Palazzo Pizza is expanding with its second location, this time in downtown Tampa.

The new location, at 214 E. Cass Street, previously the John Rolfe Cigar Bar, is expected to open in late December.

“This new location is going to be dialed up from its current location,” says Jason Fox, with Palazzo Restaurant Group. “We’re going to have a full liquor bar and stay open late, until 3 a.m.”

He adds that the restaurant has secured an 8-person, street-legal golf cart that will be available to transport customers to, and from, the Channel District and will have an executive chef in the kitchen focused on creating “date-centric” dishes.

Joe Gomez, Dino Trafficante and Jason Fox.

“We’ve done feasibility studies, and know it’s time to expand, and we love that area,” Fox says. “There is great nightlife and a lot of residential high rises.”

The Palazzo Restaurant Group is made up of Fox, Joe Gomez and Dino Trafficante. Tampa attorney Mike Winer has also joined the group and will serve as managing co-partner.

Palazzo Pizza opened its first location, at 1818 W. Platt St., Tampa, in 2021.