Seminole Heights is adding yet another restaurant to its cornucopia of dining choices. But The Bourgeois Pig will be a stand-out on North Nebraska Avenue.
Owners Lysa and Mike Bozel are settling into a converted bungalow well north of Hillsborough Avenue on a stretch of Nebraska dotted with motels, tire shops and pawn shops. Though Seminole Heights has been transformed in recent years into a destination place, new shops and especially its restaurants largely have populated Nebraska and Florida Avenue, south of Hillsborough.
Think
Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe,
Reservations Gourmet to Go,
The Refinery,
Cappy's Pizza and
Independent.
The Rooster and the Till is a rarity with a north of Hillsborough spot on Florida along with long-time restaurants,
Front Porch Grille. and Rincon Catracho.
The Mermaid Tavern is just south of Sligh Avenue. And the Refinery's owners, Michelle and Greg Baker, are building a new, north-of-Hillsborough restaurant -- Fodder & Shine -- on Florida.
But the Bozels will be at the farthest outpost of the neighborhood, just shy of the boundary with the Hillsborough River and Sulphur Springs. They are pushing beyond Sligh following the loss by fire last year of Domani Bistro Lounge.
"We believe in this community," says Lysa Bozel. "We purchased this building to make it a landmark in the area. We were really pioneers of this part of the neighborhood."
Many long-time residents believe the Bozels' restaurant is the spark that could bring more retail and restaurants to this end of Nebraska.
"It can be the genesis for a complete redevelopment," says resident Randy Baron, who spoke in support of the Bozels's request for sales of beer, wine and liquor. "It is being done by local owners who have put a lot of resources into this. It is a beautiful building."
The Bozels are converting a bungalow, at 7701 N. Nebraska, into a "Bohemian chic" style restaurant open seven days a week with closing times of midnight on Sunday through Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. The couple, who live within walking distance of their restaurant, opted against a 3 a.m. closing though that would be allowed under city code.
"We do not want this to turn into South Howard," says Baron referencing the on-going conflicts in South Tampa between bar owners and nearby residents.
A search is under way for a head chef and kitchen staff but Lysa Bozel says an opening is planned for late October or early November. Tampa City Council is expected to approve beer, wine and liquor sales on Oct. 2.
The menu will be eclectic with items such as fish tacos, steak, wraps, salads and sandwiches. Diners will have indoor and outdoor options for seating in the main dining room, wrap-around porch and patio. Some on-site parking will be available but valet services also will be provided.
And The Bourgeois Pig will be dog-friendly with little couches and food bowls.
"We really feel it's going to be amazing," says Lysa Bozel. "We've had enormous support from the entire neighborhood."
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