TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -There's more than just an Italian steakhouse coming to downtown Tallahassee.
We gave you your first look at that restaurant last month but it turns out there's more where that came from.
Are you hungry? The folks at The Deck Pizza Pub hope you are.
"We definitely didn't invent the combination of pizza and beer. That's something that's been around a long time I think people like," said Rob Bazemore, the owner of The Deck Pizza Pub. "We're just trying to do a cool version of the pizza and lots of good draft beers."
The site used to be Po Boy's for 20 years, followed by Tucker Dukes and The Southern. Now, Rob Bazemore, the owner of the nearby Metro Deli, has a new vision for The Deck.
"We're going for sort of a record music shop theme...We're doing what we call a Neapolitan-style pizza," said Bazemore. "We have a really cool wood-fired oven we ordered from Italy."
The Deck opened September 1 and other nearby restaurants aren't far behind.
"I think it's going to create a new buzz downtown," said Bazemore. "I'm happy to see all these other ones open."
That includes Savour on Park Avenue. The site of the former Avenue Eat & Drink will open October 15. It's still coming together, and owner Drew McLeod said it'll be different.
"We wanted to make this a community restaurant that hopefully brings in, you know, the Tallahassee faithful," McLeod explained.
McLeod said Savour will have classical dishes with a twist. He's the food and beverage partner at the nearby DoubleTree by Hilton.
The hotel is building a 17th floor that was initially designed to have a rooftop bar and restaurant. It's now planned as a lounge and nightclub.
"Downtown Tallahassee has been trying to get to an 18-hour, round-the-clock almost type of environment," said McLeod.
Don't forget about Il Lusso, which will open around the same time as Savour. We talked to the owners about what makes their restaurant stand out.
"A really warm and welcoming feel that you think of with Italian cuisine -- and then, of course, just the classic steakhouse," said Craig Richardson, the co-owner of Il Lusso. "So, it's kind of just a mix of both of those."
On just this block of Park Avenue, there are three up-and-coming dining experiences: DoubleTree, Savour and Il Lusso across Monroe Street. These businesses say this is exactly what downtown Tallahassee needs to bring people here.
"I think over the next five years, you're going to see something of an explosion, and I want to be a part of that," said McLeod.
"We want to make it so downtown is a fun place to be," said Bazemore. "There's several places to eat, you know, things to do -- so, we're going to do our part to kind of revitalize this area."
McLeod said, "When restaurateurs or hospitality groups get together and start creating a district that has appeal, people will come."
Hungry for development, and most certainly, hungry for some good food.
