Florida: Celebrity Actor Opens A Restaurant In Tampa
Tyler Lepley, an actor you may know from the TV show Harlem, has opened a restaurant in Tampa. After a soft opening last weekend, Lepley’s Kitchen is now open select hours starting at 4 p.m. A full opening with more extensive hours is expected later this month.
Lepley, who is 36 years old, has an interesting background. Lepley is from Philadelphia and initially was a football player. In fact, he played for Kutztown University in Kutztown, PA. Post college, Lepley moved to Los Angeles and began working in a fitness center. Eventually, Lepley met producers who gave him audition opportunities. By 2012, Lepley found himself in roles including Tyler Perry’s series The Haves and Have Nots.
Lepley is not native to the area. However, after extensive due diligence, Lepley and his partners found a great opportunity here. “As a traveling man who works all over the country, he found a homey vibe in Tampa,” the Tampa Bay Times said. Coincidentally, Lepley plays a chef in the show that he stars in, Harlem.
What To Expect At Lepley’s Kitchen
The restaurant is located at 6310 N Florida Ave, in Tampa. Though there is not an official website yet, their official Instagram shows some photos of their southern cuisine. Lepley’s Kitchen describes themselves by saying they are an “Upscale lounge featuring southern + Caribbean fusion fare and craft cocktails.” Their décor features a blue and gold color exterior and branding. There is indoor seating with a full bar and an outdoor space as well.
Lepley himself was in the house for an exclusive meet-and-greet on October 18. “My love of food and giving people love through food and an experience is really what led me to opening my first business,” Lepley explained to the Tampa Bay Times.
You can check out actor Tyler Lepley’s new Tampa restaurant hours and how to make a reservation this week here.
3 Tampa Cigar Bars You Need To Know About
In a market overview report by Straits Research, it was reported that the cigar industry is projected to reach USD 114,355.50 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 11.90% during the forecast period (2022-2030). Currently, there are dozens of locations in the greater Tampa area where you can go to purchase an authentic cigar. We have put together a list of Tampa area cigar bars you need to know about.
As we roll into summer, people tend to have more time to seek out a lounge-style atmosphere. A local cigar bar can serve as a destination gathering or as your nightcap spot to wind down. Holt’s Clubhouse describes the setting as, “The best cigar bars are outfitted with a powerful air purification system, meaning your spouse or non-cigar-smoking friends won’t mind hanging out with you while you smoke. This is the ultimate environment to enjoy a cigar.”
Furthermore, it is not uncommon to find cigar bars offering more than their smokes. Whether it’s a dining experience or entertainment, there’s reason to stay at the establishment longer than the duration of a smoke.
Do Your Cigar Homework
Though many local cigar bars welcome a walk-in experience, it is best to know in advance what you are getting yourself into. With regulations, as you can imagine, there are restrictions to blowing smoke in a public space. In addition, Holt’s Clubhouse also has a great list of etiquettes to be aware of. This includes the proper way to cut your cigar, how to control your mouth, and a few other common courtesies.
Where To Go
We considered a few key attributes to compile our list of Boston area cigar bars you need to know about. We reviewed location, what the bar offers, and how it differentiates from others in the region.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
