Can Tommy’s Chophouse Help Make Ybor a Dining District?

Wood-framed entrance to Tommy’s Chophouse in Ybor City, with potted palms flanking the doorway.

After moving to Charleston in 2011, Kenneth Emery opened Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill about 500 feet beyond the part of Market Street where diners naturally stopped. Emery still calls it “the longest 500 feet in Charleston.” If diners were going to walk those extra blocks, Burwell’s had to give them a reason, and the location … Read more

Downtown Clearwater lands first restaurant from Michelin-starred hospitality group

Rendering of the restored Telephone Building with Rippers on the ground floor in downtown Clearwater.

The restored Telephone Building in downtown Clearwater has landed its first restaurant tenant, with the hospitality group behind Michelin-starred Rocca bringing its first Clearwater concept to Cleveland Street. Called Rippers, the restaurant will occupy the building’s ground floor and serve deep-fried “ripper” hot dogs, burgers, chicken wings, sandwiches, fries and handcrafted milkshakes. It also marks … Read more