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Sangria's Gets City's OK For Seminole Heights Location

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By KATHY STEELE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 4, 2008

TAMPA - The Tampa City Council made it official today: Sangria's Tapas Bar & Restaurant can join Starbucks as a commercial anchor along the Hillsborough Avenue gateway to historical Seminole Heights.

With no discussion and by unanimous vote, the council gave final approval to rezoning the property and also OK'd closing part of Mohawk Avenue and an alleyway.

Co-owner John Obediente said construction permits could soon be sought for the project. In addition to Sangria's, Obediente's company – Historic 512 – plans to open LeRoy's Gastro Pub, Myoumi Sushi Bar and leasable retail space, possibly by spring.

The site, at 512 E. Hillsborough Ave., is the former home of LeRoy's 4x4 Auto Service and is in the Seminole Heights' historic district. The city's Architectural Review Commission this week gave final approval to the project's midcentury modern design.

The owners of Sangria's bought the auto-repair shop last year after losing their South Howard Avenue location in a landlord dispute. The council this year granted a one-year conditional license at the site for liquor, wine and beer sales.

Plans call for the three restaurants to have fewer than 200 total seats. Space between the proposed complex and Starbucks next door would become a walkway.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652.

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