New Upscale Restaurant Coming to Downtown Bradenton by Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani

Taverna Toscana, an upscale Italian steakhouse and seafood restaurant from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, is set to open in early 2024 in downtown Bradenton.

Viviani, who appeared on two seasons of Bravo’s “Top Chef” and won the title of “fan favorite,” is teaming up with local restaurant group BABB Hospitality and Bradenton entrepreneur Steve Herrig on Taverna Toscana.

The 220-seat restaurant is slated for 7,500 square feet of space north of the SUNZ Insurance skyscraper at 1301 Sixth Ave. W.

It is expected that there will be plenty of parking spaces on site. Valet parking will also be available.

Viviani’s hotel empire includes more than 30 concepts nationwide, including Florida restaurants Taverna Costale and Chuck Lager America’s Tavern.

In 2005, Viviani moved from Italy to the United States and has since opened three dozen food establishments, restaurants, bars and event spaces and has been a spokesperson for several international brands, according to her site. Internet.

“With more than 10 million meals served each year, Fabio Viviani Hospitality is one of the leading restaurant groups in the United States,” the website states.

Herrig is CEO of SUNZ Insurance, a national workers’ compensation insurance company based in Bradenton.

In 2022, he purchased two acres adjacent to the SUNZ Insurance building, an assemblage of three adjoining parcels at 1301 8th Ave. W., 817 14th St. W. and 826 13th St. W.

Herrig has previously expressed a strong interest in downtown revitalization.

“Downtown Bradenton is experiencing incredible growth, and this land offers a strong investment opportunity for the buyer,” said Jag Grewal, partner at Ian Black Real Estate, in a 2022 press release. given that he also owns the adjacent block, it seemed like a natural extension of his existing commercial property portfolio.”

A sign on the SUNZ property says fans and future diners can text TOSCANA at 805-991-5126 to stay up to date when the restaurant opens and be added to their VIP list.