-focused options and selections with sweetbreads.

The restaurant’s story is also personal. Menzerotolo told Business Debut he immigrated to the United States in 1994 and described the business as part of his American dream.

“Instead of working for everybody else I’m gonna do my own thing,” he said of launching Renzo’s after years in hospitality.

Soccer will remain part of the concept as well. Menzerotolo told Business Debut the restaurant has built a following around South American and European matches, especially Argentina games and Messi appearances, and has hosted World Cup events since 2010.

Opening Timeline

Renzo’s is targeting a soft opening in early to mid-May, with a grand opening planned for the first week of June, Menzerotolo told Business Debut. The transition from the Kennedy location to Howard Avenue is expected to continue through July.