Restaurateur plans third concept on Harbour Island in shuttered That's Amore Space
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Sep 5, 2017

The restaurateur behind Harbour Island mainstays Cafe Dufrain and Crybaby Cafe is planning a third concept in the neighborhood.

Andrew Bonnemort is planning to launch Watervue Grille, with a focus on Florida seafood, in the former That's Amore space at 700 Harbour Post Drive. Watervue Grille is slated to open in November.

That's Amore shuttered in April, and Bonnemort was approached by the landlord to take over its 3,500 square feet, said Cathy Bellatin, who handles events and marketing for Bonnemort's restaurants.

"We took over the space in May and are completely gutting it," Bellatin said.

Watervue Grille will employ approximately 50 people, Bellatin said. City building permits peg construction costs at $88,300.

Having three restaurants within steps of each other could be a risky move for a restaurateur - but Bonnemort's three concepts fill separate niches, Bellatin said, and he wants to capitalize on the coming developments in downtown Tampa. An uptick in convention business in the coming years - driven in part by 10 Water Street, the 500-room hotel planned near Amalie Arena - also drove Bonnemort's interest in expanding on Harbour Island.

Water Street Tampa, the $3 billion mixed-used neighborhood slated to break ground in early 2018 between the Channel district and central business district, is walking distance to Bonnemort's restaurants.

"We see a lot of potential in the downtown area," Bellatin said, "especially Water Street."

Bellatin described Watervue Grille as "upscale casual." The menu includes items like caviar-topped deviled eggs, cracker-crusted oyster sliders and grouper cheek tacos. There will be non-seafood offerings as well, like salads and a "nice steak," Bellatin said.

It will include a private event space that can seat up 45 people.

Ashley Gurbal Kritzer is senior reporter for the Tampa Bay Business Journal.