Hakki Akdeniz, owner of Champion Pizza in South Tampa and Seminole Heights, plans to bring a different type of cuisine to the area.
Akdeniz and his business partner, Chong Yo, are transforming the shopping center at 4205 N. Florida Ave. into a food hall. The Seminole Heights spot, which doesn’t yet have a final name, is expected to be home to about eight different restaurants.
The partners had hoped to open the food hall by the end of this year, but Akdeniz now expects construction will likely be completed by early 2025. The restaurateur, who hails from a village in Turkey, has been busy launching two new stores ‘za, including one at the University of South Florida.
Yo said one side of the hall could open sooner, hopefully by the end of 2024. As construction continues, more booths will become available.
4205 Florida Ave LLC, owned by Yo, purchased the mall for $750,000 in 2021. The Tampa native wanted to return to his roots after living in New York. Recent development and the influx of new restaurants along Florida Avenue have made this a property with a lot of potential. In the future, Akdeniz hopes to expand the food hall to include an inviting outdoor space.
Each of the establishments in the room will highlight Asian flavors. Expect Korean street food, Japanese fusion, Vietnamese dishes and more. Other concepts will bring an Asian touch to American classics: smash burgers infused with local spices, carnitas tacos reinvented with a Korean twist and, of course, pizza. Except that instead of selling pizzas by the slice, customers will be able to make their own pies.
It was only last year that the formerly homeless pizzeria owner brought the first Champion Pizza (which Yo co-owns) to Florida. The chain began in New York, and Akdeniz’s personal story has shaped the mission of his pizzerias. He ensures that every client, including those who are homeless, leaves feeling nourished.
“Whenever you see homeless people, just send them to our pizza place to eat free food,” he said.
When it comes to serving the community, Akdeniz has similar plans for its food hall. Business partners plan to work with vendors to reduce food insecurity among homeless people. Akdeniz also anticipates the venue will be the first of its kind in Tampa Bay because of its innovative flavor blends.
“Have you tried Korean pizza?” he said.
The Seminole Heights food hall won’t be the duo’s last brand in the area. Akdeniz is considering several more Champion Pizza locations across the Sunshine State.
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“Believe it or not,” he said, “the moment I stop giving is the moment I’m going to stop making money.”