Old-school eatery opens near University of Tampa

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: August 03, 2009

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A luncheonette selling hot dogs, charbroiled burgers, pizza, tacos and more than 40 flavors of Italian ices is opening at 117 S. Hyde Park Ave., next to The Retreat bar.

T-N-T HotDogs Italian Ice & Luncheonette will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

"We're old-school and calling it a luncheonette," said owner Tony Thomas. He and his wife, Kathy, also operate luncheon concession stands on Twiggs Street at the Hillsborough County Courthouse and at a Home Depot store.

The shop, near the University of Tampa, replaces a former clothing store, Hyde Park Hemp.

Decor in the luncheonette is yellow and blue with old-style posters and prints of Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy and Frank Sinatra. Free Wi-Fi will be available. Customers order at the counter for eating in or taking out.

"It's a soda-shop feel," Thomas said.

Monday marked the store's "soft opening" with a grand opening planned in a few weeks.

Kathy Steele