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Council advances Alessi family venue’s large-venue alcohol permit on first reading
Summary
The council granted first-reading approval for a special-use ordinance to allow large-venue alcoholic beverage sales at 3003 West Cypress Street (the Alessi project), including indoor and outdoor service; staff flagged code inconsistencies and a waiver for separation from other alcohol establishments was requested.
Tampa City Council approved on first reading an ordinance authorizing alcoholic beverage sales at a large-venue classification for 3003 West Cypress Street, the former Tampa Letter Carriers Hall site proposed for reuse by the Alessi family.
Leo DeBartolayman, development coordination, summarized the request and said the application proposes a total alcoholic beverage sales area of 12,812 square feet, split into about 11,774 square feet of indoor sales area and roughly 1,038 square feet of outdoor sales. The site plan shows the outdoor area repurposed from existing space; DeBartolayman said the project proposes 95 parking spaces where 86 are required and that proposed hours of operation would be consistent with Chapter 14 of the city code. DeBartolayman also said staff reviewed the application and found it inconsistent with applicable City of Tampa land development regulations and that minor site-plan modifications were required between first and second reading. He noted one waiver was requested related to distance separation from other alcoholic beverage establishments.
Steve McElhinney, representing the applicant, described the project as a reuse of an existing banquet facility with restaurant, bakery and retail sales. He said utilities are existing and the project intends to meet West Tampa overlay design guidelines. Owner Phil Alessi Jr. spoke about the family’s multi‑generation history in West Tampa and called the project "something very, very special." Alessi said his family — fourth and fifth-generation members are involved — is excited to bring the venue to the neighborhood.
Council members asked questions about bike parking and buffering from adjacent residential uses. A council member asked whether bike parking would be provided, and McElhinney said the applicant would examine covered or secure bike parking between first and second reading. McElhinney also said the project retains existing access points and would “push” service elements toward the center of the site to limit intrusion onto adjacent residential areas.
Council member Henderson moved the ordinance for first reading; Council member Viera seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The council directed staff and the applicant to address site plan revisions and the requested waiver between first and second reading. Second reading and adoption is scheduled for May 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Old City Hall.
