Tampa, Fl (April 25, 2018)- Jeff Gigante, a co-founder and current partner in Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG), and Jason Brunetti, founder of Brunetti Pizza in New York City and the Hamptons will be opening Forbici, a new Italian concept in Hyde Park.
Although this will not be a CRG Concept, investors for the new, modern Italian concept will include the Lanza Family, majority owners of Ciccio Restaurant Group, and Luis Flores, CRG head chef and partner. “Jeff (Gigante) wanted the opportunity to live his dream…leading the creation of a restaurant from start to finish and CRG is very happy to assist him. We love helping our most capable people do stuff like this,” says James Lanza.
Gigante will retain an investment in CRG and the Tampa based restaurant group known for creating bold and innovative brands will assist Gigante in developing this exciting, new concept. While CRG will provide creative support, the group’s main focus will continue to be reimagining new quick service concepts and growing their existing brands, such as Fresh Kitchen.
The location where Forbici will open in Hyde Park was originally intended to be CRG quick service concept, BetterByrd from St. Petersburg. After long thought and discussions with Hyde Park Village owners, both CRG and HPV felt that a full-service restaurant and bar would be a better fit for the village. Adjoined will be a quick service Forbici Pizzeria for locals and shoppers that want a quick bite or take out/ delivery. The new concept will include Roman style pizza (cut with scissors), salads, Italian tapas, grain bowls and several entrees. Gigante states, “Our goal is to create a casual, high energy, modern Italian restaurant and bar with flavors from Italy. We also want to focus on lighter and healthier interpretations of our menu items similar to what CRG has become famous for with their many concepts.”
Joining other local concepts, Forbici will bring more diversity to the HPV shopping and dining crowd, as well as to nearby neighbors or those whom desire a unique and delicious alternative to traditional Italian.
CRG is continuing to look for a BETTER BYRD location in South Tampa.
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ABOUT CICCIO RESTAURANT GROUP
Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG) was founded more than 25 years ago in New York City. The healthy mindset and beautiful weather drew the founders to the Florida coast in 1996. CRG currently owns and operates 15 different restaurants under the Better Byrd, Ciccio Water, Ciccio Cali, Daily Eats, Fresh Kitchen, Green Lemon, Sweet Soul, and The Lodge brand names. CRG will also be opening the new concept, Taco Dirty (South Tampa) along with their 4th Ciccio Cali location (South Dale Mabry) and 7th Fresh Kitchen (SoDo- Orlando) over the next few months. Their portfolio also includes the successful south Tampa boutique fitness studio, CAMP. Learn more at www.cicciorestaurantgroup.com or by following on social media @cicciorg.
ABOUT BRUNETTI PIZZA
Established in 2009, Brunetti is an authentic Neapolitan style pizza restaurant with locations in the West Village of New York City and Westhampton Beach, Long Island. The pizzeria was created by the father and son duo, Michael and Jason Brunneti. The pizza company is known for their proprietary dough recipe, and for creating wonderful personalized experiences for their guests and fans. Learn more about Brunetti pizza at www.brunettipizza.com
ABOUT FORBICI
Forbici will be approximately 5800 square feet and will offer both full and quick service options. The restaurant will also feature full bar service with 10 unique house cocktails, 8 wines on tap and 8 cocktails on tap, Craft beer, a full wine list and some Italian specialty drinks will also be available. The exact open date has not been set yet, but the store is planning to open late summer/ early fall.