Top Chef TV star to expand tavern concept into Sarasota, Tampa, Naples

Chuck Lager America’s Tavern is expanding to several locations in Florida, including Tampa and Sarasota. 

The concept was founded by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, Chuck Lager, Craig Colby and Michael Colby. Viviani was previously voted a fan favorite on reality TV competition series "Top Chef."

The restaurant brand is going through a growth spurt — doubling its corporate locations and tripling the franchise locations. The new franchises being added in the state are in Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Key West, according to a statement. 

The restaurant's offerings vary by location, but some examples of staples on the menu include tuna poke nachos and the Mt. Kilimanjaro Burger, which features a double premium beef patty, beer cheese, thick cut bacon, caramelized onions, arugula and garlic aioli. 

The new locations are expected to open between late 2022 and early 2023. 

Both the former president, Eric Houseman, and vice president of franchise operations, Brad Clawson, for Red Robin are the newest franchisees who are going to build 10 Chuck Lager locations along the east coast of Florida. 

"We are excited to have Eric Houseman and Brad Clawson as part of the Chuck Lager family,” Lager says in the release. “Their east coast Florida territory, extending from Palm County to Monroe County includes some of my favorite watering holes in Key West, where I shared stories with a cantankerous friend known for tipping back mojitos and writing classic novels about bullfighting and war. Many of these watering holes influenced what is today Chuck Lager America's Tavern."