Plus, 15 taco spots to visit

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Thursday, Jul 23, 2026

 

Hey there. If your favorite out-of-town chain restaurant slings its staples in Tampa Bay, you’re not alone. Check out some chains that’ve expanded here to feed their Florida fans. Also in this edition: A South Tampa sandwich and dessert haven is growing, and we made a guide to Tampa Bay’s many taco shops.

DINING GUIDE

[DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times (2020)]

Tampa Bay brought us Bloomin’ Onions, hot wings. Now dirty soda, Jolly Spaghetti are here

What chain restaurants with cult-like followings have introduced their signature food and drinks to Tampa Bay, the birthplace of some of the most well-known chains in the game?

A good number of them, especially lately. Cook Out, the popular fast-food chain based in North Carolina, just joined the mix.

As Cook Out first-timers get acquainted with the spot’s burgers and combo trays, Food Hub intern Lucy Glynn breaks down 10 culinary transplants that’ve come to our neck of the woods to reach their fans.

Give her story a read — and don’t be shy. Sound off in the comments about the beloved chain(s) you want to open here next.

Here’s a roundup of food news and restaurant recs to catch up on: