The hospitality landscape of Tampa Bay is set for a significant transformation as Next Level Brands, the powerhouse restaurant group behind some of the region’s most successful dining concepts, officially announces the addition of Matilde to its growing portfolio. This new venture, described as an elevated coastal Mexican steakhouse, marks the fifth concept for the group, which has become synonymous with the culinary revitalization of the city. The announcement comes following the formal signing of a lease for a 7,600-square-foot flagship space on the ground floor of the Arts & Entertainment Residences (AER), a high-profile luxury high-rise currently under development in the heart of downtown Tampa’s cultural district.

Scheduled for an anticipated opening in early 2027, Matilde is more than just a commercial expansion; it is a project deeply rooted in personal history and cultural heritage. The restaurant is named in honor of Matilde, the matriarchal grandmother of Next Level Brands Co-Founder Andrew Wright. This naming choice reflects a broader trend in the high-end hospitality industry where storytelling and family legacy are used to ground modern, sophisticated concepts in a sense of place and tradition. By centering the brand on the idea of the family table, Next Level Brands aims to create a dining environment that balances the high energy of a modern steakhouse with the warmth and intimacy of traditional Mexican hospitality.

A Strategic Expansion in the Heart of Tampa’s Arts District

The selection of the Arts & Entertainment Residences (AER) as the home for Matilde is a calculated move that aligns with the rapid urbanization of downtown Tampa. The AER building, located at 300 W. Tyler Street, is a 31-story luxury residential tower situated directly across from the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. By securing the ground-floor retail space of this development, Next Level Brands is positioning Matilde to capture a diverse clientele, including luxury residents, theater-goers, and the growing workforce within the city’s central business district.

Jeff Gigante, the Founder of Next Level Brands, expressed that the introduction of Matilde is a deliberate step in the group’s mission to redefine the local culinary scene. Gigante, a veteran of the Florida restaurant industry, has long been a proponent of "original concepts that push creative boundaries while remaining rooted in hospitality." The group’s strategy involves identifying burgeoning neighborhoods and anchoring them with high-design, high-volume restaurants that serve as social hubs. Matilde represents the next evolution of this strategy, bridging the gap between the upscale steakhouse model and the vibrant, seafood-forward traditions of Mexico’s coastal regions.

The 7,600-square-foot layout is substantial for a downtown restaurant, allowing for a multifaceted design that accommodates a high-energy bar scene, intimate dining enclaves, and potentially outdoor seating that integrates with the pedestrian-friendly infrastructure of the Arts District. While specific design renderings remain under wraps, the group has hinted at an atmosphere that shifts seamlessly from a bright, breezy daytime vibe to a sultry, high-energy evening experience.

The Culinary Vision: Coastal Mexican Meets Premium Steakhouse

The culinary program for Matilde will be spearheaded by Jacob Rios, the Culinary Director for Next Level Brands. Rios is a well-known figure in the Florida food scene, having garnered national attention through appearances on the Food Network and various high-stakes culinary competitions. His task with Matilde is to synthesize two distinct dining genres: the "Coastal Mexican" aesthetic, which emphasizes fresh citrus, raw bar offerings, and wood-fired seafood, and the "Steakhouse" tradition, which focuses on premium cuts of meat, bold flavors, and meticulous preparation.

This hybrid concept responds to a shifting consumer preference in the luxury dining segment. While traditional steakhouses remain popular, there is an increasing demand for lighter, more vibrant flavor profiles found in Mexican coastal cuisine—specifically regions like Nayarit, Jalisco, and the Baja Peninsula. Diners can expect a menu that features high-grade Wagyu and prime beef alongside ceviches, aguachiles, and whole-grilled fish. The integration of authentic Mexican spices and techniques with the rigorous standards of an American steakhouse is intended to offer a unique value proposition that distinguishes Matilde from existing competitors in the Tampa market.

Overseeing the operational development of the restaurant is Heather Rivas, the Director of Operations for Next Level Brands. Rivas is currently tasked with building a leadership team from the ground up, a process that includes recruiting a General Manager, a Beverage Manager, and a full suite of front-of-house and back-of-house staff. The beverage program is expected to be a cornerstone of the Matilde experience, likely featuring an extensive collection of artisanal tequilas and mezcals, curated to complement the smoky, savory notes of the steakhouse menu.

