Tallahassee restaurants we wish made USA Today Restaurant of the Year
Every year USA Today releases its best restaurants list, here is a few Tallahassee restaurants we think should be added to it.
After a three-year wait, a new Fazoli’s is set to open in Tallahassee at the Mahan Village Shopping Plaza.Tip Top Construction confirmed it is the contractor for the project, with construction beginning on Oct. 13.
For three years now, foodies have been holding their breaths — and their forks — as they wait for someone to confirm when Fazoli’s is returning. Now, a new sign wedged in the ground from Tip Top Construction on the site at the Mahan Village Shopping Plaza, 3122 Mahan Drive, signals that the wait is almost over.
“TTCI is proud to be the selected contractor to bring this project to life. Don’t worry Tallahassee the breadsticks will be here soon,” the Havana-based construction company said in a Facebook post Oct. 7.
Construction begins on Monday, Oct. 13. Tip Top Construction has handled projects for other local restaurants like Culver’s on Apalachee Parkway, Siam Bistro on Bannerman Boulevard and Piesanos Pizza on North Blair Stone Road.
The rumors of a new Fazoli’s started in 2022. For almost two years now, franchise owner Steve Wilkens of Tallahassee has put out fires that follow any time the word “Fazoli’s” is posted in a social media group.
The only things people have been holding onto for the last three years are the promises of Wilkens, a yellow “coming soon” sign and the old memories of the Fazoli’s they indulged in before.
What better way to celebrate the long-awaited come back of the popular Italian chain than a two minute and 36 second video from the franchisee himself riding on the site with a Kubota tractor, Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For a Hero” blasting in the background as he passed out buttered breadsticks.
The video posted on Tallahassee Foodies Oct. 6 has received over 12,000 views and comments stating “Forget I need a hero, I need a breadstick from Fazoli’s” and “This is great! So glad things are finally moving forward!”
Fazoli’s previously operated in Tallahassee before closing locations on West Tennessee Street and Capital Circle Northeast more than 10 years ago.
This article includes previously reported information. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
Dining and Cooking