“The Dan” to Open in Downtown Tampa this May
New Orleans 1920’s-Inspired Restaurant Reveals Grand Opening Plans
Tampa Bay, FLA (April 24th, 2023) – THE DAN (formerly known as the Sapphire Lounge) is in the final stages of buildout at 905 Florida Ave with plans to open doors to the public May 20th, 2023.
THE DAN combines the heritage of New Orleans with a heavy influence from the Roaring Twenties, and inspiration from the new generation of Gulf Coast dining. The cuisine will highlight both local ingredients and classic dishes, balancing current with the familiar for weary travelers. A variety of raw oysters, steaks, and local seafood will be featured alongside a historically-inspired cocktail program.
“We’re thrilled to bring a unique dining experience to NoDo, an epicenter of culture and nightlife in downtown Tampa. Our team is working hard to create an environment unlike any other, and we’re excited to share it with Tampa Bay locals and hotel guests alike,” says Crystal Rivera, General Manager of Floridan Palace Hotel.
THE DAN will announce formal grand opening details and menus in the upcoming weeks. The menu will highlight both local ingredients and classic dishes like Lobster Mac and Cheese, Pompano Almondine, Creole Bread Pudding, a Brunch Burger, and more.
Cotton Candy or “Fairy Floss,” was invented in Nashville, a dentist from New Orleans improved the recipe and trademarked the name “Cotton Candy” in 1921. THE DAN will provide guests with this complimentary treat when the check is initially dropped as a sweet send off for the night. It will also serve as a garnish for THE DAN’S champagne cocktail.
At the bar, guests can find specialty libations such as the White Tie, Hollywoodland, and Bourbon Street Blues. The cocktail menu will also feature timeless cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Negroni, Espresso Martini, and Sazerac.
foBT Hospitality, a restaurant consulting firm based in New York City, is responsible for the reimagined concept at the historic hotel. THE DAN will serve dinner seven days a week, weekday lunch, and Sunday brunch. Lighting will be soft, and the music will feature lively 1920s jazz with a familiar beat.
“The renovation set out to create a captivating experience that celebrates the 1920’s era and the spirit of the building’s origination,” says Christina Kirkpatrick, Senior Designer at Jacki Arena Interiors. “It features a fully refurbished historic bar, new floor, wall, and ceiling finishes. All new furniture including custom lounge style banquettes with beautiful tufting and integrated lights that will span the entire distance of both window walls. A special ceiling feature along the center of the space highlights new seating zones in the restaurant’s new layout. Along the perimeter there are new glamorous light fixtures to add liveliness and luster to the space. New amusing and erotic art is paired with historic imagery.”
FLORIDAN PALACE HOTEL: The Floridan Palace Hotel is a national landmark hotel and encapsulates all of Tampa Bay’s old-world charm along with the highest quality service and a full range of amenities. The Floridan Palace Hotel is located at 905 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602. www.floridanpalace.com
1754 PROPERTIES: With offices in Mexico City and Weston, Florida, 1754 Properties LLC is an institutional owner, operator and lender of hotel and multifamily properties in Mexico and the United States. The company focuses primarily on larger full-service hotel properties where it can implement its value-add operational, branding and renovation strategies. The principals have owned hotels for more than 20 years and have had a wide range of investors, including international private equity funds, corporate pension plans of Fortune 500 companies, public pension plans, endowments, and family offices of some of the wealthiest high-net-worth investors in the world. www.1754properties.com/
EVOLVE & CO: Evolve & Co is a full-service advertising agency located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The company is a collective of brand strategists and creatives, specializing in the lifestyle vertical. The firm is located at 475 Central Avenue Suite M7, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. www.evolveandco.com
Editors: For details, or to schedule an interview, contact Lisa Williams lisa@evolveandco.com or 727.490.9835.
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