Bojangles, the beloved Southern fast-food chain known for its fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea, is making its Tampa Bay debut since it last operated in the area decades ago.

The brand plans to open a new restaurant at 7930 US Highway 19 North in Pinellas Park, taking over a 2,414-square-foot space that previously housed a Burger King. Bojangles previously had several locations in Pinellas County in the 80s.

The upcoming Bojangles will feature a single-lane drive-thru located across from Walmart Supercenter on an outparcel of a retail plaza anchored by Ashley Furniture.

Other tenants in the shopping center include Bright Now Dental & Orthodontics, Fresenius Dialysis, Interior Fusion, and a nail lounge.

V-Roll Vietnamese Rolls & Bowls, a fast-casual Vietnamese restaurant offering customizable spring rolls, rice bowls, and more, is set to open in mid-July at 2930 Beach Boulevard South, the former home of vegan favorite Golden Dinosaurs.

Designed with convenience and freshness in mind, V-Roll follows a build-your-own model similar to Chipotle. Guests will first choose between a bowl, spring rolls, steamed bao buns, or bánh mì (a Vietnamese baguette sandwich).

Next, they select a base—jasmine rice, vermicelli rice noodles, or mixed greens—followed by one of six proteins: lemongrass pork, chicken, beef, simmered shrimp, or five-spice tofu.

Diners can then customize their meal with vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, chives, tomato, mint, and basil; choose from ten toppings including roasted peanuts, fried onions, and green onion–infused oil; and finish with one of six house-made sauces like peanut, citrus garlic, tangy soy, and sesame.

One of St. Petersburg’s most popular food trucks has found a semi-permanent home in the Grand Central District.

Last month, Johnny Nevada’s quietly opened a pop-up inside Ride ‘em Cowboy at 2451 Central Avenue. The pop-up is expected to run for at least a year, according to owner James Shields.

“We’re excited to be back in the Grand Central District,” Shields told St. Pete Rising. “Lost & Found was one of the food truck’s first gigs, and we’ve also spent a lot of time at Par Bar and Dog Bar.”

Launched in 2022, Johnny Nevada’s quickly became a staple at major local events like Localtopia and the St. Pete Grand Prix. However, back-to-back hurricanes in 2024 temporarily halted operations.