A South Tampa restaurant address that has sat vacant since a 2024 fire will return to operation March 23, when Michael Stewart opens The Landon at 717 S. Howard Ave., restoring a SoHo property that has been dark for two years.
Stewart chose to rebuild at the same site rather than relocate. “Rather than stepping away from a location tied to decades of memories, Stewart chose to rebuild,” according to a release announcing the project. Reservations will open through OpenTable on March 23, the same day service begins.
Stewart expands presence across South Howard
The opening extends Stewart’s presence on the corridor, where he and his wife, Lindsay, already operate AVA Inspired Italian across the street.
The Landon is named for their son, while AVA carries their daughter’s name, placing both concepts on opposite sides of the same block.
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Chef Robert Hesse will lead the kitchen. Hesse, who appeared on Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay, will serve an elevated American menu with global influence. Ryan Yount will oversee the bar program.
The bar now opens directly to Howard Avenue, increasing visibility from the sidewalk. The space also includes two private dining rooms for group events and business dinners.
Stewart partnered with Kal Harris on the project, with support from Steve and Lindsay MacDonald and Lee Mezrah.
The wine program builds on the site’s history, where previous operations earned recognition from Wine Spectator. Ownership said the new concept will maintain a similar level of selection.
The Landon will operate from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
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