Ciccio's Lodge to Reopen in Tampa Palms?

Fans of Ciccio’s Lodge, the Tampa Palms eatery that closed abruptly a little more than a week ago, have reason to be hopeful.

Ownership hopes to reopen in the neighborhood.

“We honestly were contemplating moving a little more north for our site search, but we are inspired by your messages and have started our immediate search within this same area,” Ciccio’s wrote on its Facebook page Thursday.

Facebook users have been lamenting the closing of the eatery and watering hole, which served up an eclectic bill of fare that included American bar food, California-style plates and Asian-infused dishes.

The business had been going into its 14th year in the plaza anchored by Publix, said Robert Garofano, one of the owners. Ciccio’s closed due to “an impasse” regarding the negotiation of its lease, Garofano said, declining to elaborate.

Ownership was touched by the outpouring of support from the community.

“We saw how much of a need and desire there was for us to stay in that area,” Garofano said.

Garofano said if the right property is found in Tampa Palms, a new Ciccio’s Lodge could potentially come to fruition in a matter of months.

“We’ve got one or two situations we’re looking at right now,” he said.

There are two other Ciccio’s locations: One in South Tampa on South Howard Avenue and one in St. Petersburg on 37th Avenue Northeast.

Were you a fan of Ciccio's Lodge? If so, tell us what you liked about the business in the comments section below. 

See Also:

• Ciccio's Lodge Closes Abruptly