Tampa Today News: The Alley Opening + Elliot Aster St. Pete + Affordable Housing Cuts
Tampa Today News: The Alley Opening + Elliot Aster St. Pete + Affordable Housing Cuts
Everything to know happening in town.
Hello Tampa Bay! We are almost to the beginning of autumn. I’m Carlos Hernandez, back with another edition of Tampa Today News. I have some updates as we head into the new season.
Top things to know:
The Alley holding grand opening celebration today in Wesley Chapel: The Alley, a bubble tea chain from Taiwan, is having its grand opening celebration today at the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel. This is the first location in Florida for the international franchise. (carloseats.com)
Michelin-starred chef targets St. Petersburg at Vinoy: Another Michelin-starred chef has his eyes on Tampa Bay with Chef Lee Wolen at the helm at the new Vinoy hotel restaurant, Elliot Aster. Wolen is also the brains behind Chicago Michelin-award-winning Boka, Alla Vita, and GG's Chicken Shop. (stpeterising.com)
Hillsborough County elected officials slash affordable housing budget amid resident outcry: Residents and nonprofit groups spoke out this week against a vote where Hillsborough County leaders slashed the affordable housing budget by $8 million amid a housing crisis. Florida continues to be one of the most expensive places to live in the USA, with wages failing to keep the pace with the cost of living and signs of a weakening housing market. (wfla.com)
Bonchon now open in Tampa near University area: Bonchon, a Korean Fried Chicken concept from Busan, has opened its first location in Tampa near the University area. The chicken chain promises residents fresh and crispy food and also offers a variety of Korean dishes. (carloseats.com)
Hawkers files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy: Hawkers Asian Street Food has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The franchise joins a number of restaurant groups filing for bankruptcy. According to Orlando Weekly, the franchise has blamed the bankruptcy on a lender allegedly trying to take control. Whatever the reason, things are not going so well in the restaurant industry. (cltampa.com, orlandoweekly.com)
Top upcoming events in town:
World Car Free Day with Walk Bike Tampa at ENCORE! (Sept. 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Fall Family Fest at Waterworks Park. (Sept. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Second Sunday Market + Art Walk at Armature Works. (Sept. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Carolina Hurricanes at Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. (Sept. 24, 7 p.m.)
Best of the Bay Party at Seminole Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel. ( Sept. 25, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
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Send news tips: carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.
That’s all I have for now. See you soon!
-Carlos Hernandez