Beloved as “Tampa’s favorite neighborhood spot” Willa’s has earned a devoted following with its familiar menu featuring “a smash cheeseburger, roasted chicken, steak frites and shrimp cocktail.” Building on this success, co-owner Nate Siegel is preparing to launch a new concept, called Cheeky’s, which will take the same neighborhood-spot approach, offering seafood and chicken in St. Pete’s Grand Central District.
“It’s a neighborhood raw bar and seafood grill with killer fried chicken and a killer burger right on Central Avenue,” Siegel told What Now on Tuesday. Opening at 2823 Central Avenue, Cheeky’s will serve an area Siegel says is close to his heart.
“That’s the area where I love to hang out most. I’m big fan of the places there, and this is a direction I think will work. Especially with the proximity to the water, there’s room for more seafood. We wanted to do something with more of a raw bar focus, with a lot of shellfish.”
Cheeky’s will seat approximately 100 guests, offering a full bar with “classic cocktails and a very fun wine list.”
“It’ll be a little salty and rough around the edges,” Siegel says. “It’s a place for regulars, where you can bring the kids, bring the dog. There’s going to be something for everyone.”
Cheeky’s is still six or seven months from opening, but you can keep up with the launch by following @cheekys_net on Instagram.