Contextualizing Next Level Brands’ Market Dominance

To understand the significance of Matilde, one must look at the track record of Next Level Brands. Led by Jeff Gigante alongside Co-Founders Joseph Guggino and Andrew Wright, the group has been instrumental in the "modernization" of Tampa’s dining culture over the last five years. Their current portfolio includes:

1. Boulon d’Or (Boulon): Located in the multi-billion-dollar Water Street Tampa development, this French-inspired bistro has become a cornerstone of the downtown luxury scene.
2. Forbici Modern Italian: Situated in Hyde Park Village (and recently expanded to St. Petersburg), Forbici redefined the casual-upscale Italian market in Tampa with its focus on Roman-style pizza and high-volume hospitality.
3. Union New American: Located in the Westshore district, this concept serves as a high-energy social club and restaurant, catering to the corporate and social elite of the area.

Each of these concepts shares a common thread: high-end interior design, a focus on "vibe dining," and a commitment to operational excellence. Matilde is expected to follow this blueprint, utilizing the collective expertise of Gigante’s hospitality background, Guggino’s business acumen, and Wright’s real estate development experience. Wright, who is also the CEO of Franklin Street, a full-service commercial real estate firm, brings a unique advantage to the group by identifying prime real estate opportunities before they hit the open market.

Chronology of Development and Economic Impact

The journey toward Matilde’s 2027 opening follows a structured timeline that reflects the complexities of high-rise commercial construction and restaurant branding.

• 2023-2024: Conceptualization phase and site selection. The group identified the AER development as a strategic "gateway" location between the riverfront and the central business district.
• Late 2024: Official lease signing and announcement. This marks the beginning of the public-facing phase of the project.
• 2025: Design and Permitting. Next Level Brands typically collaborates with top-tier architectural firms to ensure their spaces are "Instagrammable" yet functional. This year will focus on securing the necessary permits for a 7,600-square-foot kitchen and bar infrastructure.
• 2026: Construction and Build-out. As the AER tower nears completion, the interior build-out of Matilde will commence, including the installation of custom kitchen equipment and bespoke interior finishes.
• Early 2027: Staffing and Grand Opening. A multi-month training period is expected to ensure the service meets the "Next Level" standard before the doors open to the public.

The economic impact of a project of this scale is considerable. Beyond the initial multi-million-dollar capital investment in construction and design, Matilde is expected to create over 100 hospitality jobs in downtown Tampa, ranging from entry-level service positions to high-level management roles. Furthermore, the presence of a flagship restaurant in the AER building increases the property value of the residential units and contributes to the overall "live-work-play" ecosystem that Tampa city planners have been promoting for the last decade.

Broader Implications for Tampa’s Culinary Reputation

The announcement of Matilde comes at a time when Tampa is enjoying a period of unprecedented national recognition. The arrival of the Michelin Guide in Florida has spurred a "quality arms race" among local restaurateurs. Next Level Brands has been at the forefront of this movement, elevating the standards of service and culinary innovation to meet the expectations of new residents migrating from culinary hubs like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

By introducing an "elevated coastal Mexican steakhouse," Next Level Brands is tapping into a sophisticated niche that moves away from the "taco and margarita" stereotypes, instead focusing on the complexity of Mexican gastronomy. This move is likely to inspire further specialization within the local market, as other restaurant groups seek to compete with the high-concept, high-design model that Gigante and his partners have perfected.

As 2027 approaches, the industry will be watching closely to see how Matilde integrates into the AER development and whether it can replicate the runaway success of Boulon and Forbici. If the group’s history is any indication, Matilde is poised to become not just a restaurant, but a cultural landmark in the heart of Tampa’s Arts District, further cementing Next Level Brands’ legacy as a primary architect of the city’s modern identity. With a foundation built on heritage and a vision focused on the future, Matilde represents the next chapter in the evolution of Florida’s Gulf Coast dining scene.