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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Corona Cigar is located right next to Tampa's best buffet. The interior is completely humidified. In fact, humidors are a large part of their business offering. Corona is a larger space than your typical cigar lounge. They now have five locations in Florida including two in Orlando. Considered a "Cigar Superstore" Corona also offers a wide array of branded gear like ash trays, cutters, and apparel.

There's a reason why Montecristo is in the name of this SoHo establishment. Though there are other options, Casa De Montecristo primarily specializes Montecristo cigars. They host premier events such as the Tampa Cigar Bash, coming up in October. In addition, their club memberships operate off a points system that generate rewards. Casa De Montecristo consider themselves to be a "feel at home" place, with flat screen tv's around the interior, often broadcasting a local sporting events.

Located along N. Florida Ave, Cigar World named Grand Cathedral the Best Lounge of 2022. Its name is connected to the fact that this used to be the First Congressional Church of Tampa. Grand Cathedral has it all - from a cigar museum feel, to plenty of indoor and outdoor space to be comfortable. The 6,000 square foot patio is also pet friendly. The entire inside is considered a smoke facility. There is a full service bar serving beer, wine, and craft drinks. In addition, the Sandwichi food truck is onsite. Different levels of lounge memberships are offered (but not required). Enjoy a premium hand-rolled cigar, sip a drink, eat a sandwich, and bring the dog.