Chick-fil-A City Gate
New Chick-fil-A location opening May 21, 2026 at 6 a.m. in Naples, FL. Owner-Operator Katie Cornutt. Features dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, third-party delivery, mobile pick-up, and Mobile Thru. Includes a newly reimagined playground. Creating approximately 120 jobs. Opening day Moove-In Party with free entree for guests in cow attire.
Coco Coastal Coffee
New coffee shop planned for Holmes Beach, FL. Plan review documents submitted by Coco Coastal Coffee LLC. Co-owner Clare Dunn was not available for comment; opening date and menu details not yet confirmed.
Faraway Joe’s
Faraway Joe’s is a new restaurant concept planned at the Tarpon Springs Castle Winery location. Plan review paperwork was submitted by winery owners Joseph and Diana Marks. No opening date or additional details have been confirmed yet.
The Abigaile
New restaurant preparing to open near Downtown Auburndale Park. Construction has been underway since at least November 2025. Plan review paperwork submitted by The Abigaile at Auburndale, LLC. Owners Tim and Tina Calhoon were not available for comment; opening timeline and menu details not yet available.
Matilde
Elevated coastal Mexican steakhouse from Next Level Brands (operators of Forbici Modern Italian, Boulon Brasserie, Union New American). Will occupy 7,600 sq ft on ground floor of AER Tampa luxury apartment tower, adjacent to Tampa Museum of Art and Straz Center. Named after co-founder Andrew Wright’s grandmother. Slated to open spring 2027.
Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co.
Michelin-recommended Tampa-based sandwich shop specializing in chicken cutlet sandwiches opening its second location in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District by end of 2026. Taking over space previously occupied by Little Philly. Co-owned by AJ DeSimone and Russell ‘Cuz’ Leone, with partners Vincent ‘Vinny’ Andriotti and Jake Schmidt.
Three J’s Ice Cream
Family-focused rolled ice cream shop expanding from a food trailer into a permanent storefront. Owner Jaryaca Baker targeting mid-May opening pending final inspections and licensing approvals. Features cold plate rolled ice cream with 20+ flavor options. Planned hours Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, weekend hours TBD.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Fort Myers I-75 Gulf Coast Town Center
Vision Hospitality Group broke ground on a 115-room, five-story Hampton Inn by Hilton near Southwest Florida International Airport and Florida Gulf Coast University. Amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, fitness center, and flexible meeting space. Construction anticipated to complete summer 2027.
Salty Neighbor Bar & Grill
Neighborhood bar and grill opening in former Rib City space in Venice Village shopping center. Will feature American food, specialty burgers, Cuban fusion items, 30-seat U-shaped bar, and 13 TVs.
Byte
Smashburger restaurant planning second location in Westshore business district after successful Temple Terrace opening. Specific address not yet revealed.